Chapter: 324

Just as she expected, it seemed that Jonathan was not home.

Bethany bent down to tidy up the shoe cabinet. As she was about to stand up, however, she suddenly felt a shadow looming over her.

Startled, she stepped back.

When she looked up, she saw it was Jonathan.

What was he doing here?

“Did you think I would be at the company today?" Jonathan asked in a hoarse voice.

Since his last bout of gastrorrhagia, his body still hadn't fully recovered, and his handsome, delicate features showed clear signs of fatigue.

"Yes, I'm here to collect my belongings," Bethany replied as calmly as she could.

"Is he waiting for you outside?"

Bethany was well aware of whom Jonathan was speaking about.

"No. I don't want to inconvenience Jayson."

The moment the words escaped her lips, Bethany noticed a distinct chill emanating from the man before her.

His gaze, sharp and piercing, seemed to slice through the air, targeting her heart and causing it to quiver and ache.

Suddenly, Jonathan lifted his hand.

Bethany tensed, anticipating something else, but he merely reached into his pocket for a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply, a desperate attempt to preserve his usual stoic demeanor.

His obsession with cleanliness was such that he never allowed himself to smoke indoors.

It was clear to Bethany that Jonathan was fighting hard to control his emotions, dreading that any rash action might lead to her contempt.

“Jonathan, you've just been discharged from the hospital. Please don't smoke."

Bethany reached to take the cigarette from him, but Jonathan dodged, maintaining the facade he used with other women.

However, he didn't resume smoking; instead, he crushed the cigarette underfoot and stepped back. "Go pack your things. I apologize for losing my temper just now."

His words, low and detached, reset their dynamic to that of employer and assistant.

A tightness enveloped Bethany's chest, her body becoming numb and painful.

She had been in his favor for so long, she'd forgotten that Jonathan was a CEO with his own pride, a man many women sought after, someone who was meant to be cherished.

She had forgotten Jonathan was a remote and reserved heir.