Chapter: 94

The Bates family considered Maddie as the likely future bride of Jonathan.

Jonathan parked outside the villa and called Maddie. "You can come out now. I'm right outside the gate."

“Jonathan, could you come inside and help me? I'm in so much pain I can hardly move," Maddie responded.

"Is it that serious?" Jonathan inquired, his concern evident. "I'll call 911 right now for help."

After a short pause, Maddie replied, "No need for that. It's just gastroenteritis. I'll be out soon. Just wait for me."

"Okay."

Jonathan stayed in his car and felt inappropriate about meeting Maddie alone at night, so he phoned Nikolas to join them for the hospital trip.

Nikolas promised to come right over when he learned of the situation.

Soon, Maddie appeared, visibly pale.

She opened the passenger door and got in. Looking up, she saw Jonathan struggling to start a conversation. Eventually, he said, “Buckle up. Nikolas has organized everything at the hospital. If needed, they can perform surgery tonight.”

“Thank you", Maddie said with a weak smile, settling back in her seat.

Now alone in the car, a simple turn of her head allowed her to observe his profile in the faint Light.

Jonathan's silhouette was strikingly defined against the light from the windshield, appearing almost divinely sculpted.

From the moment she first saw Jonathan, Maddie had been smitten.

She vividly remembered how Marie's refusal to divorce and her subsequent suicide attempt had led to public criticism that forced her and her mother into hiding. Eventually, the Bates family intervened took her in, thanks to a connection between Maddie's mother and Jonathan's father.

Back then, even at thirteen, Jonathan was taller than her and remarkably handsome, standing beside his parents.

That chaotic year forced Maddie and her mother to move abroad, ostensibly to study, but it also deepened Maddie's bitterness towards her father, Marie, and particularly Bethany.

She had worked tirelessly to secure a place at Jonathan's side, only to see Bethany slip into that spot seemingly without effort.

Maddie had never been allowed into Jonathan's personal life, not even once.

"Jonathan, would she be upset if you left her alone at home?" Maddie asked, carefully avoided using Bethany's name and referred to her as "she."

Maddie's voice shook slightly, perhaps from her pain, but it also expressed concern for Jonathan.

"So, Nikolas will handle everything at the hospital for you."

Jonathan chose to help Maddie, recognizing the urgency of her situation and how close she lived to him.

Since returning from abroad, Maddie had been deeply involved in the company business. Jonathan had just seen her active in the company's internal system. It would seem unkind to refuse her help now.