Chapter: 647

"I've arranged for someone to pick up Jonathan's children. Just so you know, they shouldn't be treated poorly. Remember, they're not just Bethany's kids; they're part of the Bates family too."

"What?" Francine frowned, her voice low but resolute. "I won't mistreat them as long as they behave and don't always side with Bethany."

“Even though I'm not fond of Bethany either, seeing our family in disarray bothers me even more!"

Godfrey was truly frightened by the situation with Maddie.

Previously, he had been more concerned about his wife's health and hadn't paid much attention to the conflicts between Maddie and Bethany. He hadn't realized how much his wife had indulged Maddie, turning her into someone so obstinate she nearly lost her sanity and killed his son.

If he had been aware, he would have intervened.

Aware of her mistakes, Francine said softly, "Look at our friends. Their children marry people of similar social standing. I wanted Jonathan to marry a highly educated, capable woman who could support his career. That's beneficial for him, right?"

"True, Maddie is capable, but her ruthlessness is unacceptable. That's a definite no."

"Think about it, dear. Before Bethany came along, Jonathan and Maddie were getting along so well. At work, Maddie really supported him, which even you acknowledge, right? They were also good friends outside of work, often dining with Nikolas. Nothing went wrong then. ALL the trouble started after he met Bethany!"

"I don't want to hear it anymore. If Jonathan makes it through this, you must never bring up Maddie around me again!"

Francine nodded quickly. “Don't worry, I won't! I'll keep her away from my son. I only saved her life out of past kindness. Even if you can forgive her, I can't. I'm scared she might harm Jonathan again."

“I hope you've destroyed all evidence of what you did to Bethany's mother. Let's ensure no one ever discovers it."

Godfrey couldn't bear to think what his son might do if he found out.

In the ward of Central Hospital in Odonset, Aimee was stunned, staring at the empty bed.

Rowan had suddenly craved cakes and Bethany had wanted to rest, so Aimee had taken Rowan downstairs to buy some cakes, trying not to disturb Bethany's sleep.

And when they returned, Bethany was gone.

Luckily, Aimee was quick-witted. She turned to the young one beside her and asked, “Rowan, did you know your mommy was planning to leave?"

Rowan pursed her lips and pretended ignorance. “How was I supposed to know?"

"You're mot telling the truth! You just mentioned wanting cakes earlier, but then at the first store, you suddenly didn't feel Like eating anything. Same story at the second store. Are you trying to tell me you weren't stalling?"

“Hatha! Rowan admitted it. “Mommy is grown up. She can go wherever she likes. How could I, just a kid, stop her?"

Aimee was frustrated. "She's hurt! It's not that I want to stop her. She needs to rest and recover."

She acted this way because she felt sorry for Bethany. She didn't intend to cause harm.

"I understand." Rowan nodded and gazed into Aimee's eyes. "But Mommy is unhappy here. I saw her crying."

Aimee was left speechless.