Chapter: 618

Jonathan took a drag of his cigarette. "Not sure; assume I won't be."

Brody paused, clearly hesitating.

“If there's something on your mind, just say it." Jonathan sensed Brody was holding back.

With a nervous chuckle, Brody ventured, "Mr. Bates, you know about the two children, confirmed by the boy himself. Why not just be upfront with Bethany? You've secured Goldwald Company, and she's back at work."

At the mention of Bethany, Jonathan's expression softened, a rare note of resignation in his voice. “If I reveal everything now, she'll bolt like a scared rabbit and I'll never see her again."

"You could keep track of her movements. She wouldn't be able to elude your oversight."

“She would live in constant fear. She has a lot on her mind. Pressuring her will only drive her away.”

Jonathan knew that with someone like Bethany, who felt inherently insecure, he needed to proceed cautiously.

She might look gentle, but she could be quite stubborn. To win her heart, he needed her to open up to him voluntarily. If pushed, she was the type who would rather tear everything apart than yield.

Jonathan, more than anyone, was desperate to keep Bethany close forever. He had considered the tactics Brody suggested numerous times.

The acquisition of Goldwald Company had already escalated Bethany's anxiety. Any further forceful moves would surely drive her away.

Even his recent gentle inquiries were likely enough to cause her sleepless nights.

At times, Jonathan thought Bethany felt even more vulnerable than a child.

He had to weigh numerous factors before deciding.

He often wished he could be more impulsive, to play the part of the domineering CEO who simply confined her and never let her leave.

However, such drastic actions would only unsettle Bethany further.

“Well, that wasn't easy..." Brody sympathized, admiring his restraint.

If it were him, he would have already brought the children into the picture and forced a marriage.

"Sometimes I think I should just be content."

Years ago, when he had harbored a crush on Bethany and his confession had been met with silence, he had longed for her to be his girlfriend, even if just for a day.

After finally being with Bethany, Jonathan was overjoyed and even listed her name in the spouse column. He was so pleased that he couldn't sleep for many nights.

Bethany was always astonished to see that Jonathan, who appeared so composed, was tirelessly passionate every night. It wasn't just a newfound desire, but a deep feeling of reality he experienced only when he was with her, close to her.

She was truly his.

Her first love was him, her first intimate experience was with him, her first marriage was to him.