Chapter: 299

Bethany was nearly scared to death.

She feared that, because of her, Jayson might lose his life too.

The guilt over her mother's death weighed heavily on her, and in her panic, she spoke without thinking.

She didn't consider Jonathan's feelings or the fact that he would never hurt someone so recklessly.

"Am I really that terrible in your eyes?" Jonathan's voice trembled slightly. He ignored Jayson and focused solely on Bethany.

He couldn't believe that Bethany's words were filled with such doubt and accusation against him.

Bethany gradually calmed down.

But since the damage was done, she decided to make it worse, hoping Jonathan would give up.

“What else? Do you think you're a god to me? Should I worship you daily? I told you yesterday that I despise the arrogant ways of you, your family, and people like you!" Bethany stared into Jonathan's eyes, the midday sun highlighting his sharp features. "You know what? Every moment I spend lying next to you is torture. Every time you kiss me, I feel sick!"

“Bethany..." Jayson couldn't help but call out to her.

Bethany felt overwhelmed by Jonathan's cold, intense gaze. She Looked away and said, “Now that my mother's surgery is over and I've learned enough about the investment industry, I can't keep pretending any longer."

"I don't believe you've been pretending," Jonathan said, his face stern and his eyes full of emotion.

But Bethany just sneered, each sound hitting him like a slap in the face.

“Believe it or not, we're over! In fact, I feel accomplished. How did I make the mighty CEO truly fall for me? Jayson, you must treat me well in the future. Otherwise... Look, even Mr. Bates is my backup plan."

If Bethany's earlier words felt like a knife piercing Jonathan's heart, then the words “backup plan" was a bullet, striking him with a devastating blow.

The pain was so intense that Jonathan could barely breathe, instinctively clutching his chest.

His handsome face was drained of color, more lifeless than ever before.

Jayson never imagined witnessing the scene of a proud man being humiliated like that by the woman he loved.

Unable to face Bethany for another moment, fearing more cutting words, Jonathan retreated a few steps, hastily turned away, and stumbled into his car.

He drove off with a screech of tires, the vehicle speeding away like a frenzied beast.

Watching this, Jayson felt a pang of worry. “He's emotionally unstable. Is it safe for him to drive?"

"I'll have Brody reach out to him." Bethany couldn't ignore his safety. But some things couldn't be forced, and certain dreams needed to be awakened in their own time.

"Alas!" Jayson sighed. “Though I shouldn't pity anyone of the Bates family, but Jonathan truly cares for you."

Bethany lifted her head, fighting back tears.