Chapter: 539

"Yes," Maddie confessed openly, maintaining a casual demeanor. “Since Jonathan is the father, it's only a matter of time before the Bates family takes the child in. I thought it was best his parents be mentally prepared. Think about it, Francine's health is deteriorating. Another shock could be disastrous!"

"No DNA test has been conducted yet. Are you certain the child is Jonathan's? Why even mention it?"

Maddie simply smiled, her expression unreadable.

She felt compelled to keep bringing it up.

The more she addressed the topic, the less likely people were to suspect her involvement.

The last time she tried to pin something on Bethany, it nearly ruined her relationship with Jonathan. She couldn't risk another blunder.

"I've seen the surveillance footage. I'm almost certain the child is Jonathan's," Maddie stated confidently.

"Hold on," Nikolas cut in abruptly. "Why this sudden acceptance of the child? Weren't you opposed to it initially?"

Caught off guard, Maddie sighed deeply.

"At first, I couldn't come to terms with it. But after some reflection, the reality is that the child exists, and rejecting it isn't an option. I can't just wish the child away."

Nikolas listened to her justification, which seemed logical yet somewhat suspicious.

“Alright, if you uncover any new information about the child, inform me. And remember, I'm not the one asking-Jonathan's parents are."

With a dismissive wave, Maddie turned and left.

Nikolas watched her departing figure and smirked to himself.

Something didn't feel right.

Just as he decided to head back to his office, his phone rang.

Glancing at the screen, he noticed an unfamiliar, virtual number.

A child's voice greeted him.

"Hello, it's Rowan."

“Rowan? Where are you right now?" Nikolas asked, his voice tinged with shock and disbelief.

He had been relentlessly searching for this child's location, day and night.

“I escaped from where I was kidnapped. Can you send someone to get me?"

Nikolas's brow furrowed deeply. “You were kidnapped?"

“Yes! I fell asleep, and when I woke up, I was in some dark, unfamiliar place."