Chapter: 59

"What's up?" Bethany asked in confusion.

"The hickey on your neck-you should cover it before starting work here. It's unprofessional." Maddie pointed out the red mark on Bethany's neck. "You need to be careful here, or else... Well, let's just say neither Bates Group nor Jonathan will tolerate it."

Bethany averted her gaze, her lashes fluttering like butterfly wings.

She had carefully concealed it this morning with foundation, and even her mother hadn't noticed it at the hospital.

Maybe it was because women at odds were naturally wary of each other.

"Miss Hinchcliffe," Bethany said icily, her eyes filled with unprecedented firmness. "I take offense to your reminder."

Maddie was taken aback by her response.

"Instead of reminding me to hide the hickey, why don't you tell Jonathan not to leave any marks on me in the first place? That'd be more helpful, don't you think?"

Bethany bristled at Maddie's sarcasm.

While it was undeniable that Jonathan had liked Maddie for many years, Bethany was still his wife-at least on paper.

And as her husband, Jonathan had basically given her the authority to stand up to Maddie.

Straightening her back, Bethany strode out of Maddie's office with her head held high. She didn't relax until the elevator doors closed behind her.

Just as she was about to leave the building, her phone rang; it was Jonathan calling.

Having just woken up, his voice was still a little hoarse. It turned out Maddie hadn't lied to her about his nap.

“Are you at the hospital?"

"No, I'm going to a Buddhist temple with a colleague," Bethany replied flatly, glancing up at the Bates Group building towering into the clouds. The dazzling sight made her squint subconsciously.

“What's up?"

"I'll be home for dinner tonight."

"What do you want to eat? I'll buy some ingredients on the way back home."

Jonathan paused for a moment before suddenly asking, “What's wrong? Your tone sounds a bit off."

“Nothing,” Bethany said with a smile. “I was just thinking about work. You go ahead with whatever you have to do. I have to hurry to the subway and meet my colleague."

Without waiting for a response, she hung up on him and saw that Aimee had texted her.

“Bethany, I'm at the temple already! By the way, my cousin wanted to tag along. Is that okay with you?"

"No worries. I'll be there soon!"