Chapter 3619
On her way back to the office, Clarissa called Kathryn.
As soon as Kathryn answered, Clarissa asked, “Where are you right now?”
“I’m resting at home,” Kathryn replied. “Thanks to you, Mom, I spent a few days in the hospital. I just got back, and you told me to keep resting, so that’s what I’m doing.”
Clarissa’s voice trembled as she asked, “Have you done something behind my back to hurt me again?”
“Mom, what exactly are you talking about?” Kathryn asked calmly.
Clarissa was furious, struggling to contain her anger. What was she referring to? Kathryn had betrayed her countless times. Audrey once suggested it was karma, but Clarissa didn’t believe in retribution. Nevertheless, her life was anything but easy. Outwardly, it seemed glamorous, but she was the one holding everything together. Her husband and sons relied on her financially, and while they depended on her, they contributed little.
Her daughter, Kathryn, had the potential to help, but they weren’t on the same wavelength, and Kathryn had let her down repeatedly.
Kathryn fell silent for a moment before responding, “How strong do you really think our mother-daughter bond is?”
She was already 26 or 27 years old when she reunited with her biological parents. Upon her return, she faced unfair treatment. Her relatives were polite, but their affection was reserved for Shiloh. In their eyes, Shiloh was the true daughter (sister). Kathryn’s return had disrupted their perfect family dynamic, and they resented her for it.
Shiloh had taken her place, enjoying everything that should have belonged to Kathryn, yet the family blamed Kathryn for the upheaval. It
It wasn’t her fault that she had been swapped with Shiloh.
Feelings develop over time, but Kathryn hadn’t had much opportunity to cultivate those emotions with her biological family. She felt a slight attachment to her mother, but it was not profound. Her values and lifestyle were established long before she reconnected with her biological family, and they wouldn’t change simply because she had returned.
Clarissa struggled to find her words. After a lengthy pause, she finally said, “Regardless of what you think of me, my love for you as your mother is genuine and unconditional.
Even if I were to die, I would still strive to pave the way for you. If I’m trying to protect you, can’t you stand by my side? Even if you can’t, at the very least, please don’t betray me or hinder me.”
Clarissa suspected that Kathryn had discovered her scheme involving the cemetery and had informed Liberty, who then set everything into motion. If her plan failed, not only would it be exposed, but she would also be apprehended by the police, with all evidence pointing to her guilt.
So far, these were merely rumors; nothing had been substantiated. Years ago, she had two sisters—one older and one younger. Both were deceased, leaving Clarissa as the sole survivor who successfully took over the Farrell family. Only a fool wouldn’t be suspicious of her.
She had ignored these rumors for 40 to 50 years. When a family member acted against her, she dealt with them decisively to set an example.
Those who knew even a little about the situation either vanished, succumbed to illness, or suffered fatal accidents. None survived more than three years after the incident.
“Mom, why don’t you tell me what happened?” Kathryn asked calmly. “Let’s see if I’m really the one who betrayed you.”