Chapter 201 Misunderstanding Resolved

Chapter 201 Misunderstanding Resolved

John finished speaking in one breath, nervously watching Lily's reaction.

Lily kept her head down, her long eyelashes lowered, her expression unreadable.

She took a big sip of her bubble tea. The sweet taste spread in her mouth, but somehow carried a hint of bitterness.

Actually, she'd had a vague feeling for a while that John and Katya probably weren't in that kind of relationship.

John had a bad temper and spoke harshly; that was true.

But if he'd really done something to betray her, he wouldn't be so bold about coming to pester her.

The way he was acting now was more like a big kid who knew he'd messed up and was desperately trying to make things right.

Seeing her stay silent, John got even more anxious.

"Lily, trust me just this once! I was wrong before, I was a jerk, I apologize!"

"I'm sorry! Really sorry! Give me one more chance, okay?"

His voice carried genuine pleading.

Lily finally looked up, her eyes a bit red, glaring at him.

"What good are apologies? Do you know how annoying you were during that time? Do you know how disappointed I was in you!"

"I know, I know!" John nodded quickly.

"I'll change! I promise! From now on, I'll listen to whatever you say!"

His exaggerated promise almost made Lily break character. She tried hard to keep a straight face and scoffed.

"Sweet talker!"

Seeing her tone soften, John felt a weight lift from his chest, and he got a bit bolder.

He tentatively reached for her hand.

Lily struggled symbolically, didn't break free, and just let him be.

With her hand wrapped in his warm, large hand, the hurt and anger in Lily's heart seemed to fade with that warmth slowly.

She sighed and said simply.

"Fine, what's past... let's not bring it up anymore."

John's eyes lit up instantly, gripping her hand tightly.

"Lily, you forgive me?"

"That depends on how you act from now on!" Lily pulled her hand back, pretending to be fierce.

"If you dare get tangled up with another woman again, or yell at me, I'll... I'll never talk to you again!"

"I wouldn't dare! Absolutely wouldn't dare!"

John raised his hand in oath, grinning like an idiot.

The atmosphere between them finally eased up.

After a moment of silence, John's expression became serious again.

"Lily, you know about Olivia's situation."

"Right now, Tyrell and Katya are acting like two crazy people. I'm afraid they might come after you, too."

"So, let me protect you, okay? Not to get back together, just... just for safety."

This time Lily didn't argue. She was actually a bit scared, too.

She nodded, her voice gentler.

"...Then you... Don't be too dramatic about it. Sending flowers every day is embarrassing."

John scratched his head and smiled.

"Should I switch to something else tomorrow?"

"Whatever!" Lily rolled her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help curving up slightly.

With the misunderstanding temporarily cleared up, their goals became aligned.

John said.

"Charles and Olivia are definitely under a lot of pressure right now. Tyrell and Katya are in the shadows; we're out in the open."

"We can't just sit and watch. We need to help them."

Lily nodded immediately.

"Right! Olivia is my best friend, and you're her brother. We can't let those two jerks win!"

"What do you think we can do?"

John thought for a moment.

"On Katya's side, I'll spend more money, use more connections, keep a closer eye on her movements."

"On Tyrell's side, Charles and I are digging into his background, but his people do all kinds of things. Maybe... we can ask around through other channels."

Lily's eyes lit up.

"I know some friends who do social media; they're well-informed. I'll ask them to help keep an eye out for any unusual activity from Tyrell's people or Katya."

"Great!" John slapped the steering wheel.

"Let's do it! Working together like this, there's no way we won't find dirt on them!"

In the following days, John really did tone it down.

He stopped showing up with dramatic flower bouquets every day, but picking up Lily from work was non-negotiable.

Sometimes it was her favorite little cakes he'd bought along the way, sometimes a hot cup of coffee—thoughtful without being too showy.

Lily gradually got used to having him in the passenger seat.

In the car, they'd chat about their work, exchange bits of information they'd gathered about Katya and Tyrell.

Sometimes they'd bicker and tease each other like before, but the atmosphere was much more relaxed than it used to be.

That weekend, John got a call from Charles.

He asked him and Lily to come over for dinner, saying Olivia wanted everyone to get together.

John drove to pick up Lily, and they headed to Charles and Olivia's place together.

As soon as they walked in, they smelled the aroma of food.

Olivia poked her head out of the kitchen, wearing an apron and smiling as she greeted them.

"You're here? Have a seat, just one more soup to go!"

Charles was setting out plates and utensils in the living room. Seeing them, he nodded.

The scene was so warm it made John feel a bit dazed.

Before, when he came over, Charles would either have a cold face or Olivia would be forcing a smile. When had he ever seen this?

Lily had already made her way into the kitchen to help Olivia.

The two women bustled about in the kitchen, whispering and giggling, laughter occasionally drifting out.

John walked over to Charles and nudged him with his elbow, lowering his voice.

"Not bad, Mr. Green. Living the good life, huh?"

Charles glanced at him, ignored his teasing, and just said flatly.

"Since you're here, help bring out the dishes."

John made an exasperated sound but obediently went to bring out the dishes.

During dinner, the atmosphere was especially good.

The long dining table was filled with home-cooked dishes, most made by Olivia, that looked and smelled delicious.

"Olivia, your cooking is amazing!"

John ate some food and praised enthusiastically.

"Way better than some people who can only burn scrambled eggs!"

He pointedly glanced at Charles.

"Honestly, though, he's the lucky one. I'm your brother, and this is the first time I'm eating your cooking!"

Charles remained unfazed, adding some vegetables to Olivia's plate.

"Eat more vegetables."

Olivia smiled and added some of Charles's favorites to his plate.

The two of them completely ignored John. John was used to it. It wasn't the first time anyway.

Lily, watching from the side, couldn't help nudging John and whispering.

"Look how thoughtful Mr. Green is! Learn from him!"

John instantly got competitive and immediately added food to Lily's plate.

"Here! The biggest piece!"

His clumsy attempt to please made the other three laugh.

Lily's face turned red. She kicked him under the table, but her eyes were smiling.