Chapter: 661

Aimee sighed in relief. Suddenly, as if struck by a sudden thought, she whispered, “I met Nikolas on my way here! Did he come all this way to plead for Maddie?"

Nikolas?

Bethany pondered for a moment and then shook her head. "I don't know. He's a friend of Maddie's, but... he's also a friend of Jonathan's. He shouldn't be siding with Maddie anymore."

Bethany was unaware of Nikolas’ recent car accident. The last time she saw him was due to an altercation involving Ryan. Even then, his demeanor was less than pleasant.

“You never know! This guy is obsessed with Maddie. Remember how he tried to match her with Jonathan! Clearly, there's nothing he won't do, right?"

“Aimee, next time you speak ill of someone, can you look around first?"

Aimee and Bethany turned toward the person who had just spoken.

There, limping slightly with gauze wrapped around his head, was Nikolas approaching them.

He had recently recovered from a severe car accident and had just been awakened by the doctor Jonathan had called. If not for Jonathan's dire situation, Nikolas would still be confined to a hospital bed.

Aimee was about to retort when a doctor burst out from the ICU.

"Mr. Bates is awake! He's awake!"

The moment Bethany wheeled herself into the ICU, Jonathan's faint voice reached her ears.

"I want to see... Bethany..."

"I'm right here, Jonathan," she responded eagerly. Navigating her wheelchair, she made her way to his bedside.

As Jonathan painstakingly turned to face her, a sense of relief washed over him, softening his furrowed brows.

He reached out to touch her, hindered only by the medical device attached to him.

Bethany struggled to her feet from the wheelchair and clasped his hand, her smile broadening. “Hang in there! We have plenty of time left. I'll be by your side, always!"

Jonathan's gaze Lingered on the wound adorning her cheek. “My parents."

"They've given me permission to look after you. How else could I be here?" Bethany reassured him.

Confusion flickered across Jonathan's face, but the presence of Bethany pushed his doubts away.

Shortly after, Jonathan's parents entered the room.

Francine gripped his hand and wept. "Jonathan, this is all my fault. I never imagined Maddie would act so rashly! If something were to happen to you, I couldn't bear it!"

"The patient needs his rest. Please, lower your voice." A doctor approached quietly, issuing a gentle reminder.

Worried his wife might collapse again, Godfrey arranged for someone to escort her back first.