Chapter: 343

"Brody, there's no need to continue searching."

Three years had gone by.

It was time to move on.

Sometimes, he puzzled over why he felt compelled to track her whereabouts. After all, any news he received was unlikely to be the updates he hoped for.

Brody was right. If he saw Bethany and Jayson together-holding hands, looking like a family-how would he feel? Could he manage his emotions?

Moments later, Brody responded, "Okay, Mr. Bates. Want me to take care of the wedding announcement for you?"

The news of the wedding had been a strategic move to coax Bethany out of hiding. There was no wedding in the works. Now that Jonathan decided to cease the search...

"No need. Being married will save me from a lot of hassles."

The truth was, he didn't want the attention of women constantly throwing themselves at himBethany was the exception.

In this way, he also gave himself a cover story.

It was quite pitiful, really.

Jonathan had hoped that announcing his marriage would make Bethany care, even if just slightly.

But now, everything was eerily quiet.

He was certain Bethany knew about the announcement. After all, it had been the talk of the business world for days, even Francine, who was abroad, was aware.

The fact that Bethany hadn't reacted meant she truly didn't care.

Feeling a mix of resignation and resolve, Jonathan told his driver, “Find a place where I can get this tattoo removed.”

0825

Jonathan dreaded seeing those numbers again, a reminder of a past he wished to forget entirely.

Starting afresh meant severing all ties to the past.

If he crossed paths with Bethany again, he would not pester her anymore.

Meanwhile, Bethany wrapped up the company's paperwork and grabbed a quick meal. As she drove back to her hotel, her phone lit up with a call from Colt.

He stated, “I'll arrange for that designer to contact you shortly.”

“Tell her to come to my hotel," Bethany responded. "You didn't reprimand her, did you?"

"No. I followed your instructions exactly. I had another female colleague who is close to her gather the information discreetly."