Chapter: 768
She quickly changed, donning a hat and a mask for disguise, and instructed the driver to circle the city before heading to a specific address.
It was a remote house in the suburbs.
Guards stood at the door while the windows, nailed shut, allowed nothing to escape from the house.
Upon seeing the car, the guards bowed respectfully.
“Mrs. Bates."
“How is she?" Francine stepped out of the car and eyed the house.
“She's been yelling and screaming nonstop. She eats well though. We've kept her inside as you instructed."
Francine gestured for the guards to move aside.
It was Maddie who was confined within.
When Jonathan's parents sent him to Wesden, they placed Maddie under house arrest.
Godfrey had forbidden Francine from visiting Maddie, prompting her to make these clandestine visits.
Francine entered the house alone.
She wasn't concerned about Maddie harming her; after all, Maddie was secured behind iron bars and couldn't escape.
At the sound of footsteps, Maddie stirred.
Lifting her head and seeing Francine, she surged to her feet, eyes alight with faint hope. “Francine! You're here at last! Please, let me out!"
Francine's expression darkened as she spoke with a mix of reproach and displeasure. "How could I release you? You nearly killed my son!"
"I was desperate then. I loved him so much that I thought if we couldn't be together, we could at least die together!" With her hands gripping the bars, Maddie's appearance was especially haggard and disheveled after being confined for so long.
“I warned you to hold back! Why didn't you listen? There's nothing more I can do for you. Keeping you alive is the last kindness I can offer." Francine's voice was firm. "You saved my life years ago, and I've repaid that debt several times over. We're square now. After your attempt on Jonathan, my hands are tied."
“What are you saying?"
“Put any thoughts of marrying Jonathan out of your mind. His father is already seeking a new bride for him."
Panicked, Maddie slapped the bars hard. "That can't be true! Please help me. Jonathan is mine! He is mine!"
"If you hadn't acted so recklessly, Godfrey might actually have given you a chance. I praised you to him, but you're no good. When you wanted to die with Jonathan, did you ever think of me? He's my only son!" Francine's hands trembled as she thought of her son lying in the ambulance, covered in blood.
Maddie pleaded, “I swear it won't happen again! I will love him and help him deal with company matters. I promise I won't hurt him anymore. I'm really sorry for what I did!"
"It's too late for regrets now. You'll stay here. If I can persuade Godfrey in the future, I might get you released. If not. you'll remain here forever."