Chapter: 398

“What exactly are you aware of?" she asked.

“Nikolas told me everything about you and Jonathan," Ryan said, noticing the panic in her eyes. “That includes your marriage."

With a history of marriage, Bethany's pregnancy and childbirth seemed like a natural progression.

The moment Ryan learned of Bethany's past with Jonathan, he needed no further verification.

The resemblance between father and daughter was as clear as day-only a blind man could miss it.

Bethany felt as if she were walking on a tightrope. While she could don a mask of strength in most situations, when it came to her child, vulnerability crept in.

The thought of the Bates family discovering her little treasure made her blood run cold.

"What's your angle in telling me all this?" Bethany's tone hardened, her eyes narrowing like a wary predator as she scrutinized Ryan.

Ryan waved his hand dismissively, trying to defuse the tension.

“Don't be too hasty in questioning me. Yesterday, Nikolas and I had a lengthy discussion. He even pressed me for photos of your daughter. I assured him I had none."

“Do you have photos of my daughter?" Bethany pressed.

Ryan shrugged nonchalantly. “No. But if I wanted them, I could easily access the surveillance footage from Dreamer Hotel."

Bethany was momentarily speechless, her mind racing.

"But I didn't do that. I also made sure Nikolas wouldn't tell anything to Jonathan about your child. Ryan's voice softened, attempting reassurance. "You don't need to fear. I'm on your side.

Bethany believed him. If Ryan were bluffing, Nikolas' fiery temperament would have exposed him by now. And Jonathan would have already arrived in Westsilver. But...

"So, you're merely seeking confirmation with these questions?"

Bethany inquired, sensing a deeper motive behind Ryan's words.

At least it wasn't a simple desire to help or mere curiosity.

"You could say that!" Ryan chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I must admit, I was rather intrigued when I discovered the truth. I had assumed you were deeply devoted to your husband, leaving no room for another. Now that I know otherwise, I see an opportunity."

Bethany said seriously, "I won't entertain any pursuit. Ryan, I'm being upfront with you, so you don't waste your time."

"But whether it's wasting my time or not, that's for me to decide,"

Ryan countered. "I think you're worth every ounce of effort."

"I can already see how this story ends," Bethany insisted.

Ryan gave a nonchalant smile. "No one can predict the future, not even you."