Chapter: 69

However, Bethany felt differently.

She perceived Jonathan's public closeness as a tactic, perhaps because he had another disagreement with Maddie and wanted to make her jealous.

Increasingly, Bethany resented being seen as just his contract wife.

Yet, she recognized her role was to be available for Jonathan whenever he required it, as this was what he expected after all he had provided for her.

Bethany remained silent but gazed out the window.

She hadn't visited Brokdon in five or six years. The last time she was here, she terminated the lease contract and took her mother to Odonset to see a doctor.

Brokdon had changed significantly. The city was now dotted with skyscrapers, due to the rise of the IT sector. Numerous technology hubs had emerged, and with robust government backing for economic growth and rising foreign investment, it was common to see international faces around.

Upon reaching SNS, Jonathan exited the car and walked on ahead.

Bethany lingered behind Brody and said, "Before we arrived, I looked up SNS shareholders. The man in the gray suit following their CEO is Stefan Vargas. His shares in SNS have shifted ownership three times. I suspect he considered dissolving his partnership and leaving SNS, but he reconsidered after noticing interest from Bates Group."

Her hypothesis seemed plausible.

Brody looked over at Stefan and said, "Your insight sounds reasonable. We'll need to review this with our lawyer and accountant in a meeting."

"Alright," Bethany responded.

Jonathan's presence on SNS drew considerable attention from various quarters, leaving him little chance for rest today.

By the afternoon, Brody was visibly tired. He approached Bethany and asked, "Since this is your hometown, do you know a good place to eat here?"

"Yes. There are definitely some tasty spots. But aren't you supposed to stick with Mr. Bates?" It seemed like they had plans to head to the hotel for a meeting.

"Mr. Bates has his PR secretary with him today. Not only are the people from SNS here, but some officials from the government's environmental protection department are expected later. I'm free for now."

"Got it. How about I take you out for some local rice noodles? It will be quick," proposed Bethany.

Brody's face lit up with approval. "No wonder Mr. Bates values you so much.”

A capable assistant like her shouldn't be hidden away at a small branch office.

Bethany smiled, finding Brody more approachable and less stern than she initially thought. He seemed to smile a lot more than Jonathan.

They looked up nearby rice noodle spots on their phones and caught a taxi to one.

As they settled in and placed their orders, Bethany's gaze was drawn to a familiar figure.

It was Andrew Holt.

Her father.