Chapter 35: Angel
“Twenty percent?!”
Even the usually composed Andy was shocked. NoDi had just revealed that Lily owned twenty percent of NoDi International Auction House.
After the auction, they went to a nearby restaurant. During the auction, NoDi had learned what had happened, raising questions in his mind. Regardless of Lily’s situation, how could Andy, John’s son, be perceived as poor by his classmates? This prompted NoDi’s eagerness to reveal his connection to Lily.
“Andy, how have you been these past years?” NoDi asked, though he really wanted to know if his father had treated him well, but felt it was too soon to ask personal questions.
“Fine,” Andy replied, showing no inclination to confide in NoDi, even knowing he was a friend of his mother. To build trust and strengthen their connection, NoDi revealed Lily’s stake in the auction house.
“After my father passed away, my uncle seized the family inheritance, and I was forced out. Your mother saved me. When I was at my lowest, considering becoming a homeless person, she funded my education and invested in my business…”
NoDi’s eyes welled up. Lily was an angel, rescuing him from the clutches of his uncle.
“I asked her why she invested in me. She said, ‘Don’t ask why. Just believe in yourself. You deserve it.“”
“I’ll never forget those words.”
NoDi revealed a side of Lily Andy had never known.
“Can you tell me more about Mom?”
“Of course. She’s principled but fiercely protective of those she cares about. She…
Andy recalled the auction. He didn’t know his mother’s bidder number, but he sensed Number & was her.
NoDi spoke at length, eventually mentioning John.“I saw your father at the auction. Did you know?”
Andy said he did.
NoDi sighed, swirling his champagne.“He loves your mother deeply, but he has another woman.
Andy’s eyes widened. Another woman?!
“But he doesn’t seem to value this new girlfriend much. The auction didn’t have high–value items; nothing exceeded ten million…”
Andy twitched his lips, realizing NoDi’s misunderstanding. He was about to explain when he received a message from John.
[Don’t tell NoDi anything about your mother.]
Andy raised an eyebrow. A second later, he looked at NoDi.“That woman is my mother.”
9.3%
Chapter 35: Angel
Bella and Lindsey’s plan at the auction had failed. Their contact only arrived after the auction had ended. Plan B had failed, but Plan A was a success.
Bella received a call from Lily that night, suggesting a meeting. Seeing Lily take the bait, Bella began her psychological game, saying she was going on a business trip for a week and would meet
then.
After hanging up, Bella was elated, picturing Lily falling into her trap. The week–long delay was intended to unsettle Lily, while Bella did have Overseas business to attend to.
The overseas deal fell through; she needed to process paperwork and pay hefty penalties, along with the domestic refunds. North Star was hemorrhaging money this month! If sales didn’t pick up, more problems would follow.
Was Bella acting out of revenge? No. It was about regaining access to the Janson family and protecting her own interests.
Lindsey, learning that Lily had contacted Bella, smiled triumphantly. According to their plan, while Bella was abroad, she would find a way to make Lily hear about John’s deep affection for his ex–wife, creating further turmoil.
That evening, Lindsey finally reached Amy. She lamented her “hardships,” detailing Lily and John’s visit. Her goal was to poison Amy’s mind, painting Lily as manipulative and causing trouble with the Smiths. She expected a strong reaction, prompting Amy to confront Lily on her behalf.
“What?! She went to your house?!” Lindsey was pleased with Amy’s indignant tone.
But Amy’s next words were unexpected.“Sister Lindsey, I’ll explain later. I have something urgent to deal with.”
The line went dead.
Lindsey:… That sounded incredibly dismissive.
Lindsey was right; Amy was being evasive. She was swamped and couldn’t handle the Smith family issue.
“Amy, dear, the melons are in! Seasonal fruit is the best. Aunt bought some for you. I heard the fruit vendor shouting,” Hanson’s mother chirped, beckoning Amy to her bedside;
Amy looked at Brown’s mother’s IV drip, smiling weakly.“Aunt, I’ll
get them.
“Okay, they sell by weight. Get twenty kilo. I’ll share them with the nurses; they’ve been so kind,” Brown’s mother said, taking out money.“Five dollars a kilo, twenty kilo is one hundred.” She gave Amy a hundred doallars bill.“Hanson loves them too. He’s not working overtime tomorrow he’ll be so happy.”
Hanson had a summer job. He was working overtime to earn more. Amy became Hangon’s mother’s caregiver.
Twenty kilo of melon filled a large bag, the plastic digging into Amy’s hands. Sweat beaded on her brow. She’d shared a bowl of porridge with Brown’s mother for dinner and was starving. Sitting on a curb, tears welled up in Amy’s eyes. She’d initially been grateful for Hanson’s offer of shelter and had willingly helped care for his mother. Hanson had called to say he had to work overtime and asked for her help. It was the first time he’d asked her for help; she’d readily agreed, even feeling a bit thrilled.
Brown’s mother was kind and gentle, showering Amy with praise and gratitude. Hanson was right: his mother was sweet and had been bullied her whole life.
9.3%
Chapter 35. Angel
Amy felt empathy and worked even harder. And she grew increasingly exhausted Amy began to reflect on the past few days. When had it started? When had Brown’s mother. started taking her for granted, demanding more and more, despite her polite words?
Chapter 36 Paternal Love… Crumbles
