Chapter: 608

Maddie bristled at his protective stance towards Bethany.

“How can we work together then? Breaking them up means someone gets hurt. If you want to hurt Jonathan, I won't be part of it!"

"Ms. Hinchcliffe, we aim to separate them, not to cause any harm. You're too cruel," Ryan commented, noting Maddie's resentment towards Bethany. "Once it's done, you'll be with Jonathan, and I'll take Bethany and her daughter. She'll be my woman, and naturally, I'll protect her, just as you're protecting Jonathan now."

Maddie scoffed, “Do you even know Bethany's history? She shouldn't even be here! Her mother was a mistress, and now she's just Like her, enchanting Jonathan!"

Ryan straightened in his chair, his brows knitting together.

“I'm capable of forming my own opinions about Bethany. I'm here to discuss business, and I showed you her daughter's picture to prove I'm serious. If you're only interested in slandering Bethany, then this meeting is pointless." With that, he began to rise from his seat.

Maddie's hands balled into fists, and she ground her teeth, saying, "Do you care for her that much? Even after she cost you Goldwald Company and put you at odds with Jonathan, you're not upset?"

“I believe the right partner is more valuable than any fortune or fame. In my eyes, Bethany is that person."

Ryan was uninterested in Bethany's past. His focus was on becoming her future.

Whatever Maddie had mentioned about Bethany's mother being a home-wrecker was irrelevant to Ryan. He didn't even intend to verify it.

He had known Bethany for a while. Ever since she started at Goldwald Company, her dedication and hard work on projects had impressed him.

"Do you really not mind that she has a child with another man?"

Maddie asked.

"I don't care. That was before she met me. All that matters to me now is making her mine."

The more Ryan expressed his indifference, the angrier Maddie became.

She didn't think Bethany deserved Ryan. In her eyes, Bethany and her mother should have died long ago. Then her own mother would not have been labeled as a mistress for all these years.

But if Ryan could help her separate Jonathan and Bethany, it wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Francine had expressed a desire to remove Bethany. Then Ryan would be entirely on his own to protect Bethany.

If Bethany were out of the picture, then she wouldn't violate any agreements.

"Mr. Blakely, I see you truly care for Bethany, just as I care for Jonathan. Shall we discuss how we might work together?"

Ryan frowned at Maddie's sudden change in attitude. "You must promise not to harm Bethany.”

“Don't worry. If I had wanted to harm her, she wouldn't have enjoyed such a comfortable life all these years. If she hadn't reached out to Jonathan again, I wouldn't have had any reason to be involved with her at all." Maddie sighed. “It's a big regret. If I had stayed with Jonathan, he wouldn't have replaced me with Bethany. Afterward, a lot of things would not have happened."

Ryan gazed intently at Maddie's face.

Indeed, there was a resemblance to Bethany. Yet, Bethany was kind-hearted and gentle, but Maddie had a hint of hidden cruelty. Despite her efforts to hide it, her face betrayed her true feelings.

"I'm not interested in your past issues with Jonathan, but if you harm Bethany, I will not stand by."