Chapter 26: Mom’s Got Your Back
On the surface, the three children lived lives of luxury and privilege. But beneath the veneer? They’d faced numerous instances of bullying. People had taken advantage of their youth and naiveté, using them as pawns to achieve their own goals.
Lily had been investigating their past, uncovering numerous situations where she would have intervened if she’d been present. These individuals had manipulated her children under the guise ‘of helping them, offering advice, taking advantage of them and then acting as benefactors!
The Smith family, who’d adopted Amy as a goddaughter; the William family, who treated Ben like a beloved grandchild; the Miller family, where Andy had boarded for two years during middle school…
Not one of them was innocent!
They were all outwardly kind to the children, yet secretly exploiting them for their own gain. Why? Because the three Janson children had a father who showered them with money but didn’t oversee their well–being, and a missing mother.
Anger and heartbreak washed over Lily. A family with resources will always attract predators. It wasn’t that there were no good people in the world; it was that her children carried the Janson name, making them targets for those with malicious intent.
After the Wilson family banquet, news of John’s “new girlfriend” would spread quickly, prompting those with ulterior motives to act.
She
was
every
score from
the
past
fifteen years.
waiting. She would settle While Lily was plotting, others were planning as well. As expected, news of John’s new girlfriend spread amongst the elite circles the night of the Wilson family banquet. Those with connections to the Janson family were eager to learn more about her.
While her true identity remained elusive, numerous stories circulated. She wielded significant influence over John, even surpassing the eldest son. He openly acknowledged her as his mother! Even the Janson family’s daughter treated her with respect. She reportedly cried with remorse after being reprimanded by the new girlfriend.
Apparently, the elder sister–in–law of John’s ex–wife had fled after meeting her
Heavens! Who exactly *was* this woman?!
- 50.
Already incredible, these tales, embellished with each retelling, turned Lily into a mythical Rumors spread of her mysterious origins, even suggesting she was a specially trained shaman from some powerful family.
This prompted some to act. Among them was Smith’s sister–in–law, Lindsey, who contacted Amy.
Amy and Alice, Smith’s younger sister, had been classmates. Amy frequently visited Alice, and Lindsey always greeted her warmly. One day, the conversation turned to godparenthood. Lindsey subtly suggested, “You’re SO close to us, you can be my goddaughter!”
Alice readily agreed, saying it would make things easier, and Amy could stay over for extended
visits.
Thus, the goddaughter relationship was established. Normally, such arrangements required family consent, especially since Amy was a minor. But the Smith family was persistent and brazenly announced their goddaughter, the daughter of Mr. Janson.
6.0
Chapter 26: Mom’s Got Your Back
Manu
Hearing about the new girlfriend, Lindsey called Amy to invite her for dinner, hoping to learn more. A new mistress in the Janson family would dramatically alter the situation, and the Smiths needed to assess this new power dynamic.
Amy answered but declined the invitation, claiming she had urgent schoolwork to complete.
Lindsey, playing the caring older sister, didn’t press further, offering her support before hanging
- up.
Amy wasn’t busy with homework; she just didn’t want to go to the Smiths. She’d just seen Hanson. He’d been beaten because he couldn’t repay his debts; his family’s valuables had been seized, and his mother was hospitalized. Amy wanted to help but didn’t have the money.
Her words were inadequate. Watching Hanson’s silent suffering, her helplessness weighed on her. She emptied her pockets, giving him her cash: a little over five thousand dollars. It was a drop in the bucket, but enough for some medicine for his mother.
Fearing he’d refuse, she quickly left, promising, “I’ll find a way. Wait for me!” She didn’t see Hanson’s disdainful expression after examining the meager sum.
Amy was despondent. She’d never worried about money before. A million dollars seemed unattainable. Being under eighteen, she needed a guardian’s signature for any financial transactions; she couldn’t secretly sell her luxury items. If her father or the new woman found out, it would harm Hanson. Her father was far crueler than any debt collector. Her other rich friends were also careful with their spending, and their allowances weren’t generous. And if she borrowed money, her father might find out…
She was at a loss. Then Lindsey called. After hanging up, Amy wandered for a long time, ultimately deciding to borrow money. But she had to choose carefully; revealing it to multiple people would be risky. She would borrow from only one person and ask for secrecy Amy called Lindsey back.
“Sister Lindsey, could you lend me a million dollars? I need it urgently. Please keep it confidential; I’ll pay you back in a month or two.”
A glint appeared in Lindsey’s eyes. “Of course, Amy. What’s wrong? Why don’t you come over, and we can talk?”
Amy was too impulsive to discuss this face–to–face, fearing she might slip up. She used the excuse of schoolwork and asked Lindsey to transfer the money.
After the call, Lindsey promptly wired the money. Seeing the balance, Amy jumped for joy. It was getting dark. Hanson was going to the hospital, so she went home, planning to deliver the money
tomorrow.
Lindsey smiled contentedly.
A million dollars. Well worth it. Now she had a perfect excuse to meet John’s new girlfriend.
