Chapter: 927

Oblivious to this, Jonathan asked Brody to book their flights, including tickets for the two children.

The night before departure, Godfrey called Jonathan.

"I noticed the kids' names-Nola Holt and Rowan Holt? They can't carry that surname! Change it immediately; they are Bates by blood!"

"Bethany is their mother. Why shouldn't they have her surname?"

Jonathan countered.

"Are you deliberately trying to get under my skin? Godfrey's frustration was palpable. "You used to be sensible. What's changed?

Jonathan's gaze drifted to Bethany playing with the kids upstairs.

His brow furrowed. “I'll change their surnames, but on one condition.”

"They are Bates by birthright! What condition could possibly justify this?" Godfrey huffed, suspicion lacing his voice. “Did Bethany put you up to this?"

"She didn't. It was my idea."

A silence, thick and tense, hung in the air before Godfrey spoke.

“What is it you want from me?"

Jonathan leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs, his voice calm and firm. "Hand over Maddie. I want to deal with her myself."

Godfrey was momentarily struck dumb.

"If you can't meet my condition, my children will keep the Holt surname. You won't change it, no matter what."

Godfrey hadn't seen this coming.

He thought Jonathan might demand that Bethany be recognized as his wife or make some grand declaration of undying love.

“That's your mother's decision, not mine", Godfrey finally managed, his voice strained.

"My mother sides with Maddie only because of an old debt-Maddie saved her life once. But I've repaid that. We're square."

“Why do you want Maddie?"

"She may have balanced her debt to the Bates family, but she's still accountable for the harm done to Bethany's mother," Jonathan replied, his voice steely.

The mention of Bethany's mother made Godfrey's heart skip, though he struggled to maintain an air of calm.

“I've looked into it. Bethany's mother died of a heart attack. How could Maddie be responsible? She merely spoke harsh words. Even in court, she wouldn't face a death sentence."

"It's up to Bethany to decide Maddie's fate."