“I know Lisa didn’t have a good life. I was heartbroken when I learned of her situation. I was useless to have only found you two after so many years. If I had found you both earlier, Lisa wouldn’t have had to go through such a tough life. Serenity and Liberty would’ve had more family support too.“Things were vastly different decades ago, Drey. Think about it. Was communication and traveling convenient back then? Did such advanced technology, big data, security systems, or internet connectivity exist? We had none of those. That’s why looking for someone was so difficult.”Audrey remained silent as she watched Belinda put on a show. After Belinda was done, Audrey said calmly, “If my mom hadn’t passed away, I would’ve been the next matriarch because I’m her eldest daughter. It wouldn’t have been you. Celine won’t have the right to assume the position either. Oh, she isn’t even a true descendant of the Fishers. It’s unbelievable that you didn’t know your daughter had been switched fo
Belinda was stunned. Train Liberty?She could never do that. She had been the matriarch for so long. Even if she were to retire, she would let her biological daughter inherit the position. Caroline was her true daughter. She was more capable than Celine and picked up everything quickly. More importantly, Caroline was cunning enough. She knew to play dumb and used it to her advantage. Did she not manage to trick everyone in Jensburg?Everyone thought she was weak, saying she grew up in the countryside and had limited knowledge. Even if she had returned to the Fisher family, she was still useless. The outstanding results she produced were all thanks to the capable individuals in her team. Belinda seemed to be biased toward Celine and treated Caroline in a hostile manner. In truth, however, she had adjusted her emotions quickly upon discovering Celine was not her daughter. She accepted that Caroline was her biological daughter without much hesitation. Belinda was old and alm
Letting an enemy escape would only put oneself at a disadvantage. “We have plenty of supplements.”Belinda said gently, “I know, but this is a token of my sincerity. We haven’t met for decades. Now that I’ve found you, we should keep in touch.“I wanted to verify our relationship early on, but I didn’t have the time. Hence, I took the opportunity of attending Mr. York and Serenity’s wedding to spend some time verifying that you’re my niece,” Belinda spoke affectionately as she stared at Audrey.Audrey, on the other hand, looked indifferent. She could not get excited about meeting an aunt she had not met in decades. “It’s great that Serenity married into the York family.”Belinda continued the conversation as Audrey was silent. “Lisa can finally rest in peace. Her daughters are doing well now. We, as their elders, can rest assured too.”When Belinda attended Zachary’s wedding, she tried to identify similarities between Serenity’s features and Tiara's. However, she realized Se
“You may leave if you have no other business here. I’m going to the hospital to visit my grandchild.”Audrey could not be bothered to continue the conversation. She made it obvious that she wanted Belinda to leave and even stood up to see her off. No matter how shameless Belinda was, she would not stay after being told to leave. She thought Audrey would welcome her with open arms. Audrey probably had some inkling of the crimes Belinda had committed despite not possessing evidence. It was good enough that she did not chase Belinda away immediately.With that thought, Belinda felt relieved. However, she probably could not be as close to Audrey, Serenity, and Liberty as she wanted. Audrey was likely certain that Belinda was the murderer. Belinda stood and said, “I’ll be returning to Jensburg in a few days. Call me when your grandchild is a month old, Drey. I’ll come over for the celebration.”“Goodbye, Madam Fisher.”Audrey did not give a definite answer. Belinda stared at h
“Okay.”Darrell took Belinda’s gifts and threw them into the trash can while Audrey headed next door. It would soon be her daughter’s home too. When Remy and Elisa heard that Audrey had arrived, they went to the front door. They had been monitoring the construction progress in the backyard earlier. “Mom.”“Mrs. Stone.”Elisa and Remy greeted Audrey. Elisa went to her mother’s side and circled her arm with a wide smile. “Mom, you’re finally willing to visit this place.”Audrey poked her daughter’s forehead. “Are you happy now?”After the Johnsons had expressed their sincerity and Julian’s incident, Audrey finally agreed to let Elisa date Remy. They could get married whenever they wished and she would no longer stop them. Remy had two properties in Wiltspoon, and one of them was just right next to the Stones. They would be neighbors. Moreover, he would be working in Wiltspoon long-term. Therefore, Elisa would remain in Wiltspoon most of the time after marriage. It would no
“Will she do anything to us, Mom? You and Dad should refrain from heading out,” Elisa said out of worry. Before Audrey could chime in, Elisa added, “But we shouldn’t be afraid of her. If she dares try anything in Wiltspoon, we can make her pay.”Audrey said, “Don’t worry. She may not try anything openly, but it’ll be a surprise if she doesn’t attempt to do something in secret. I didn’t know her personality well enough because I was young then. Now that I’ve met her again, her character is clear to me.”“What about Grandma’s death?”Elisa looked toward Audrey. “I believe the truth will be revealed one day. You don’t have to worry about this, Elisa. You just have to manage your company and your relationship with Remy well. You two should consider marriage after the renovation is finished.“Both of you aren’t that young anymore,” added Audrey.Despite just welcoming a grandson, Audrey was eager to have another grandchild. She was trying to urge Elisa and Remy to consider getting
In a rented house, Camryn’s aunts sat on an old sofa while Carrie sat on a chair. A few rotten apples were placed on a wooden coffee table in between them. Brenda told Carrie embarrassedly, “This is how we’re living now, Carrie. Don’t be too picky. I used my connections and got a job as a cleaner in a hotel. It pays better than cleaning in a factory, but it’s only a few thousand dollars per month.“I’m happy that you got an early release, but I won’t be able to aid you financially. Please be understanding.”Amy added, “I adore you a lot, Carrie, but Camryn has caused us to be in this miserable state. We’ve lost our house and have no choice but to rent one. We even have to work as cleaners at this age to make a living. We wish to help you, but we simply can’t.”Next, she badmouthed Camryn, “It’s all that blind girl’s fault. She relied on the Yorks’ influence and oppressed us as revenge. Even if we did her wrong previously, wasn’t she unharmed?”The Joyners and Chandlers had coop
Carrie was stunned upon listening to her aunts. She said, “I did go back, but I couldn’t enter. Camryn replaced all the servants.“Moreover, she’s raising four guard dogs now. They almost bit me when I tried to climb the gates. I ran away.“I didn’t notice anything different about Camryn though. She moves freely in the house, so it’s hard to determine whether she’s still blind or pretending. I asked her to let me in, but she said she couldn’t open the door because of her blindness. I guess she hasn’t recovered her vision yet.”Carrie added, “Aunt Evelyn spent ten years trying to treat Camryn’s eyes, yet every attempt failed. Can Dr. Carden really heal her eyes?“Her being the legendary doctor’s disciple must have been an exaggeration. Even if a miracle healer does exist, he’s still human. Many doctors weren’t able to reverse Camryn’s blindness. She probably won’t be able to regain her sight for the rest of her life.“So what if she’s able to see again? She can’t give birth to a ch
It was his father. Manny composed himself and picked up Tony’s call as he walked toward his car.“Hey, Pops.”“How’s it going, Manny? Has there been any progress?”Tony was still in Carrie’s room at the moment, but had gotten up and walked to the balcony to call his son.Carrie was still fast asleep, though her face was set in a frown. She was obviously discomfited.Tony had pestered her for the majority of last night, so it would be weird if she did not feel any discomfort.Despite her begging, Tony would not let her go. He even forcefully drugged her to make her mess around with him while out of it. He was simply an old pervert.Before she passed out, she cursed him in her heart. However, she knew that Tony only treated her so roughly because she was just his mistress—a tool for him to vent his frustrations on.If she really was his wife, he definitely would not treat her like this.In the past, she had ambitions of taking Mrs. Longbottom’s place and becoming the real missus
Tati also finished her plate of pastries.She followed Isabella out.“Isa, you’re always so busy and exhausted. If you’re feeling even a little unwell, you should have a good rest. Stay home for the day. I can handle the work you have on hand. It’s the same either way.”Tati wanted Isabella to take the day off so Isabella could spend some time with Austin and nurture their relationship.However, Isabella still declined Tati’s kind offer.She said, “Not today. There’s an important meeting today, and I have two important clients to meet. I’m fine, really. Don’t worry. From now on, I won’t touch alcohol.”Given her current status and position, no one would dare to force her to drink during social engagements.Many people also knew that Isabella would not drink outside her home, fearing that she might fall victim to someone’s schemes.However, Isabella would occasionally make an exception. When she was in a good mood, she would have a couple of drinks.Hearing this, Tati stopped t
Austin still smiled gently and said, “It’s all thanks to Ms. Isabella’s guidance.”He felt that he had indeed improved a lot.Grandma May really understood him well. The wife she picked for him could actually help improve his culinary skills.“After eating the sweets, I feel much better.” Tati picked up another piece of pastry and ate it.Austin quietly retreated, not wanting to disturb their conversation and also to avoid overhearing their private matters.“Just ignore him. Are you really going to skip work because of him?”Isabella added calmly to Tati, “If you let him provoke you, he’ll only cling to you even more. If you act like he doesn’t exist and don’t respond no matter what he does, he’ll naturally give up once he sees that you’re completely unresponsive.”Tati said, “I’m afraid that he’ll go and bother Edith and Eleanor if he doesn’t get anywhere with me. They don’t have the same resolve as we do.”She, therefore, decided to bear the brunt of it.“Every time I see hi
Austin replied, “Both Mr. Louis and Mr. Phillip woke up very early, especially Mr. Phillip. He gets up earlier than Mr. Louis every morning. It’s really hard on him, getting up so early in such cold weather.”Sometimes, he himself felt like staying in bed a little longer, reluctant to leave the warm comfort of his blankets.Even after the New Year, Satbury remained quite cold. In contrast, over in Wiltspoon, the temperatures had begun to reach a high of over seventy degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, with nighttime lows around fifty degrees.The two provinces and cities were simply incomparable. The temperatures in Wiltspoon were just so very comfortable for Satbury locals.Isabella smiled and said, “Phillip is just afraid he’ll get here too late and that you’ll assume he’s not coming over for breakfast, then not prepare any for him. He's such a little foodie.”The house was never short of snacks for the little ones. In fact, any goodies were always reserved for them first.Yet,
Even when she attended banquets, she would show up in formal clothing. Isabella did not remember the last time she wore a dress. Perhaps it was when she was in third grade. In fact, she liked wearing pretty princessy dresses when she was young. Her mother had told her that.As Isabella was the first child and extremely adorable, Delphine had dolled her up like a princess. Her pretty dresses filled the closet. Her parents, aunts, uncles, and relatives would always gift her many beautiful dresses. As she grew up, perhaps when she was in fourth grade, she stopped wearing dresses. Regardless of who gave her new pieces, she would refuse to wear them and give them to her cousins instead. After everyone realized she disliked dresses, they gradually stopped giving her them. Delphine had asked Isabella why she disliked wearing dresses. Isabella reasoned that she could not walk quickly enough while wearing one. She valued speed and efficiency. Delphine said she had alway
While the private chefs Ms. Isabella had hired in the past were respectful, they were leaning toward flattery instead of sincere dedication, like how Austin was toward Ms. Isabella.Dominic was experienced. He could sense that Ms. Isabella treated Austin differently. She was also a special existence to Austin. It was normal for young people to be attracted to each other. Initially, Dominic wanted to advise Austin not to even think about dating Ms. Isabella. However, upon discovering that Austin was a young master of a wealthy family, he decided not to interfere. Dominic was glad that he did nothing.Austin returned to the house. Instead of heading straight to the kitchen, he went upstairs. He stopped outside of Isabella’s room and knocked on the door lightly. No response came from within the room. Perhaps Austin was too soft when he knocked. He knocked on the door again with more force and asked, “Are you up yet, Ms. Isabella? It’s time to have breakfast.”Isabella w
Austin was extremely patient with the boys. Although they occasionally caused trouble, most of them were minor issues. They would never do something they were not allowed to do.After breakfast, Austin brought them their bags. With a boy in each hand, he left the house. It was to prevent the boys from saying he was playing favorites. Dominic was used to that scene. Initially, Austin was simply Ms. Isabella’s private chef. However, he gradually took on more responsibilities.He would take the two young masters to school. If he had time in the evening, he would also fetch them from school. Austin also made sure Louis and Phillip did their homework, supervised their hobby classes, and played with them. Sometimes, he would even teach them martial arts and train with them. Dominic felt Austin was an all-rounder. It seemed like there was nothing Austin could not do. No wonder Ms. Isabella thought highly of Austin. However, Austin was a young master of a wealthy family. He w
Louis and Phillip were downstairs having the breakfast Austin had prepared for them. The food was different every morning, and everything was delicious.Having gotten used to Austin’s cooking, Louis and Phillip could no longer stand the food provided in the school. They thought the food there was terrible. Louis was enrolled in an elementary school not far from home. As he was a first grader, he did not need to stay in the dormitories and could have his lunch and dinner at home. Phillip, who was a year younger than him, was still in preschool. He would have breakfast and dinner at home. Actually, the preschool did provide breakfast, but Phillip refused to eat in school and insisted on having breakfast at home. In order to eat the breakfast Austin made, he would get up early in the morning without the adults waking him. After putting on his clothes and washing up, he would head to Louis’s place with his bag. “Austin.”Louis suddenly asked, “Did my sister come back last n
Isabella had always thought Tati was teasing her. Therefore, she did not take her words seriously. She thought it was completely normal for Austin to treat her well as she was his boss. From Austin’s perspective, she was his source of income. Now that Isabella pondered about it deeper, she realized perhaps Austin did come to Satbury for her. It was not just to be her chef. He always said Grandma May only gave the York lads a year to pursue their fiancées. However, Austin had never left since he started working for Isabella. Even if he did, it was to accompany her on business trips. He was busy feeding and taking care of her every day and had never gone to pursue his so-called fiancée. He did not even try to gather information on her. Was he not anxious?A year would go by pretty quickly. Although it felt like it had not been long since Austin started working for Isabella, three months had passed. Time really flew. Three months had gone by in the blink of an eye. Neve