Chapter: 420

Before he could press the elevator button, Maddie's voice halted him.

"Feeling edgy, Brody?"

"You must be joking. Why would I be nervous?"

“Worried I might ask who Jonathan is marrying?" Maddie turned to face him, her red lips curved into a slight smirk. “Don't worry, that's not what I'm curious about."

Brody gave a noncommittal shrug, feigning confusion.

“Is Jonathan in touch with Bethany again?" Maddie's gaze was intent on Brody's face, watching for any telltale reaction.

"How would I know Mr. Bates' personal dealings?" Brody maintained his professional demeanor, determined not to be ensnared by her probing.

A simple "I don't know" was sufficient for any inquiry.

If Jonathan wanted Maddie informed, she wouldn't need to ask him instead.

If Jonathan preferred to keep Maddie in the dark, revealing anything could jeopardize his position at Bates Group.

“You've been working with Jonathan the longest and are his most trusted assistant. You know how deeply Bethany wounded him. He can marry anyone else; I wouldn't object. But not Bethany."

Maddie's concern for Jonathan might deceive those who didn't know her well.

But Brody was not so easily fooled.

He had seen firsthand Maddie's maneuvers against Bethany.

"Mr. Bates has been engrossed in his work lately and likely hasn't had time to dwell on personal matters. Isn't your arrival at Bates Group to assist with the heavy workload?"

Realizing she was getting nowhere, Maddie's anxiety surfaced. “Brody, I know you're siding with Bethany!"

Brody responded with a smile, "I am Mr. Bates' employee."

His loyalty to Bethany hinged entirely on Jonathan's decisions. If Jonathan sided with Bethany, then he would be on her side, by extension.

But as for Maddie, her chances with Jonathan were slim.

Maddie's expression darkened, her impatience growing with each setback since her return.

She was mad when faced with Brody's elusive answers.

"Do you really think Jonathan will never marry me? His mother has already picked me as her future daughter-in-law. Brody, I suggest you consider your future more carefully. You might regret your shortsightedness."

Brody appeared to listen carefully, even nodding, “Thank you for your advice."

Maddie was left speechless.