Chapter: 396
She had managed to separate him from Bethany four years ago; surely, she could outmatch any rival now.
Determined, Maddie believed she could win Jonathan's heart if she devoted her life to it.
After lingering at the entrance, she dialed Nikolas. "I'm back."
“Back where? At home?"
"Odonset." Her smile broadened. "Jonathan's getting married without telling me. It seems he's almost forgotten his old friend. I need to hurry and meet his bride."
Nikolas paused before responding, "You're not just here to meet her, are you? You're here to be the bride."
Caught out, Maddie wasn't embarrassed.
She flagged down a taxi. "Shouldn't I be back? Any marriage that isn't approved by his parents won't stand."
“Have you not realized? Jonathan was never fond of you. Just let it go."
“Would you abandon a project you've dedicated your life to?" Maddie replied sharply, her voice cold. "I don't expect you to understand. Just tell me who this new woman is. I'll handle the rest on my own.”
"I'm not in Odonset, and frankly, I don't know who she is. He's kept her hidden well this time. There's nothing I can do to help."
Maddie straightened, her brow furrowed in disbelief. "I can't believe you know nothing!"
"If you don't trust me, there's nothing I can do," Nikolas replied.
"You could always ask Jonathan yourself. You didn't consult me before you schemed against Bethany. I'm worried about Jonathan discovering the truth; I can't even think about what would happen then. I'm staying out of this."
Maddie feigned a helpless sigh. “What are you scared of? Even if he finds out, it was his parents’ doing, not yours. I won't tell anyone you were involved too. You're close friends; you should know I'm the best choice for him. I'd support him at any cost. Nobody loves him more than I do."
“But Jonathan has to agree to marry you."
"Fine. If you won't help, I'll manage on my own." Maddie's smile was tinged with resignation. "He was so in love with Bethany that he sacrificed everything for her, yet they still ended up apart. Keep your secrets; I'll uncover the truth myself. I'm just offering you the chance to pick a side."
Nikolas's response came with an odd smile. "Then take your time with your investigation."
This raised her suspicions.
His words hinted at a deeper complexity...
"Could it be that Bethany has come back?"
Nikolas said hurriedly, “It's not Bethany. Don't harm her any further! You've already taken her mother's Life. How could you?"
Previously, Nikolas disapproved of Bethany's relationship with Jonathan, fearing his irrationality would jeopardize his career.
Yet, the idea of resorting to murder to force Bethany to divorce Jonathan never crossed his mind.