Chapter: 387

“Is there some issue between you and Nikolas?" Ryan sensed the tension. “He's my friend. If he's done something to offend you, I'll make sure he apologizes."

Bethany, visibly unsettled, clenched her fists. "No, it's really just something I need to handle!"

"Ryan, give us a moment," Nikolas interjected, stepping in front of Bethany with a smile.

Before Ryan could interject, Bethany decisively rejected the conversation. "There's nothing to discuss."

Undeterred, Nikolas pressed on, "Would you like them to learn about your past?"

At this, Bethany immediately tensed up.

Nikolas had rightly guessed that Bethany hadn't shared her history with anyone. He didn't know her reasons, but he understood that this information could be used as leverage against her.

"What's happening here?" Ryan, puzzled, looked between them.

Nikolas smirked slightly and began, “You might not know, but Bethany once—""

"Enough!" Bethany interrupted him sharply, her eyes alight with anger.

“We'll talk over there.”

Seeing he had gotten his way, Nikolas made a gesture of agreement.

"Ryan, you go ahead and wait. I'll bring her back for lunch."

Seeing Bethany's resigned nod, Ryan replied hesitantly, “Alright, I'll wait for you," before he turned and entered the restaurant.

With Ryan out of earshot, Bethany addressed Nikolas coolly. “As far as I am concerned, we have no personal issues. The Bates family and Maddie wanted me out of Jonathan's life, and I complied. Why are you threatening me now?"

Nikolas casually took out a cigarette and lit it. "I'm just curious about your connection with Ryan."

The word “connection” carried a subtle implication, implying something inappropriate.

Bethany clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "My relationship with him is strictly professional. If you believe otherwise, you're welcome to have him dismiss me. If your purpose is to demean me, please proceed quickly. I have work that needs my attention."

Nikolas took a drag from his cigarette, smirking slightly. "Demean you? That's not my intention. I'm just intrigued by how you managed to captivate Jonathan and now seem to have caught Ryan's interest. Yet, you married someone else, an unknown. Is there a strategy behind all this? What exactly is your aim in reappearing?"

He could only conclude that Bethany had returned seeking revenge.

Despite her compliance in distancing herself from Jonathan and not investigating her mother's death further, Nikolas still sensed that Bethany was not one to be easily dismissed. She hadn't sought money or other benefits, which made him suspect she had other motives.

"And you, standing here interrogating me, what are you afraid of?"

Bethany shot back.

Indeed, what was he afraid of? What were the Bates family and Maddie worried about?