Serenity and Zachary York novel Chapter 2496

“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 for over twenty years.”

Belinda’s expression fell but she remained composed. She simply said regretfully, “There was some unrest in the family after I gave birth to Caroline. I had no choice but to handle the issue with my weak body right after giving birth. I did neglect Caroline, and the butler had taken advantage of that.

“I had a home birth back then. The butler hatched a plot and easily switched my daughter and his. Newborns look similar. Several days had passed after the family matter was solved.

“When I looked at my child again, I felt she looked different somehow. However, I brushed it off, thinking that babies look different every day as they’re growing. That was why I didn’t suspect anything. I never thought the butler would do something like that.

“Drey, being the matriarch isn’t easy. I have to handle every matter, be it internal or external. Tiara had trained you to be the successor when she was alive. Everyone in the family recognized that…”

Belinda took a sip of tea to moisten her throat. Then, she continued, “However, she passed away, and my younger sister, Alivia, passed shortly after. It was the darkest year for the Fisher family. It felt as if the sky was crumbling over our heads.