Chapter: 319

Maddie's tone was incredulous, her anger fueled by a message Nikolas had sent her.

She had devoted everything to Jonathan, not even getting a smile in return. Yet now, despite the complications with Bethany, Jonathan was adamant about leaving the hospital to plan their wedding.

"It's his condition for signing the divorce papers. What else can I do? Should I take it to court?" Bethany retorted.

“Don't let it go to your head!" Maddie snapped back.

“Why would I be smug about this?" Bethany asked, turning away to watch the mother and daughter disappearing into the distance. “You could easily kill my mother and leave me destitute. I'm really terrified of you now."

Maddie caught the undertone and paused, arms folded across her chest.

"I didn't kill your mother. She died from her illness. How is that my fault?"

Expecting Bethany to deny it, Bethany smirked and said, “Jonathan plans to divorce me after the wedding. Until then, I'd prefer not to see you again. Keep away from my friends; I have nothing left to lose now."

It was often said that those with nothing were fearless against those with something to lose.

Maddie arched an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly as they landed on Bethany's belly. "Don't worry, the feeling's mutual. By the way, Nikolas mentioned that you might not be able to have children in the future. Is that true?"

Bethany knew all too well that one lie often needed many others to support it. Reluctantly, she murmured, "Yes."

"You might want to get a second opinion from another hospital. I can recommend some specialists."

Bethany doubted Maddie's intentions, suspecting it was just a ploy to pry.

"No need. I don't really care. Maybe it's for the best if I don't have children." Bethany avoided Maddie's gaze as she spoke, fearing her shaky deception would crumble.

She might fool Nikolas. Men often overlooked the details and didn't overthink.

But women were different. They tended to see right through such pretenses.

“Bethany, we're sisters after all. Half of the blood in our veins is the same. I do care about you! I love Jonathan so much and I can't imagine my Life without him." After saying that, Maddie attempted to step closer to Bethany.

Bethany snapped, “Stay back! I have nothing to do with you. I never did, and I never will. Don't try to come any closer."

“Everything I've said is true." Maddie's demeanor softened significantly, as if lowering her defenses, eager to have an open conversation. "Believe it or not, if it were any man other than Jonathan, I wouldn't have fought you for him. There's no other man in this world that captures my attention like he does."

Despite her disdain for Bethany and her mother, Maddie still held on to her pride.

Jonathan was the only one she wanted.

"You know what? If it weren't for Jonathan, I wouldn't have pushed myself so hard in my studies, working tirelessly, often forgetting to eat and sleep, to prove myself worthy of him. To win over his mother, T even..."

Maddie paused, her gaze drifting off into the distance. She remained silent for a few moments before sighing, her voice tinged with resignation.

"I'm an illegitimate daughter. Without what I did, I wouldn't have had a chance to join the Bates family. I've sacrificed so much. I can't let you take Jonathan from me. If you think it's unfair, I'll give you back our father."