Chapter 5 Jonathan's Tattoo

The tattoo looked old and faded, as though embedded in Jonathan's skin since time immemorial.

If Aimee was right and Jonathan had been in love with a woman since forever, then the number 0825 was probably the woman's birthday.

After all, Bethany knew that Jonathan was born in April, while his parents were born in July.

The date had nothing to do with Bethany.

Her birthday was on the 14th of November, which was nowhere near the four numbers embedded on Jonathan's collarbone.

Jonathan was famous for being such an indifferent man, but he got a tattoo for someone-a crazy and childish thing-which showed just how deeply he loved that girl.

Bethany bit her lip, suddenly regretting her impulsive actions last night. She should've asked if Jonathan was single before doing anything.

Although Jonathan was a cut above the rest in terms of looks and capabilities, Bethany still had values; she couldn't approach another girl's man, no matter how attractive he was.

"Aimee, do you know anyone close to Mr. Bates whose birthday is on August 25th?" she asked tentatively.

"Huh? How on earth would I know? Ensson Corporation's just one of the many companies under Bates Group, and while it occupies 70% of the domestic market, Jonathan's the CEO of the whole Bates Group. I'm not in a position to gossip about him!"

Bethany was speechless.

Aimee was usually an expert at gathering juicy intel.

Suddenly, Aimee seemed to remember something. "Wait a minute. I think the chief lawyer of Bates Group, Maddie Hinchcliffe, was born in August. I read her resume once. She's rich and beautiful, and she was the belle of the ball when she attended an event as Mr. Bates' plus one. Hang on a second, I'll find you some photos!"

"No, thanks." Bethany stopped Aimee in the nick of time.

With this information alone, she could see how perfect a couple they were.

No wonder Jonathan had treated her so coldly today. He was probably worried that she'd expose their affair, so he pretended to be unfamiliar with her and deliberately distanced himself from her. This way, no one would believe her even if she spilled the beans about her passionate night with him.

Jonathan was indeed very smart and cunning, befitting of the CEO of a mega conglomerate.

After ending the call, Bethany went back to her room, washed her face, and changed into her loungewear. Then she turned on the computer to work on the new project.

Her mother's huge monthly medical expenses left her no room to even think about love and romance.

Typing furiously on her laptop, she was so engrossed in her work that she failed to notice her muted phone lighting up several times.

Only when Bethany started to get ready for bed did she see that Jonathan had sent her three voice call requests and a message four hours ago.

The single text read, "Reply to me when you wake up."

Bethany peered at her phone screen in confusion, wondering why on earth Jonathan would want to talk to her.

Then again, he probably just wanted to warn her not to tell anyone about what happened between them. Perhaps he was even going to offer her some hush money-but if she took the money, how would that be any different from selling her body?

After a moment's consideration, Bethany typed, "What happened last night never happened. Don't worry."

But the moment she hit send, she decisively unfriended Jonathan.

Maybe by cutting communications with him, he'd feel more relieved.

Stifling a yawn, Bethany put her phone aside and went to bed.

But she was soon rudely woken up by a call from Carson.

"Hand over the project contract to Anna," he ordered.

"But, Mr. Smith, I-"

Before she could finish, Carson hung up on her. He didn't even give her a chance to respond.

With a sigh, Bethany got up to look for the project contract, but to her growing horror, she couldn't find the folder after rummaging through her luggage.

She clearly remembered having it when she first arrived at the hotel.

Suddenly, Bethany froze.

"Damn it."

She must've left the contract in Room 1501 when she hurriedly made her escape.