Chapter: 340

Jonathan had seen this act many times before and was well-prepared for it.

As he stepped out of the car, Francine wasted no time and blurted out, "Have you found Bethany?"

"No, not yet." Jonathan's reply came with a subtle change in his expression, his voice steady and assertive.

"Then who's spreading rumors about your marriage? Who are you supposed to be marrying?" When Francine had first read the news, she was nearly hospitalized again.

It was only Godfrey's persuasion that calmed her down and convinced her to summon their son for an explanation.

He had believed that since Bethany had agreed to leave, she wouldn't backtrack so quickly. After all, why would she have agreed if she were just going to change her mind?

"Who I marry is my own decision," Jonathan snapped back.

"The woman you choose to marry will be the wife of Bates Group's CEO. She needs to be more than just a partner. She should be a competent aide. Maddie is the only one who fits that role," Francine argued.

Jonathan had anticipated his mother's argument. "I've told you before, I'm not going to marry Maddie."

“Well, let me be clear then. I will not accept Bethany as my daughter-in-law!" Francine countered with equal firmness. The confrontation between mother and son escalated quickly.

After the divorce between Jonathan and Bethany was finalized, Jonathan had arranged for his mother to return overseas. Francine and Godfrey had hoped that with time, Jonathan would move on from Bethany and reconsider Maddie as a suitable match.

However, contrary to their expectations, Jonathan's wedding announcement made headlines.

"Not her," Jonathan declared abruptly.

“Not Bethany?" Francine was taken aback, puzzled by her lack of knowledge about any other significant woman in her son's life.

"Is there anything else? Didn't Dad mention you were hospitalized?"

Jonathan asked.

It was the same excuse every time, and Jonathan found it increasingly difficult not to see through it.

Yet, as their son, he feared the one instance his father might be telling the truth, so he fell for the same lie again and again.

No matter what, Francine was his mother, the one who had given birth to him.

“Don't change the subject. I want to know who you're planning to marry!" Francine stared at her son, her gaze unwavering.

She couldn't believe how things were unfolding.

She struggled to comprehend how her usually self-disciplined son could suddenly have a woman in his life and they were getting married.

It was even more surprising than Bethany's sudden appearance years ago.

"Of course, it's someone I love."