Cupid's Arrow Hit On Me novel (Serenity and Zachary) 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.

“Drey, I became the matriarch out of necessity. You must be aware of how our family works. A big family can’t be without a leader. We’ve always been a matriarchy. As the direct descendants, we can’t let our relatives take all authority. That was why I took over the position.

“I didn’t kill your parents because I craved power. Their deaths were an accident.”

Belinda sighed. “Now that I have finally found you two, let’s talk about you and your daughter. You’re retired and no longer in charge of Stone Group. Since your daughter-in-law had just given birth today, I guess you’ll be taking care of your grandchild at home from now on.

“Will you be willing to manage Fisher Enterprise? It’s not doing as well as before, and there are many issues throughout. I’m old. I no longer have the energy to handle all those matters. I can only count on my successor.

“However, even if you take over as matriarch, you’ll need quite some time to get used to all the work. Besides, you didn’t grow up in the Fisher family. The elders are either unconcerned or dead, while the younger generation won’t show you respect. It’ll be hard for you to exert your authority.

“On the other hand, your daughter, Elisa, seems like a clever girl. I think she’s suited to be the next matriarch. Drey, I just don’t want another unrest to occur within the family again. That’s why I’m still meddling in all these trivial affairs.”

Audrey poured a cup of tea for herself. After taking a sip, she looked toward Belinda and smiled. “Everything you said simply points out that you’re unwilling to let my mom’s offspring inherit the position of matriarch.

“I don’t intend to involve myself in the Fishers’ family matters, nor does Elisa. I’m not my mom’s only daughter. If I give up on my rights, Lisa should be the next successor. She may have passed away, but she left two daughters behind. Serenity might be too busy, but Liberty is open. She’s just as smart and charismatic.

“Your children can only assume the position if Liberty gives up. You’ve been the matriarch for decades. Of course, we won’t be disrespectful and remove you by force. Instead, can you accept training Liberty and Caroline as successors together?”