Chapter: 537

“I'm just worried about you! Don't impose on your friend. I know a woman here in Odonset who could look after you. It'd be much easier."

“No need," Bethany replied sharply, leaving Ryan feeling rebuffed.

At that moment, Bethany couldn't muster the energy to concern herself with his feelings.

“Bethany, I'm just trying to protect you," Ryan persisted. "You said you weren't interested in any relationships at the moment, which I respect. But then you show up at a hotel with a man? Am I not even allowed to ask about it?"

Ryan felt he was different from Bethany.

After his persistent efforts and the lengths he had gone to, did she not feel even a hint of gratitude?

"You asked, I explained. The rest is my personal matter. Ryan, don't cross the line," Bethany reminded him. However, the words stung her more than she expected.

She accused Ryan of crossing boundaries, but was she not losing her grip as well?

“Alright, I won't cross the line. Let's pretend this conversation never happened," Ryan replied, his voice heavy with emotion, before abruptly ending the call.

However, Bethany had no energy left to consider his feelings. She was dealing with her own pain.

Shortly after, Jayson arrived, bringing with him alcohol, hangover remedies, and a light blanket.

"It's early and a bit chilly! Use this."

"Thank you," Bethany responded, her voice low.

“Bethany, from now on, think of me as your brother. Forget about anything else."

Bethany looked up at him, giving a small nod.

Earlier, as she cried, Jayson had an epiphany.

Instead of entangling themselves in romantic feelings that might lead to discomfort, fostering a familial bond was preferable.

He found that staying by her side extended their time together, especially when she felt sad.

After seeing Bethany, Nikolas reached out to Jonathan, but getting no response, so he relayed the message to Ryan instead.

It wasn't until the next morning, when Nikolas arrived at the Bates Group building, that Jonathan finally returned his call.

“Where were you last night? I must have called you a dozen times and you're only getting back to me now?" Nikolas blurted out.

"IT was drunk."

Nikolas chuckled. “Couldn't handle your liquor, huh? I ended up throwing up when I got home. Met a girl who asked me out, and I couldn't say no."

Jonathan's voice sounded raspy, indicating he had just woken up.