Chapter: 501

“Are you the mystery bride?"

"Who else could it be?" Maddie snapped, her patience thinning.

The man replied, "Alright. What's the plan for this child?"

After a prolonged, icy silence, Maddie spoke with chilling resolve “How much will it cost for you to make this child disappear forever?"

"Do you want him dead?" The man on the other end stiffened, shock widening his eyes.

"Yes," Maddie said, her voice steady as a rock. "I need to eliminate any potential threats at the source."

She knew that if the child stayed alive, he would inevitably go looking for Jonathan.

The only solution was to ensure the boy vanished from this world forever.

"You said you're sure he isn't Jonathan's son. Now you say he's a threat!" The man's eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You're trying to turn me against the Bates family!"

"You won't offend the Bates family. Whether the child is Jonathan's or not, they won't accept him. I will keep you safe. Isn't that what matters?"

“No way. This job's not for me. Find someone else!" The man stood his ground, refusing firmly.

Maddie frowned, her brow furrowing. "I can offer more money."

"It's not about the money. I can't bring harm to a child."

Especially not Jonathan's! It was like walking on a knife's edge.

There was no good ending to this..

"You've taken lives before, and now you won't touch a child?" Maddie chuckled dismissively. “Don't start getting sentimental. What's your asking price?"

“No amount of money is worth it! Find someone else to handle this kid. I won't lay a finger on him."

If he'd known the child was Jonathan's son, he wouldn't have taken the job, no matter the payout.

"You having second thoughts? The payment's already been made! You can't just walk away! If you don't take care of the kid and he escapes, we'll be in big trouble! Do it quietly now, and no one will ever suspect a thing."

Maddie had everything arranged to perfection. Nikolas, by her side, ensured she stayed off the suspect list.

"Ms. Hinchcliffe, you can't do this."

"If I don't, should I leave myself vulnerable to others?"

Driven by an unyielding resolve to clear the path between her and Jonathan, she had thrown caution to the wind.

“I'll think about it."