Chapter: 286

"I need to make a quick call, then I'll be right back." Jonathan's concerns weren't about the business; Brody had that under control.

Rather, he worried that Bethany might be trying to contact him.

“You're well aware of whom your mother can't stand! Don't pretend you don't know who you're about to call. I won't allow it!" Godfrey snapped.

"I'm not seeking your permission." With that, Jonathan attempted to bypass them.

His tall frame made it easier to maneuver past.

In a last-ditch effort, Godfrey proposed, “Don't make a call. Just send her a text using my phone. Your mother shouldn't have to hear that woman's voice."

He extended his phone towards Jonathan.

Jonathan hesitated, his gaze fixed on his father. “Where's my phone? Did you take it?"

“How should I know where your phone is? I've only just arrived. If you're so keen to notify Bethany, just text her with my phone. If she wants to talk, she can call back on this number."

Seeing Jonathan hesitate, Godfrey pressed further, "Must you really turn against your own family for her sake?"

Jonathan's eyes dropped to the phone in his hand. With a furrowed brow, he composed a message to Bethany.

“It's Jonathan. I've lost my phone. If you need to reach me, use this number instead."

Concerned his father might block the message, Jonathan watched anxiously until it was sent, then returned the phone.

"If she gets back to you, let me know," he instructed.

Godfrey scoffed, his anger evident. "I can't see what you find in that girl! What does she have that Maddie doesn't?"

“Bethany is my wife. I'd appreciate it if you showed her some respect," Jonathan replied with composed defiance. His voice held a resolve that had hardened for Bethany's sake.

He had hoped his parents would come around, but that hope was fading fast.

Determined to clarify his position, he stood firm against any potential misinterpretations of his loyalty.

Seeing Godfrey's temper flare, the doctor intervened with a subtle gesture, urging him to hold back.

Keeping Jonathan there was crucial, after all. If they continued to argue, Jonathan might break out of the room by force.

Godfrey grasped the doctor's implication and quickly steered the conversation away. “Jonathan, as long as you don't do too much, everything will be fine. If you continue this reckless behavior for Bethany's sake, how will your mother and I view her favorably?"

"I rushed over, so I didn't get a chance to inform her. Right now, I just want to make sure she knows where I am, in case something happens," Jonathan replied.

"Why does she always seem to be in some kind of trouble? Look, your mother is bedridden right now. If she isn't concerned about your predicament at this moment, does she truly care about you?"

Jonathan chose not to engage in a debate with Godfrey then, simply staring at the phone in Godfrey's grip.