Chapter: 254

As they approached the front door, they saw through the door's peephole that it was Maddie.

Jonathan's brow furrowed, and Bethany could feel how reluctant he was to see her.

After a brief silence, Bethany whispered, "You can talk to Maddie alone. I'll head to the kitchen and start cooking! Even though you might not like her, try to avoid any confrontation to keep your mother calm."

She preferred not to meet Maddie, so she chose to leave.

Moreover, she needed to manage the situation with Marie. She understood Jonathan's dilemma concerning his mother, though he kept his true feelings to himself.

"Okay." Jonathan realized it wasn't a good time for them to meet, so he agreed.

As Bethany went back to the kitchen, Jonathan went to open the door.

He had no intention of inviting Maddie inside and remained at the door.

"What do you want?" he asked.

“Your father informed me that you agreed to pretend we're a couple.”

Jonathan frowned. "I never agreed to that."

“Well, then forget it! He said you agreed and asked me to go to the hospital with you to visit your mother. Since there is no such thing, I will leave. " Maddie turned to walk away.

But Jonathan called out to stop her. "Maddie, Nikolas urged me to preserve your dignity due to your contributions to Bates Group."

Jonathan hoped Maddie wouldn't throw away her last shred of dignity.

Hearing this, Maddie smiled. “You'll beg me, because your father has decided to target Bethany."

Jonathan's expression, typically composed, darkened with anger. “What did you say?"

“Jonathan, you've changed," Maddie said. “You mow have a vulnerability."

Bethany was his vulnerability.

Once someone has a weak spot, they're no longer untouchable-they become cautious, protective.

After Maddie's departure, Jonathan returned home to find Bethany hastily exiting the kitchen. “Something's wrong with my mom. I need to go to her. We can't have dinner together."

“What happened?" Jonathan asked.

“I'm not sure exactly what happened. The doctor called and said she became agitated and had a heart attack," Bethany replied.

Jonathan connected this news to Maddie's earlier insinuation. "I'm coming with you."

“No need." Bethany looked up at him, her eyes earnest. "My mom hasn't accepted you yet. Seeing you might worsen her condition. Please, just wait for me here. I'll return as soon as I can."