Chapter: 974

Nikolas then lowered his voice, his breath warm against her ear. "If you don't say it, I might just have to make up for the whole week tonight."

This was their playful arrangement-once a day.

"Alright. Nikolas, I want to have your child. I want to marry you."

Maddie was transported to Wesden under the cover of night.

Though blindfolded, she could sense the darkness around her.

"Did you convey my message? I want to see Jonathan."

"We've informed him, but whether he'll come is up to him."

The escort, clearly impatient, pushed her brusquely into the car.

At least Jonathan was aware.

Maddie was worried that her message wouldn't be relayed and that Jonathan would remain unaware of her situation before she was killed.

She was certain that if Jonathan heard anything related to Bethany, he would definitely come to see her.

She expected a long wait, but to her surprise, Jonathan appeared in the early hours. He wore a black coat, his tall frame accentuating the garment, his presence as imposing as ever despite appearing leaner.

He wore a black coat, with long legs and a narrow waist. Though he appeared thinner than before, his demeanor remained cold, noble, and commanding.

Maddie understood his reasons for coming at such an hour. She averted her gaze, attempting a smile. “Is Bethany asleep?"

“iihat's the matter? Does it concern Bethany?"

Jonathan cut straight to the chase, dispensing with any small talk.

From her corner in the detention cell, Maddie peered at Jonathan through the bars. "Tell me, Jonathan, if there was no Bethany, could there have been something between us?"

He didn't respond, his expression growing impatient.

This faint patience was solely because of Bethany.

"Answer me, and I'll tell you what you need to know."

"Without Bethany, there is no Jonathan."

He refused to entertain hypotheticals or give Maddie any more attention than necessary.

"So, I was bound to lose from the start, wasn't I? Back when you were abroad and we were friends, I thought if I worked harder, I might stand a chance beside you." Reflecting on those times, Maddie realized her naivety, mistakenly believing Jonathan's affections for Bethany came later.

Maddie had long believed that Jonathan's feelings for Bethany were merely youthful infatuations that would falter under pressure, so she stirred up trouble, thinking she had a chance.