Chapter 36: Paternal Love… Crumbles
-From the moment he learned she was broke.
Manu
The next day, Brown’s mother began subtly probing about Amy’s family. Amy was shrewd, but not overly so. She didn’t reveal her identity as the daughter of the Janson family but did mention her hardships: her father’s new girlfriend, her strained relationship with her family… Amy focused on her grievances, carefully avoiding revealing too much about her family. Apart from the principal, her classmates only knew she came from a wealthy family. She never discussed her home life, and her parent–teacher meetings were always attended by the butler. Brown’s mother only knew from Hanson that Amy was from a wealthy background, but nothing more. Hearing Amy’s story, Brown’s mother conjured an image of a father who favored sons over daughters, withholding inheritance and treating her with coldness due to a mistress’s manipulation. Amy’s tearful account of her financial struggles reinforced this belief. The bodyguards John had assigned withdrew after Amy moved into the hospital. They were replaced by plainclothes officers–a middle–aged woman in Amy’s room, and two young men in the room opposite. Amy was unaware, and neither was anyone else.
To Brown’s mother, Amy was a hapless, spoiled child whose wealthy background wouldn’t benefit her son and whose apparent helplessness would only hinder his progress. Amy believed her tears would elicit sympathy and understanding; instead, she was met with disdain. Brown’s mother’s kind words masked a clear lack of respect for the “worthless” Amy. She didn’t consider Amy’s frailty or whether she could carry twenty kilo of melon. Giving exactly one hundred doallars was a subtle demonstration of Amy’s valueless labor. At breakfast, Brown’s mother pretended not to be hungry, eating Amy’s leftovers, subtly manipulating Amy’s willingness to please her…
From their initial pleasant interaction to the growing exhaustion and ever–increasing demands, Amy realized Brown’s mother wasn’t as kind as she seemed. She even found Lily, with her directness, preferable.
The middle–aged woman in Brown’s mother’s room meticulously reported everything to Lily. [She didn’t react?]
[No, only asked when Hanson would be back.]
Lily knew her daughter still held hope for Hanson. She couldn’t believe what a terrible mother he had!
[Continue observing.]
Lily had planned to pick Amy up soon, but she decided to wait.
Hearing Lily sigh, John entered the office and sat beside her.“Lily, what’s wrong?” He noticed the Joe family files on her screen.
“Did you see the Joes‘ expression when they left?” Lily asked, referring to their menacing looks. Regardless of Joe’s father, Michael’s gaze indicated a lack of remorse. His actions at the auction demonstrated his poor character; he was capable of anything. Lily wouldn’t let her son be
endangered, so she would act proactively.
“The Joe family is a paper tiger,” Lily said, her lips pursed. Once they fell, Michael would have no
wer to bully others.
“Lily, I’ve already taken action,” John said. He wouldn’t tolerate their arrogance.
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Chapter 36 Paternal Love Chumles
The Joe family is facing cash flow issues. They have an outstanding debt with a subsidiary of J&) Corporation. I’ve expedited the collection, and given their precarious situation, we’re ceasing
further collaboration…”
John’s actions were decisive. He not only recovered his funds but also blocked the Joe family’s remaining cash flow, leaving them with no escape.
Was this paternal love? No. In John’s eyes, his son hadn’t suffered any real hardship. At the auction, Andy had treated Michael like a clown, and such a fool couldn’t bully Andy at school.
Did Andy know Michael had provided the invitation? Probably. John understood his son; he wasn’t a pushover, and he suspected Andy had orchestrated the humiliation!!
However, he didn’t mention this to Lily, fearing her reaction. He’d let his son handle it and use the situation to his advantage.
In Lily’s eyes, John wasn’t attentive enough towards their children. To avoid future complaints, John needed to improve his image. The Joe family provided the perfect opportunity!
“Lily, I’m Andy’s father. I want him to be happy and healthy. I haven’t been attentive enough in the past. But the Joes‘ actions are unforgivable…”
John’s proactive approach impressed Lily. She left the matter in his hands.
Thanks to John’s decisive action, the Joe family suffered. Or rather, reaped what they had sown. Andy had already laid the groundwork. The auction incident disrupted NoDi’s cooperation with them, and John’s actions further intensified the pressure, resulting in a swift downfall.
In just three days, Joe’s father’s hair turned gray. The Joe family’s decline was so rapid that headhunters were already circling! Even failing companies don’t collapse that quickly, unless someone is actively sabotaging them. John’s actions had exposed their hidden problems.
The Joe family’s company imploded! Partner companies called frantically, their inquiries revealing the severity of the situation. Rumors intensified.
Their troubles worsened. Their downfall also affected Michael. His father started selling off assets, including Michael’s luxury car.
Rumors spread that Michael’s gambling addiction in overseas casinos had bankrupted the family. The Joe family’s swift collapse lent credence to the speculation.
Insiders knew better. The company’s inherent weaknesses were only a minor factor. Many companies had similar issues and survived. The Joe family could have too, but they didn’t.
-Someone was working behind the scenes!
No one had yet identified the culprit. The downfall began with Michael’s bullying. He’d bullied others his entire life, even driving a classmate to suicide in middle school, using money to cover it up. At university, he’d finally met his match in Andy.
Joe’s father’s misdeeds were also exposed, and he faced legal repercussions. It was poetic justice.
In the living room…
John recounted his “victory” to Lily, emphasizing his paternal protectiveness and his role in
dismantling the Joe family. Lily showered him with praise.
“My John is amazing! The best husband in the world! You’re so capable! I adore you! You’re practically glowing…”
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Chapter 36 PaternalLove Crumbles
These lines, while effective on a four or five–year–old, might not work on a six–year–old. But John oved it, especially from Lily.
His smile faded quickly, however. The butler
announced a visitor: NoDi.
