BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 348
Chapter 348
Chapter 348
Joycelyn couldn’t help but notice how frequently Lily and Bellina glanced in her direction. They were clearly interested in her
conversation with Richard.
“Dad, I heard that you only adopted Belle after you married Lily. Is that true?”
Richard seemed caught off guard by Joycelyn’s sudden question, but he quickly nodded and responded. “Yes, after your mother
passed away, I married Lily five years later. Belle was adopted from the orphanage during the search for you. Lily couldn’t have
children, and she liked the idea of adopting a daughter, so she brought Belle home.”
“She’s always been proactive in trying to find you. She’s gentle, good–natured, and has always treated your two brothers well.
She also cares for Belle. After spending more time with her, you’ll see how she is?
As Richard spoke of Lily, his words were filled with praise and admiration.
Joycelyn listened intently, though her heart began to fill with more questions.
“Why do you ask all of a sudden?” Richard asked kindly, noticing the thoughtful look on Joycelyn’s face.
Joycelyn smiled lightly, her clear eyes sparkling as she replied, “Just curious. Lily and Belle look so much alike, like mother and
daughter.”
Richard didn’t seem surprised by her comment, instead attributing it to fate. “Yes, when I first saw Belle, she did remind me of
Lily. That’s why we brought her home. It seemed like fate was fulfilling Lily’s wish to be a mother.”
Joycelyn smiled softly, “It must be a special kind of fate that makes a family.”
But in her heart, suspicion grew stronger. It was too much of a coincidence—an orphan girl adopted from an orphanage, looking
so much like her. Sometimes, when things seemed too coincidental, they weren’t coincidences at all.
“Yes,” Richard smiled warmly, pleased by the conversation.
“Today, I’ll go with Jerome and Lily. I’ll try to get back in time for your birthday.”
“Okay,” Joycelyn replied sweetly, though her mind was elsewhere.
She knew Bellina’s true intention. Planning to marry on her birthday was clearly meant to steal the spotlight, to make herself the
If this had happened before, Joycelyn might have cared. But now, after everything she had been through, she realized some
things couldn’t be stolen or held onto–they came naturally. Even family could be as fleeting as the wind.
“Your health is improving, so you shouldn’t exert yourself too much,” Richard said, showing his concern.
Though only a few people knew about Joycelyn’s pregnancy, her two uncles were aware. As it was still the first trimester, no one
spoke of it aloud, out of respect for the unwritten rule to keep such matters private.
“Yes, I’ll follow your arrangements,” Joycelyn replied with a soft smile, her expression radiating warmth.
Richard, pleased with her understanding, nodded approvingly. Though their time together was brief, she always level–headed
and understanding.
ed so
Lily, however, was watching them closely, her eyes sharp. As soon as Joycelyn left, she wasted no time in approaching
Richard.
“Richard, what did you talk about with Joycelyn that made her so happy?” Lily asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
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Chapter 348
“Nothing, just a casual chat,” Richard waved his hand, his smile still wide.
4≥60%真
“Really? With your real daughter back, you’re ignoring Belle and me now?” Lily’s voice was soft but carried an underlying
dissatisfaction.
Richard, still smiling, said, “Well, Belle really does resemble Lily more and more. It’s like fate brought them together.”
“Yes, because Mom treated me so well. We look alike now; that’s the bond of a family,” Belle quickly chimed in with a smile,
trying to play along.
“Exactly,” Richard agreed, his smile growing.
As they left the restaurant, Joycelyn bid farewell to Zack, Jeff, and Jerome.
Zack said, “Joycelyn, when we get to the Spencer family, I’ll properly celebrate with you. I have to go now, but with Ellison here,
His deep voice and serious expression softened when he smiled, showing a rare paternal warmth.
Joycelyn’s eyes followed Zack as he spoke about Ellison, clearly admiring him. He had more trust in Ellison than his own
son.
“Okay, safe travels,” Joycelyn said, waving.
As she watched them leave, she turned to Timothy, pulling on his sleeve.
Timothy replied, “I must’ve been around thirteen or fourteen. Why?”
“Just curious. Lily and Belle look so alike. Sometimes, it really seems like they’re mother and daughter. Don’t you think so?”
“I know. It was partly because they looked alike that Dad decided to adopt Belle. But I also checked–when Dad had his accident,
Belle was the one who donated blood for him,” Timothy said, recalling the past.
This revelation eased some of Joycelyn’s doubts, making her feel less suspicious.
“Oh,” she murmured.
“Don’t worry, with me here, they won’t cause any more trouble,” Timothy reassured her.
Joycelyn smiled gently. She trusted Timothy and knew he would keep things in control.
As for Jerome, Timothy’s tone grew colder. “What happened with Jerome is absurd. According to Dad, he’ll be the one to cover
the dowry and bride price. Bellina didn’t ask for anything, just the same shares as you.”
Timothy’s words sent a chill through the room.
Joycelyn sighed, understanding. “Timothy, let it be. They’re all family.”
“Mm,” Timothy murmured, his face set in a frown.
“By the
way,
have you found any new information about Grandpa’s old driver?”
“I’ll check when I get back. He’s not the same person anymore, but I’ll look into it,” Timothy said, his hands folded behind his
back.
“I have an idea. Check if he had any connections with Lily,” Joycelyn said softly, glancing up at Timothy with a glint in her
eyes.
“Mm?” Timothy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her suggestion.
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Chapter 349
Chapter 349