Chapter: 833

After watching Aimee enter a taxi and leave the restaurant, Bethany returned to the private room.

Inside, Nikolas was speaking with Rowan but seemed distracted.

Jonathan looked up at Bethany and asked, “Has she gone?"

"Yes."

Bethany pulled out a chair, sat down, and said to Nikolas, "Nikolas, please don't bother Aimee. You two aren't right for each other."

Nikolas paused, then acknowledged, "I understand."

Jonathan was well aware of what Aimee meant Bethany. Bethany had lacked familial affection since childhood, and Aimee had provided her with more love than she had received before. To Bethany, Aimee was family.

Jonathan said firmly, "This is over, Nikolas."

"Okay," Nikolas responded, clearly displeased.

Bethany understood that Nikolas had feelings for Aimee. However, falling in love and marrying were different matters. Aimee might love Nikolas, but they weren't meant to marry.

They had wanted to enjoy a peaceful meal and conversation, but the unexpected incident cast a shadow over the gathering, leaving everyone on edge.

Nikolas, after nibbling at his food, found an excuse about needing to attend to business matters and departed early.

Once the others had gone, Bethany told Jonathan, “I don't hold any resentment towards Nikolas. If Aimee truly wishes to be with him, I won't stand in their way. Yet, Aimee has told me she's not fond of playboys like him."

"There's no need for explanations," Jonathan responded with understanding.

He was fully aware of Bethany's concerns, but he also recognized that Nikolas was genuinely smitten with Aimee this time.

It was a side of Nikolas he had never witnessed before.

Despite his close friendship with Nikolas, Jonathan felt helpless.

The object of Nikolas’ affection was Bethany's best friend, placing him in a delicate position. He couldn't overstep boundaries with Aimee, nor could he offer much help to Nikolas without risking complications.

After dinner, Jonathan arranged for Brody to take the children back to East Shade Bay.

"Head back with them," Jonathan instructed. "I'll join you after picking up the kids' stuff from Jayson's Bethany observed Nola and Rowan climbing into the car, yet she hesitated to follow. After a lengthy pause, she made a decision.

“I'll go with you."

“Do you fear I might do something to Jayson?" Jonathan's tone was calm, almost eerily so, like the quiet before a storm.

He had intended only to thank Jayson, but the sight of Bethany defending Jayson so fiercely nearly pushed him over the edge.

His jealousy flared when he saw Bethany fussing over another man.