Chapter: 26

Bethany beamed at him happily.

After Carson left, she returned to her seat and took out her phone, fingers hovering over the keys hesitantly. In the end, she bit the bullet and typed out a text for Jonathan.

It read, "I've submitted the application already."

Staring at the phone screen, Bethany decided to add, "Did you board the plane already? Have a safe trip!"

After a while, he replied with just one word, “Busy.”

Bethany quickly deleted the message and put her phone away, as if she were hiding a secret. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope for the future. Once the Zucron Company project commenced, it would be a stellar addition to her portfolio. Carson would likely entrust her with another major project.

With these accomplishments, she'd earn a year-end bonus about two hundred thousand. This, combined with her project commission and basic salary, would allow her to afford her mother's follow-up treatment.

A renewed sense of hope surged within her. During Jonathan's business trip, Bethany juggled late-night overtime with hospital visits to watch over her mother. Despite the exhaustion, she felt invigorated.

Each morning, the first thing she did at the office was check her computer to see if the head office had approved the loan application.

Finally, on the fourth day after sending the email, a response from the head office appeared in her inbox.

Heart pounding, Bethany clicked it immediately. “Application denied.”

She was floored. Anxious for an explanation, she fumbled for her phone and promptly called Jonathan up.

After a few rings, the call connected.

"What?" he asked, sounding a tad bit annoyed.

But Bethany didn't have the time nor the patience to approach with tact. "Why didn't you approve the loan application for the Zucron Company project?" she blurted out.

Jonathan was silent for a few seconds before responding frostily, “Because the comprehensive assessment by the board of directors showed that the project is too risky."

"Bute"

“Bethany,” Jonathan interrupted, his tone firm, “it's working hours. Anything else?"

Jonathan's stern warning sobered Bethany up in a heartbeat, reality hitting her like a train.

Why on earth had she assumed Jonathan would back her up? Because he had slept with her? Please!

A bitter taste filled her mouth as she realized she had sorely overestimated herself. After all, their marriage was purely transactional; it was wrong of her to have expected anything more.

"I'm sorry I bothered you, Mr. Bates," Bethany said stiffly, quickly ending the call before he could respond.

Moments later, Carson, who also received the notice of their declined application, stormed in, his face flushed with anger.

"I told you your stupid plan wouldn't work! Bethany, who the hell do you think you are? How dare you ask me to trust you! I trusted you, and look where we are now!"