Chapter: 287

The screen remained dark, unlit. Bethany hadn't responded.

It appeared as though nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, Bethany felt as if she had been cast into an abyss.

Darkness enveloped her, so profound she couldn't even discern her own hands.

She tried to scream but no sound escaped. She was unable to run or move.

Then, a voice called out to her from behind. Straining to listen, she recognized it as her mother's.

"Bethany, I can no longer protect you. I have to go! Bethany, remember, my love for you is boundless..."

Bethany strained towards the voice, running until she abruptly woke up.

The stark white ceiling above her was slightly blinding.

There was no engulfing darkness, nor her mother's echoing voice.

Jayson rushed over and grasped her wrist, exclaiming with joy, “Bethany, you're finally awake!"

As Bethany's gaze slowly shifted to his hand, Jayson realized his enthusiasm might have been too much. He let go abruptly and offered an awkward smile. "Aimee had to step out for a bit; the doctor needed her. I'll go get her!"

Once Jayson had left, a man in a white coat entered the room.

Bethany didn't recognize him, yet it was clear he was there specifically for her.

“Bethany, I've been sent to deliver a message to you," he declared.

Bethany lifted her head, her vision hazy. “Who are you?"

"My identity isn't important. What's crucial is that you understand your next steps. If not, the outcomes could be severe."

Bethany's hands clenched into fists as she asserted, "Maddie sent you, didn't she?"

"She isn't quite that influential yet," the man replied with a chuckle. “Surely you're aware of whom you've angered?"

"Was it the Bates family who sent you to threaten me? My mother's already been taken from me; what more can you do?" Bethany challenged, hoping to provoke him into revealing more, thus confirming her suspicions.

The man's smile persisted, unsettling her further. "Do you have only your mother to lean on? No, you have plenty of vulnerabilities we could exploit. For instance, Jayson, who just left, and your best friend, Aimee."

A chill ran through Bethany. "Please, don't harm them!"

"We have no interest in targeting someone so insignificant. As long as you cooperate, everyone will be safe.”

With those words, the man adjusted his gold-framed glasses and walked out, leaving the room as if he had never been there.