Chapter: 571
“Just. 2%..."
“What? I've poured nearly 8@ million dollars into this, and all I have to show for it is 2%? And we're out of money?" Ryan's voice was incredulous.
“Yes. Considering you're paying double what Bates Group is offering, you'd need at least another billion."
Ryan was stunned by the enormity of Jonathan's wealth.
He had exhausted his last financial resources, yet Jonathan seemed barely touched by the expense.
"Put a halt to the acquisitions," Ryan commanded, shutting his eyes tight against the frustration. After a painful internal debate, he had to accept that he couldn't outspend Jonathan on this.
Sensing Ryan's resignation, the secretary offered tentatively, “Should we consider selling the shares we've managed to acquire? Bates Group might be interested in purchasing them."
"No, I won't sell!" Ryan's response was vehement, his words emerging through gritted teeth. “Jonathan's using this company to get close to Bethany. I can't let him win! Even if he ends up as Goldwald Company's majority shareholder, I'll stay. I won't stop pursuing Bethany. I just want to disgust him. I want him to witness Bethany and me together, right before his eyes!"
Unable to outmaneuver Jonathan financially, Ryan chose a different tactic. He decided to get closer to Bethany.
By leveraging his influence over her, he could effortlessly orchestrate scenarios that would annoy Jonathan.
After all, even a high-powered CEO like Jonathan had his vulnerabilities, and Bethany was his Achilles' heel.
Maddie knew that Jonathan was searching for a doctor for Nikolas.
The most scared people now wasn't Nikolas’ parents, but Maddie herself.
If Nikolas regained consciousness, the whole truth would be revealed.
Other issues seemed less significant, even Rowan's abduction, which could easily be blamed on Jonathan's parents.
However, if Jonathan ever learned the true reason behind his divorce from Bethany, the fallout would be unimaginable.
Years had gone by, yet Bethany still occupied a special place in Jonathan's heart. Maddie feared that if he discovered she had played a role in the death of Bethany's mother, he would seek lethal retribution.
With no alternatives left, Maddie placed all her hopes on Francine, her sole lifeline.
"Francine, I'm terrified Jonathan will find out the truth about Marie!"
"What are you afraid of? What's the worst he could do if he learns the truth? Send me to prison?" Francine didn't consider the situation serious. “Don't worry! I've got your back. Since I was involved from the start and authorized everything, I'll make sure you're protected."
“But you don't understand how deeply Jonathan loves Bethany."
Maddie harbored no doubts that Jonathan would not hesitate to imprison even his own mother if it meant protecting Bethany.
All she could do was hope he wouldn't.
Sending Francine to prison was akin to consigning her to hell itself.