Chapter 18: High Status Indeed! 

Andy inwardly criticized his father, his pace quickening to a jog. Reaching the third–floor hallway, unsure of Lily’s room, he was about to call when he saw John knocking on a door. After finishing his socializing. John had asked Mrs. Wilson about Lily’s whereabouts and learned she was in room 310. 

Andy reached John, breathless, followed by several young men, then Mrs. Wilson and several other wealthy women. 

What was this? John frowned. Andy realized, mortified, that he’d brought a crowd. Cody and his friends had followed Andy, and Mrs. Wilson and the others had seen a group of young men hurrying upstairs, Andy looking especially serious. They’d followed, concerned something was 

wrong. 

t 

open. 

The door clicked 

Seeing the crowd, Lily Amy, eyes red from crying, stood behind Lily. 

blinked. “What’s wrong?” 

Andy relaxed, seeing Lily was unharmed. John pulled Lily close, his protectiveness evident. 

Lily explained, “The child was being mischievous. She’s throwing a tantrum. 

Everyone:… 

They all knew that if Amy were truly throwing a tantrum, she wouldn’t be this quiet. She would have smashed the door! She’d been disciplined! 

Their estimation of Lily rose. Stepmothers typically tread carefully; too much control is bad, too little is worse. Spoiled daughters rarely accept reprimands meekly. Amy’s subdued reaction geant Lily commanded respect, able to control her stepdaughter. 

John and Andy’s acceptance of Lily’s actions further solidified this impression. Lily wast impressive! 

They overlooked someone–Linda, crouching in a corner. Her expression mirrored Amy’s distress. Although Lily hadn’t scolded her, the reprimand of Amy felt like a warning. 

Twenty minutes earlier, Linda had feigned ignorance when questioned by Lily. Lily had quickly exposed their scheme. Linda’s façade crumbled. 

“There are cameras in the jewelry display area. Amy, you were watching, weren’t you? Come out.” 

Amy walked in from the next room. 

You found out. I concede. But what are you going to do?” 

Amy was fearless. Lily couldn’t hurt her. 

“Utterly foolish!” 

Amy was stunned. Before she could retort, Lily’s words hit her like a tidal wave. You planned to lure me into a trap, release the security footage, reveal my character flaws, and sabotage my chances with John?” 

“Did 

you consider how this would affect your father? We’re here to celebrate Mr. Wilson’s birthday; this is ruining the event!” 

You think this footage would expose me? No, it would humiliate the Jansons. The Janson daughter setting Π trap, creating at scandal involving a 

gold–digging thief…” 

“Chapter Til High Status Indeed” 

“Family matters should be kept private. You knew that, yet you went ahead? If you’d done this at -home, I’d commend your ingenuity, but doing this at someone else’s birthday party, with their 

granddaughter no less…” 

d 

“Do you think people won’t laugh at you? Everyone here is sharp; they’ll see through your scheme. What will they think of you?” 

Amy burst into tears. No one had ever scolded her like this! She’d discussed the plan with Vivian, who’d approved. 

Realizing the potential damage to her family, she felt helpless, ashamed, and scared. Her emotions were a tempest. She wanted to retort but couldn’t. 

Linda paled, realizing the consequences of their reckless actions. Reality wasn’t like movies; the messy repercussions hadn’t been considered. 

“Okay, don’t cry. Nothing happened.” 

Lily’s attempt at comfort made Amy cry harder. Lily felt sympathy but needed to take this action. Amy had led a sheltered life, but that wasn’t inherently bad. The problem was the lack of guidance in her upbringing. 

Lily couldn’t openly reveal her identity yet; doing so would alienate Amy. It was better to establish her authority early on, creating a learning experience for Amy. 

As Lily attempted to comfort Amy, a knock came at the door. Then, the scene from the beginning of the chapter played out. 

A boy who had secretly admired Amy saw her crying and asked, “Amy, did she bully you?!” 

Amy, having just been lectured, was unusually clear–headed. 

“No! This is family business!” She went to the restroom, mortified at the sight of her swollen 

eyes. 

The boy mumbled and froze under Andy’s fierce gaze. 

It was a minor interruption. Everyone dispersed, returning to the banquet. News of Lily’s high status spread. 

The banquet proceeded smoothly. John stayed with Lily, Amy following behind, lost in thought. Andy left discreetly. 

But the drama wasn’t over. As the Jansons were leaving, their car was blocked. Amy stepped out first, pointing to Vivian and her entourage.“Aunt Vivian, what are you doing?!”