Chapter 13: Just Want to Cuddle All Day 

Bella felt her luck had drastically changed. First, the overseas distributor issue; Pierre, who had been softening, now refused to take her calls. Then, the domestic scandal resurfaced; the additive issue had been suppressed, but a blogger’s viral video reignited the controversy, dragging up years of negative press, making the situation impossible to control. 

Exhausted and overwhelmed, Bella tried to reach out to John for help, only to find herself “blocked! She was also blocked from viewing Lily’s Facebook. 

The initial setbacks hadn’t overly concerned her, but losing contact with John was alarming. North Star’s success relied heavily on J&J Corporation’s support. She’d leveraged her past. relationship with Lily to receive many favors from John. 

The additive issue had been a calculated move to garner John’s help with international relations, especially with Pierre. John’s influence was far more effective than any effort she could make Herself. Why was she blocked? Had he discovered her attempt to shift blame onto Lily? 

Bella panicked. She needed to deflect responsibility and maintain her relationship with the Jansons! She checked her phone and saw Amy’s recent Facebook post. 

As Lily’s friend, Bella had always been kind to her children; even Andy called her “Auntie Bella.” She often sent Amy gifts.. 

“Amy, you’re back! You’ve gotten so pretty! Bella commented. 

Others wouldn’t see the subtext in Amy’s post, but Lily would understand–it was a declaration of ownership! 

The picture showed the garden from Amy’s balcony, along with a selfie. The caption: “My home 

Within a minute, Amy replied: 

[Yeah, I’m back.] 

Seeing the quick reply, Bella sent a voice message, inquiring about Amy’s life and suggesting a meal. Subtly, she inquired about John’s mood and whereabouts. 

Amy, though not cunning, knew that family matters shouldn’t be aired publicly. She wouldn’t share her financial woes with Bella. 

She had a plan. The Wilson family birthday banquet was next day, and her father and the new woman were invited. Bella was invited too and, as Lily’s best friend, would surely disapprove! Bella’s sharp observation might reveal flaws Amy herself missed. With Vivian and Bella, she was sure they could handle the new woman! 

Bella was relieved; she was worried she couldn’t contact John! The Wilson family was an acquaintance; getting an invitation would be easy. 

Amy smiled like a mischievous fox upon Bella’s agreement. Then she froze, seeing a message from Andy. 

He hadn’t responded for a whole day! 

see 

You pretended to love Mom so much, but you’re just like the rest! I’ll handle that woman! If you’re free, come to the Wilson birthday banquet to 

the drama unfold.] Unsurprisingly, the message was ignored. Amy tossed her phone aside, huffing. She didn’t need 

him! 

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Chapter 13 Just Want to Cuddy All 

Lily sneezed twice.“Amy’s probably cursing me,” she laughed to John. 

“She’s shopping with Linda today. They’ll wear matching outfits at the banquet.” The banquet was for Linda’s grandfather. 

“I thought she’d cause more trouble. I underestimated our daughter.” Lily wanted to reconcile with Amy but felt a hasty reveal would strain their relationship. She needed to build trust; Amy’s current dislike was an opportunity for connection. Even for biological mother and daughter, relationships needed nurturing. 

“She’ll probably cause trouble at the banquet,” John guessed, pulling her closer. He’d always been clingy; Lily expected him to be more mature after all these years. Instead, it was worse! He was constantly seeking physical closeness. 

“I’ll keep an eye on her.” John held her close, pulling her onto his lap. It was his favorite position; Lily nestled completely in his embrace. 

She was all his. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.” If John interfered, Amy would resent her even more; Lily wanted Amy to 

understand her and guide her growth. 

Lily kissed John’s lips. “You’re the best.” 

His eyes darkened, a predatory intensity in his gaze. He said huskily, “Lily, I’m jealous of Amy.” She had captured so much of Lily’s attention. 

“You’re being childish again. That’s our daughter! Once we handle the kids‘ issues, I’ll make it up to you.” 

“Okay, I remember.” 

kily then pulled his face.“You’re jealous? I’m cleaning up your mess!” If he’d been a better father, she wouldn’t have to do this. Thinking of Andy’s silence, she pinched him harder. Not a single one of her children was obedient! 

John accepted her teasing, his arms never leaving her waist. 

“Shall we go shopping tomorrow?” 

Ben years had not only disrupted Lily’s life but also renewed her sense of wonder. Going out would be nice. 

Lily nodded. Little did she know, tomorrow’s shopping trip would be eventful!