Chapter: 500

In the past, Nikolas had only been aware of Jonathan's parents' fondness for Maddie, they who envisioned as their perfect daughter-in-law. However, after suspecting that they had colluded with Maddie to orchestrate the death of Bethany's mother, his perspective took a dramatic turn.

It became apparent they would go to any lengths to eliminate obstacles and ensure Jonathan wed Maddie.

This placed Bethany's child squarely in the crosshairs.

Maddie would never accept to be a stepmother, and Bethany would remain forever ostracized by Jonathan's parents. Jonathan would have to choose between Bethany and his parents.

Should he choose Bethany, his mother could succumb to her illness at any moment, and he would lose the woman who had brought him into this world and raised him.

Yet, to safeguard his mother, he would have to forsake Bethany.

In this grim scenario, Nikolas could only cling to the hope that the child was neither Bethany's nor Jonathan's. At least then, the current fragile balance could be maintained.

Meanwhile, Maddie hailed a taxi.

She made her way to Bates Group first, organized her documents at the office, and clocked in. Then, without delay, she exited the company.

Seated in another car, she fished out her phone and dialed an anonymous number.

"Are you absolutely sure this can't be traced back to us?"

"Relax! I've got everything under control. Just don't forget my money,” came the disguised voice on the other end.

Maddie sneered, “Your greed for money is insatiable. Don't worry, you'll get every cent! Where is the child now?"

“Somewhere only I know."

“Make sure you don't get caught! I've paid you a fortune to keep quiet. Don't drag me into trouble." She transferred the money using her mobile phone.

For matters of this gravity, Maddie was as prompt as clockwork.

Moments later, the man replied, “The money's come through. But this child... Are you certain he's not Jonathan's? Their resemblance is uncanny."

"It's definitely not his child. If he were Jonathan's, the heir apparent to Bates Group, do you think you could have whisked him away so effortlessly? This impostor was merely angling to extract money from Jonathan. You're aware that Jonathan's parents only acknowledge me as their daughter-in-law. They'd never permit another woman to give birth to his child."

"Good. I don't want to cross the Bates family."

Nobody in their right mind would dare cross the Bates family.

It wasn't a problem money could solve-it was tantamount to signing one's own death warrant.

"I've got your back. What are you so worried about? I've had the Bates family under my control. I've been biding my time and have moved mountains for them."

The man on the other end chuckled. “When will Jonathan announce he's marrying you? I've heard whispers that he.."

“That's none of your business!" Maddie interrupted. "He has many issues to resolve and doesn't want a rushed wedding. But hasn't the marriage already been announced? He did it himself."