Chapter 76

Randy's expression darkened, though he forced a smile. "Why are you suddenly interested in my marriage?"

"I'm not interested," Jonathan replied coldly. "But I can't stand by and watch this. You're going to divorce her-immediately."

Randy studied him for a moment, as if piecing something together.

"Don't tell me you've fallen for her?" he sneered. "I've seen you picking up her children, and now you're living here. Imagine the headlines: 'The illustrious Mr. Berkeley coveting his own cousin's wife.' Quite the scandal,wouldn't you say?"

Jonathan laughed. "You think being in the Berkeley family tree gives you immunity? The last person who threatened me is still in prison. Care to join him?"

Randy's face darkened. "This is a private family matter. You shouldn't interfere."

Seeing Randy's resistance, Jonathan decided to apply pressure.

"Whether I should or shouldn't, I already am. If you don't agree, starting tomorrow, I'll revoke all your Berkeley family privileges-your shares,your position, your father's job, and that mansion you live in. All gifts from the Berkeley family."

"You'd crush your own family for her? I'm your blood."

"If I don't acknowledge you as family, you're nothing," Jonathan stated coldly. "Refuse me, and I won't just 'crush' you--I'll make sure you can't show your face in Eldoria again. Grandfather will back me. I'm the one in charge,after all."

The words seemed to suffocate Randy. Everything at Berkeley Enterprises did ultimately answer to Jonathan.

If stripped of these privileges, Randy would have to return to his old neighborhood and wwork an ordinary job. Having tasted wealth, he couldn't bear returning to a humble existence.

Despite his intense reluctance, he didn't dare refuse Jonathan.

"Fine," he muttered.

Jonathan smiled with satisfaction. "A wise choice. Sign the agreement,and my people will handle the rest. And stay away from her from now on."

Randy grudgingly signed his name, teeth clenched.

Kathie has found herseIf quite the protector,' he thought bitterly. 'Too bad her status will prevent her from ever marrying into the Berkeley family properly.

The family would never allow Jonathan, their leader, to marry his cousin's ex-wife. The people of Eldoria would laugh them.

Jonathan was feeling rather pleased with himself, imagining Kathie's gratitude when she returned that evening.

Just as Randy finished signing, his phone rang-his mother calling.

"Mom? What is it?" he answered, turning away.

"Randy, have you seen the news? That business with you and Kathie is the talk of Eldoria Hospital, and it's spreading everywhere."

He was genuinely confused. "What business?"

Kaitlyn exploded, "I told you to thank her, not reconcile with her! And now you're brawling in public? It's all over social media! Someone's even

claiming Kathie has multiple wealthy lovers. I think it's time to end this for good. We have a reputation to maintain. We don't need a woman like her in our family."

Randy suddenly understood-someone had twisted the incident where Bradley had attacked him. But who would spread such gossip?

"That's not what happened..." he began.

"I don't care what happened! Get back to the hospital immediately and finalize that divorce."

Randy started to explain, but glancing at the divorce agreement on the table. he realized further protest was pointless.

"I'm on my way," he replied, hanging up.

He caught Jonathan's questioning look.

"My mother says someone's spreading stories about Kathie and me online.She wants me to handle it right away."

What could possibly be said about him and Kathie?

"Then don't let me keep you," Jonathan replied.

Randy couldn't leave fast enough.

After he left, Jonathan drummed his fingers on the table and turned to Ben. "Find out what's happening."

Ben nodded and quickly checked his phone. His face went pale.

"Mr. Berkeley, this is outrageous! They've even dragged me into it-claiming I'm one of Dr. Cavendish's lovers." He scrolled further. "There's even a doctored photo of her kissing me under a tree! Who would create such malicious lies?"

Jonathan took the phone, his expression darkening with fury as he slammed his fist on the table. "Find who posted this. Now."

Ben immediately tasked the IT department with tracking down the source,emphasizing maximum urgency.

This wasn't just about Kathie's reputation-it was about Jonathan's as well.Judging by his expression, Jonathan was ready to destroy whoever was responsible.

Within ten minutes, the IT department delivered results.

"Mr. Berkeley," Ben reported, "the posts came from Amelia, daughter of the Saint Charles Memorial Hospital Deputy Director. She's also on the research project team. She's apparently pursued Bradley multiple times and been rejected. Interestingly, Bradley's face is obscured in all the videos.

Jonathan's eyes narrowed with cold anger. "Alan's daughter? Isn't Alan the leading candidate to replace the retiring hospital director?"

As a board member, Jonathan was thoroughly familiar with all internal affairs.

Ben nodded. "Correct. He was the director's student and has considerable influence there."

Jonathan smiled icily. "If this is the daughter he's raised, it speaks volumes about his character. Issue the order: Alan is to be removed from consideration for the position."

Ben understood perfectly. "Consider it done."

Anyone who crossed Dr. Cavendish was clearly facing Jonathan's wrath.

When Ben returned from making the call,Jonathan handed him a list.

Ben looked concerned. "Mr. Berkeley, you don't expect me to cook all this.do you?"

Jonathan rolled his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. Call the housekeeper to prepare everything, then deliver it to Kathie.She was feverish yesterday and needs proper nutrition to recover."

"How thoughtful of you, Mr. Berkeley. I'll arrange it immediately."

Ben had never seen Jonathan so concerned about a woman before. Despite the social gap between them, he secretly hoped Jonathan and Kathie might somehow end up together.

After Ben left, Jonathan felt the emptiness of the house acutely. It had only been a few hours, but he already missed Kathie and her son. He was beginning to realize that he was the one who couldn't bear to be without them.

At the reseach institute, Kathie had just finished a long day and was heading to the cafeteria, starving, when a delivery person appeared."Dr.Cavendish? Delivery from Mr. Cooper."

Kathie looked puzzled. "Which Mr. Cooper? And how did you know who I am?"

The delivery person smiled and held up his phone. Ben was on a video call, waving at her. "Dr. Cavendish, Mr. Berkeley had his housekeeper prepare this nutritious meal for you. I'll come back to pick you up after you've eaten."

"That's so thoughtful of you."

"All Mr. Berkeley's idea. You should thank him."

So that explained how the delivery person had identified her.

"I'll see you soon,then."

Kathie felt a warm glow of appreciation for everything Jonathan was doing for her.