Chapter: 252

"Jonathan won't agree," Bethany said.

"Are you so sure?" Marie raised an eyebrow at her daughter before letting out a deep sigh. "You really are my daughter through and through-your spirit and nature are just like mine. I always hoped that by warning and reminding you, you wouldn't follow in my footsteps. Yet, it seems destiny has its own plans."

Bethany could tell her mother's thoughts were drifting to her father again.

She also understood that her mother meant her no harm, and Jonathan had shown her enough to earn her trust that he wouldn't just walk away.

"If Jonathan was the type to break his promises easily, he would have fired me long ago and been with Maddie. That would have fixed everything."

As Brody had pointed out, Jonathan had countless ways to remove himself from this situation, to dismiss the issues and prioritize Bates Group. Yet, he chose not to. Even when Bethany had doubted him multiple times, Jonathan had remained firm and told her he would not consent to a divorce.

"Forget it. Even if I continue, you won't believe me," Marie said.

Bethany looked at her. "So, are you saying you accept Jonathan now?"

“Absolutely not!" Marie quickly denied. "I'm just too tired to keep arguing with you. Jayson told me during one of his visits that you've been struggling, and my harsh words have pained you for quite some time."

Bethany hadn't expected Jayson to discuss this with her mother.

Marie's face softened into a smile as she remembered something. "I rarely trust a man easily, but over the years, Jayson is the first one I've felt could be somewhat trustworthy. He always puts your interests first, even if it means upsetting me by speaking his mind."

"Mom, Jonathan does these things too! How about I arrange for you two to meet?" Bethany suggested.

“No need," Marie said, waving her hand dismissively. "Meeting him would be futile. Let's not waste our time."

She doubted her daughter stood a chance with the esteemed Bates family.

She refrained from arguing further, knowing that eventually, the Bates family would intervene to separate Bethany and Jonathan; she felt no need to quicken that herself.

Additionally, she thought back on Jayson's advice.

Now, with her daughter as her closest family, Marie recognized that harsh words only led to pain and worsened their relationship.

Bethany considered defending Jonathan further but chose not to.

It wasn't that she had second thoughts; she simply believed the timing wasn't right. Perhaps when Jonathan's mother came around to their relationship, she could introduce him to Marie. At that point, her mother might not have much to oppose.

After ensuring her mother was comfortable, Bethany left the hospital.

Jonathan's car was already there at the entrance.

She checked her phone and saw no new messages from him.

“How long have you been waiting here?" she asked.

“I just arrived," Jonathan replied, his normally stern face easing into a slight smile as he held the car door open for her.