Chapter: 292

That intense gaze conveyed Jonathan's readiness to completely cut ties with them for Bethany.

After leaving the hospital, Jonathan got into his car.

Brody instinctively knew the destination and started driving.

During the drive, Jonathan tried calling Bethany repeatedly, but each attempt went unanswered.

Jonathan asked, "Did you get in touch with Bethany today?"

"No, she mentioned she had a medical check-up. I didn't want to bring up work when she finally took a day off. It seemed insensitive."

After a moment, Brody added, "I followed your instructions and tried to reach her, but she didn't respond."

Jonathan's brows knitted together as he stared at his phone screen.

The car arrived quickly at East Shade Bay, and as expected, when he opened the door, the place was deserted.

Bethany wasn't home.

As the sky darkened, Jonathan's worry intensified, convinced that something was wrong with Bethany.

After a brief pause, Jonathan instructed Brody, “Head to the hospital where Bethany's mother is."

"Yes, Mr. Bates."

Just as they were about to get back in the car, they noticed another car approaching.

Given East Shade Bay's upscale, sparsely populated residential setting, and Jonathan's exclusive, privately secured residence, he was almost certain that Bethany was in the approaching car.

Just as Jonathan was about to open the car door, the other car pulled up first.

A familiar figure emerged from the driver's side, moved to the passenger side, and addressed someone inside.

It was Jayson.

Jonathan stopped and watched the scene unfold.

Shortly after, Jayson helped someone from the passenger seat. When that familiar face showed, Jonathan's eyes narrowed in recognition.

If that wasn't Bethany, who else could it be?

Brody, still in the driver's seat, was shocked, wondering if he was witnessing his boss being betrayed.

"Mr. Bates, Bethany might be..." Brody started, but Jonathan was already out of the car, moving with long strides.

"How are you feeling? Should I-" Jayson was cut off mid-sentence when the person he was holding was taken.