“Tonight, Liberty is not only an honored guest of our family but also an opportunity for everyone to know who she is and what her status is in the family. When you get home, speak well of her to your family members. In the future, when you encounter Liberty, treat her with respect.”
All eyes were on Belinda.
She was displeased with Caroline taking matters into her own hands, but she also understood the dynamics of the family. In this family, sooner or later, decisions were made by the heir.
Uplifting Liberty to the successor’s position was also a significant test for Caroline.
Celine might not have the capability to compete with Caroline, but Liberty did.
Belinda considered that if Caroline was willing to raise Liberty’s status and compete fairly, she would comply. If Caroline won, she would legitimately hold the position of matriarch, and there would be no more whispers and backbiting.
However, if Caroline lost... the position would return to the elder sister’s lineage.
Belinda would not let everything she fought for slip away so easily.
If Caroline proved inadequate, she still had three sons. If needed, she could amend the Fisher family rules, allowing sons to inherit or openly selecting talented young women within the family for grooming.
Belinda would not let the matriarch position easily slip back into Tiara’s lineage.
After much contemplation, she decided not to interfere with Caroline’s decision.
“What Carol said is what I wanted to tell everyone. I was confused just now. Please don’t go along with my confusion.”
Belinda spoke with a remorseful expression. Her words had an instant effect, and everyone’s attitude toward Liberty became more respectful.
Belinda invited Liberty to move into Fisher Manor.
Liberty declined. “I don’t plan on moving in right now. Staying at the hotel is more convenient for me, as I need to move around a lot. Plus, I won’t disturb anyone this way.”
If she were to move in, it would be after avenging her grandmother and reclaiming the position of the matriarch. As the victor, she would move in openly, and then Belinda’s household would move out.
There was not enough room for two roosters in one hen house.
If she were victorious, she would not allow Belinda and her family to live here.
Of course, if she lost, she would not be able to move in.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Cupid's Arrow hit me hard!