Chapter: 611

His home in East Shade Bay was lively once more.

After tidying the dining area, he retreated to his room, finding missed calls from Brody.

A quick glance toward Rowan's room preceded his move to the window, where he opened it to return the call.

“Mr. Bates, we've yet to uncover anything solid about the death of Bethany's mother," Brody reported, frustration seeping into his voice.

"ALL the evidence, testimonies-even the medical records and hospital footage-have vanished. The bodyguards stationed at her door have all succumbed to sudden illnesses."

Jonathan's grip tightened until his knuckles whitened. "They're blocking my investigation."

"There is one method left to determine how she died," Brody added.

Jonathan cut him off, his decision firm. "Bethany would never forgive me if I had her mother's grave disturbed."

Brody fell silent.

“It's impossible Maddie acted alone in this."

Jonathan was certain his mother was involved; it was always her.

Now, he feared that digging deeper might expose too much of his mother's hand in these dark deeds.

"Also, Mr. Bates, the owner of the warehouse we searched has vanished. Tests on a hair strand we found confirm it's Rowan's. They definitely took him."

"Keep looking and find them, dead or alive."

"Understood, Mr. Bates."

After ending the call, Jonathan's gaze hardened as he stared out the window.

He dialed his mother's number. Before she could greet him, he said coldly, “Are you done helping Maddie commit crimes?"

“Who do you think you're speaking to?" Francine's voice crackled with anger. “Jonathan, this boldness over a woman? How dare you threaten your own mother?"

Jonathan massaged his temples, his voice cold as ice. "Just tell me—how involved were you in the death of Bethany's mother?"

"Bethany's mother? Do I even know her? You've completely lost it, blaming everything on your mother!"

"I know Maddie was involved. I hope you did not act on her behalf."

The thought of his mother being involved in Marie's death filled him with dread.

It would change everything.

"Stop casting all the blame on Maddie! She's committed to Bates Group, and our reputation today is largely her doing." Francine shuddered, remembering the harrowing experience. “If Maddie hadn't been there, I would have been the one enduring unimaginable torment. Bates Group would have turned into a laughingstock. We owe her a great deal."