Chapter: 414

Elsewhere, Jonathan stood in a dark robe by a floor-to-ceiling window, staring at his phone. He read and reread their brief conversation.

Was that all there was to it?

Why did his conversations always seem to reach a dead end so swiftly?

Jonathan's fingers hovered over the screen, tempted to send another message, but he refrained.

Bethany was probably asleep by now.

Setting his phone aside, Jonathan reached for a bottle of wine from the cabinet. His sleep had become so erratic that he needed a bit of a buzz to drift off.

Just as he was about to pour himself a glass, his phone rang.

At this late hour, it had to be his parents.

He poured the drink and then answered, "Mom."

“I heard you're making things difficult for Maddie at the company?"

Jonathan's brow furrowed. “We can't just bring in people without consideration; it goes against Bates Group's principles."

"Maddie is different! Everyone knows her contributions to Bates Group. She'd be justified in taking a board position!" Francine's voice carried a tone of exasperation, defending Maddie as though Maddie were her own child. “I doubt your objections are about company policy. I bet if it were Bethany, you'd welcome her with open arms!"

The mention of Bethany's name caused Jonathan's heart to flutter.

That name had a profound effect on him, stirring an irrational response.

"What does Bethany have to do with any of this?"

“Then who are you marrying? Announcing your marriage without even consulting us-do you realize the implications for the company? I've asked Maddie to go back to support you!"

Jonathan rubbed the space between his eyebrows, impatience flickering in his dark eyes.

"Announcing the marriage won't affect the company at all."

Francine's voice rose in frustration. "No impact? All the shareholders have called, asking about your wife. Do you think they're just curious?"

For a major corporation like Bates Group, the board had to be cautious with new additions. If newcomers carried bad reputations or rumors, exposure could negatively impact the company's stock market.

“I told you, it won't," Jonathan repeated.

"Then tell me who she is. I need to know, or I won't be reassured."

"I'm the CEO now. It's fine, as long as I say it is. If you and my father are concerned, you can fire me."

Francine's anger flared. “You.."