Chapter: 395

"Oh, forget it. I'm not that curious about what her daughter looks like, as long as she isn't Jonathan's child! Let's keep drinking and move past this. Just pretend you don't know anything." Nikolas signaled the waiter for a new glass and then started eating and drinking as if relieved of a burden.

After a pause, Ryan smiled again, and said, "Right, let's move on! Are you going to tell Jonathan about this?"

“What? Meeting Bethany? He already knows!"

"Then he might not be aware that she has a daughter, right?"

Nikolas shook his head. "I don't know. I just found out myself and haven't had the chance to tell him yet!"

Ryan smiled and poured more wine into his glass. “If you ask me, you shouldn't tell him! Informing him will just upset him more, don't you think? They've been divorced for four years, and Bethany has since remarried and had a daughter. What's the point in telling him about this now? It would only bring him more pain."

“You don't understand; he won't accept the reality until it's undeniable! He claims he has moved on, but deep down, he's probably still hung up on her. Others might not see it, but I know him too well. I need to help him move on!"

Ryan clicked his tongue. “That's exactly why you should keep it to yourself! I can see he still cares for Bethany, but he's too stubborn to admit it. So don't stir things up! Over time, he will move on. Right now, he needs to hear less about her."

Raising his eyebrows, Nikolas asked, "Really?"

“Exactly! Time heals all wounds."

“Hmm... What you said makes sense. I'll pretend that I know nothing. I won't mention Bethany. Anyway, I don't think she wants to see him again."

Ryan nodded and changed the subject. "Come on, try this dish. It's a specialty here in Westsilver. Give it a taste!"

"Hmm, not bad. It's quite good."

Nikolas saw it as just his way of being hospitable and didn't think too deeply about it.

He didn't realize that Ryan, who had been down a moment ago, suddenly became as excited as if he had been injected with energy.

Ryan's lips continued to curl into a smile.

He had just gained significant leverage over Bethany. He believed he could win her over with this.

At Odonset Airport....

An international flight touched down punctually.

Maddie emerged from the terminal, suitcase in tow, paused at the entrance, and removed her oversized sunglasses.

Gazing at the clear blue sky dotted with clouds, she allowed herself a slight smile.

"Odonset, I'm back."

Years had passed since her last visit to Odonset. She had given Jonathan time to heal from the emotional scars left by Bethany, carefully avoiding any actions that might upset him. Yet, he had gone ahead and announced a wedding. And the bride wasn't her.

She would not allow that.