Chapter: 310

His final words carried the weight of command.

In an instant, he resumed his role as CEO of Bates Group, as though the earlier turmoil had never touched him.

Reluctantly, she acquiesced. "Alright."

He slipped on his shoes, opened the door, and departed. Each step echoed heavily and deliberately.

Bethany understood Jonathan's reluctance to leave.

He walked slowly, hoping she would ask him to stay. If she showed any inclination, he'd turn back in an instant.

But Bethany bit her lower lip, silent.

Once he left, Bethany tidied up.

She knew Jonathan's penchant for neatness well.

Exhausted, she couldn't lift another finger and collapsed on the Living room sofa, drifting into sleep.

As Bethany woke up, she heard raindrops pattering rhythmically beyond the windowpane.

She blinked away the fog in her eyes and struggled to rise from the sofa. Lately, her reduced appetite seemed to sap her strength.

Eventually, she gripped the sofa's back and managed to stand.

Outside, the rain fell steadily, its droplets moistening the billowing beige gauze curtains through the window's gap.

Bethany fetched her phone, scanning through messages from Aimee and Jayson, but Jonathan hadn't messaged her.

Subconsciously, she glanced at the dining table, finding no note left.

At this moment, she felt a strong sense of loss.

“Indeed... One shouldn't cling too tightly..."

Bethany stared blankly at raindrops tapping the window until her phone buzzed.

Glancing down, she saw it was an unknown number.

Assuming it was another call from the Bates family or Maddie, she answered with less enthusiasm.

“What's wrong?" she asked, her tone unexpectedly chilly.

There was a brief pause before the voice on the other end responded, “Did you expect my call?"

It was a voice she recognized as male.