Chapter: 474

“Maddie, can you leave me alone? Don't you have other things to focus on? Because I've got a ton of work!"

Nikolas was growing increasingly impatient with Maddie.

"Can you just tell me where Jonathan is? Where is he if he's not at the office?"

"You can reach him online if you need to talk about work. So, why are you calling me?"

Bates Group used its own software for communication and reporting.

Jonathan rarely logged off. As the legal department director, Maddie had the privilege of messaging him.

Maddie explained, "It's not a work-related issue."

"I have no idea where he is," Nikolas said, careful not to disclose Jonathan's Location.

He feared that saying too much could lead to trouble and jeopardize his friendship with Jonathan.

Previously, when Nikolas was unsure of Maddie's true colors, he attempted to help her win over Jonathan. Now, however, he wouldn't dream of getting involved.

Though he didn't have a strong Liking for Bethany, Maddie had crossed a line by hurting her mother.

Even Nikolas found it hard to endure.

"Nikolas, you have to understand that Jonathan's parents like me and want me as their daughter-in-law. They believe I'm the best choice for him. I'm the only one who has truly been loyal to Jonathan and Bates Group!" Maddie was desperate to convince him to support her.

Without his help, she felt lost.

“If you and Jonathan were truly a good match, Bethany wouldn't have been part of the picture. I've suspected for a while that Jonathan isn't into you. Stop dreaming."

"It's because Bethany resembles me! If not, why would Jonathan be interested in her?" Maddie twisted the truth in an attempt to convince him.

Nikolas wasn't easily fooled. "I don't believe that. Maybe he treated you well because you remind him of Bethany."

"That's absurd! I was living with the Bates family back then. You know that! I was with Jonathan every single day. Bethany could never hold a candle to me!"

"That doesn't justify setting her up, does it?" Nikolas retorted.

Maddie sneered, "Frame her? Just consider everything that happened. Who would trust Bethany's words if Jonathan hadn't done everything to defend her? He managed this situation himself. There's nothing I can do about it."

Nikolas gave a dismissive laugh. "Just be honest with me. Did you set Bethany up or not?"

"No. I don't see her as a threat!"

After a long pause, Nikolas let out a deep sigh. "I used to have faith in you. In your position, you wouldn't need to consider Bethany a rival. Now, though, I can't believe you."

“Why not?"