Chapter: 646

It was the first hopeful news they'd received.

Godfrey wasted no time. “If you save my son's life, I'll donate one hundred million dollars to this hospital!"

“We're doing everything we can." The doctor reassured returned to the operating room.

Godfrey exhaled deeply, relief washing over him.

He hurriedly shared the update with his wife. Francine bolted over from the ward she was resting, eyes wide with hope. "Really? Is our son truly out of danger?"

"Absolutely!" Godfrey answered, his voice laden with hope. He then fell silent, lost in thought for a moment. "The doctor mentioned something interesting-just hearing Bethany's name seemed to lift his spirits. How about—"

Francine interjected, “What are you suggesting? Are you saying we should welcome Bethany into the Bates family?"

“We can't let Maddie marry into our family now. Even though Bethany comes from modest beginnings, we could help elevate her status. Start a business for her, maybe even embellish her family background a bit."

This way, people wouldn't gossip about her. And Jonathan could finally be with her. Godfrey just realized just how important Bethany was to his son.

He feared the consequences of their continued interference in his relationship with her.

Francine immediately dismissed the idea. “Absolutely not! Even if we're willing to move past everything and accept Bethany now, but Bethany's mother..."

Francine paused, watching his reaction carefully.

"Didn't you get rid of the evidence? Bethany is clueless. Why not just pin it all on Maddie?"

Godfrey had been kept in the dark initially; Francine had acted first and briefed him later. When things had spiraled out of control, she had turned to him to fix things.

“There are plenty of women out there. Why does our son have to marry Bethany? Every time I see her, it reminds me of the past. We'll never see eye to eye," Francine admitted.

"I never thought you'd go to such lengths for Maddie!" Godfrey exclaimed, incredulous.

If he had been more attentive earlier, perhaps he could have prevented things from reaching this point.

Francine pursed her lips, feeling a twinge of injustice. “Even if I put aside the fact that Maddie saved my life, she's been dedicated to us for so long. When you and our son were busy with work, she was my constant support. She always cheered me up. Before Bethany came along, she never asked for anything. All she wanted was for me to handle her romantic rival. How could I refuse?"

Godfrey hesitated, wanting to scold her further but realizing he hadn't been there for her much.

It made sense for Francine to favor Maddie and treat her like family.

"I worry that our relationship with Jonathan might suffer in the end,"

Godfrey lamented.

"No, it won't. Jonathan is our own son. He's not the type to be cruel," Francine reassured him.

Godfrey fell silent, sensing that resolving this issue wouldn't be so simple.