Chapter: 244
It was surreal to think that this seemingly unattainable man had once harbored a secret crush on her.

Bethany still struggled to believe it, as if it were all just a dream.

"What are you thinking about?" Jonathan closed his laptop, having finished his work.

"I was just remembering how popular you were back in middle school."

He paused, seemingly surprised by the remark. "It wasn't really Like that. I didn't pay much attention to it."

“Such modesty."

Jonathan approached her, his expression turning serious. “It's not modesty. There's actually something important we need to discuss."

"Okay. What is it?" Bethany's smile faded, and she braced herself.

"It's about Maddie." Jonathan had been contemplating this discussion for a while and wanted to first understand Bethany's perspective.

Though it would have been easier to withhold the truth from her, he didn't want to deceive Bethany.

At the mention of Maddie, Bethany's demeanor stiffened, her expression becoming tense.

"Let's be clear, I cannot coexist with her."

Seeing Bethany's resolute stance, Jonathan was taken aback.

He had never witnessed Bethany so assertive.

Typically reserved, she seldom made enemies, focusing instead on her work.

But her reaction was understandable. After all, being framed by Maddie and dealing with the ensuing fallout would naturally breed resentment.

"Don't worry. If Maddie is guilty, the company will impose appropriate sanctions," Jonathan promised.

"Well, I trust you."

Bethany didn't want to escalate tensions over Maddie.

However, there were other pressing concerns, like her mother, Marie.

Standing at the hospital entrance, Bethany looked up, pondering how to explain the situation to Marie.

Jonathan's mother couldn't accept their relationship, and her own mother's health was fragile.

After a moment of resolve, Bethany walked inside.

Marie was scheduled for morning rehabilitation to help with her amyotrophic condition, and she hadn't noticed anything amiss with Bethany when she arrived.