Chapter 10: The Eldest Daughter Returns! 

Bella had married a college classmate, Bill, the year after Lily’s plane crash, divorcing three later and remaining single since. 

She’d focused on her career, building North Star Cosmetics into a successful 

The year after her divorce, she requested to buy back your shares…” 

years 

company. 

Bella had used Lily’s name to appeal to John’s emotions, claiming it was what Lily would have wanted. 

John agreed. 

“She’s received a lot of favors from me over the years.” 

John held Lily close, nuzzling her neck. 

His voice was almost pathetic. “Whenever she needed something, she’d mention you, sharing things she knew but you didn’t tell me.” 

“She thought her intentions were well hidden, but I was playing along. I wanted to hear about 

you.” 

For fifteen years, anything related to Lily had been a source of comfort for John. 

“Lily, I’m telling you this to prepare you. You’re still you, but your friends might not be the same.” 

This was a prelude; John was subtly warning her about her friends. 

He’d learned his lesson; he couldn’t be direct, fearing Lily’s temper. 

He’d almost lost Lily because of her friends! 

He’d disliked all of her male friends, not because of any actual romantic involvement, but purely out of jealousy. 

Initially, Lily found it cute, but John’s jealousy escalated, and Lily refused to tolerate 

John still remembered her words: 

“John, I love you, but if this love comes at the cost of losing myself, my love will become cheap, and I won’t love you anymore.” 

It was a casual remark then, but John had been terrified. 

Since then, he hadn’t interfered with Lily’s friendships. 

Therefore, mentioning Bella, Lily’s best friend from college, required careful wording and a conciliatory tone. 

He didn’t dare to be forceful. 

“I know. I saw the posts online.” 

Lily stroked John’s face and showed him Bella’s private messages.“I don’t want to be used by her again.” 

Nestled in John’s arms, she sounded subdued. 

Meeting Bella just days ago felt like a lifetime ago. 

She’d been used as an emotional ATM for fifteen years, allowing Bella to manipulate John into giving her favors. 

Chapter 10 The Eldest Daughter Ret 

“Okay, whatever Lily says.” 

“How do I explain my sudden reappearance? Telling the truth will make people think I’m crazy. 

“Don’t explain.” 

John gently patted her. “Don’t owe anyone an explanation. Say you were recovering overseas, or whatever excuse you need. You don’t have to account for anything.” 

Lily sat up, cupping his face.“If the sky falls…” 

“I’ll hold it up.” 

They smiled, transported back to their college days, lying on the grass, watching the clouds drift by. 

“John, 

thank goodness you haven’t changed. Thank goodness I 

have you. 

Lily flung her arms around him, nuzzling him affectionately. 

John returned the hug, burying his face in her neck, full of longing. 

His eyes held a deep, unreadable darkness. 

The next few days were busy for Lily as she adjusted to the life. 

Technological advancements in fifteen years were remarkable, and she felt like a new gamer exploring a virtual world with John as her NPC guide. 

She waited for Andy to contact her, but he was unusually silent. 

Just as she was about to call him, John stopped her. 

Andy is working on a project with his advisor; he’s very busy.” 

Lily decided to wait. 

She was being impatient. 

A week passed. 

Amy returned from abroad. 

She’d actually returned a couple of days early, wanting to surprise the new woman. 

The failed attempt at getting eight million had left her baffled; she’d never been refused before. She had no savings and was used to John providing her with money as needed. Puzzled by his refusal, she received a call from Vivian, revealing John’s new relationship and its connection to her financial woes. 

Amy hadn’t slept well that week. 

She’d heard countless stories of stepmothers causing family conflicts and manipulating their stepchildren. 

She couldn’t wait to go home. 

The moment she landed, before even heading home, she received a call from Hanson. A strange 

voice answered. 

“Lucky Restaurant, second–floor private room. Less than an hour. Break Hanson’s legs.” What?! You dare?! I’m coming!” 

Chapter 10: The Eldest Daughter Ret 

Amy rushed off in a taxi, her eyes red with anger. 

I’ve blocked her. She’ll probably think you did it. I don’t want to deal with her.” Lily reclined in a rocking chair on the second floor, eating grapes. 

It was John on the phone. 

After a few days of rest, his workload had piled up. 

‘Work–life balance was a myth for CEOs! 

He’d be home late ttoday due to overtime. 

They talked about Bella; she’d messaged John after he’d ignored her Facebook messages. He asked Lily if he should block her. 

Lily agreed. 

She’d already done it! 

After their conversation, Lily went to bed. 

The butler knocked on her door. 

“Ma’am, Miss Amy is back, and the police station called. They need someone to bail her out.” Because John had given Lily authority over household matters, the butler decided to consult her. Lily sat up abruptly, instantly awake. 

Returned? Police? Bail? 

This combination was alarming! 

Ma’am, should I inform Mr. Janson?” 

Lily shook her head. 

He’d bail her out anyway. There Was ΠΟ difference between them going. Lily had a plan; her children were different. 

The approach used with Andy wouldn’t work with Amy and Ben. 

Even if she shaved her head, the twins wouldn’t get a DNA test, probably dismissing any report as a forgery…. 

“No, I’ll handle it.” 

She needed to see what happened.