Married At First Sight Chapter 4101
Chapter 4101
Holden cursed under his breath but couldn’t deny that Kathryn possessed the cold, calculated cruelty typical of the Farrell family’s head.
Clarissa had grown particularly fond of Kathryn in her later years, realizing that Kathryn embodied the sharpness and ruthlessness inherent in the Farrell women.
Yet, it was a cruel irony. Clarissa’s most cherished daughter—the one she had protected and supported at all costs—ultimately turned her back on her.
Sometimes, Holden wondered: if the butler hadn’t switched her at birth, and Kathryn had been raised alongside them, would things have been different? With Kathryn’s cunning, could she have stood up to the powerful families of Wiltspoon?
One thing was certain—no matter what, Kathryn wouldn’t have treated her parents and brothers with such cold indifference.
“Pedro is an enigma,” Noel remarked, breaking Holden’s thoughts. “We don’t really know the extent of his abilities.”
Sage responded with confidence, “No matter how skilled he is, he’s still just one man. Everyone has a weakness. If we strategize, we can handle him. Even if we can’t eliminate him outright, we can at least get Kathryn to send him away. If he’s gone for even a day or two, I’ll have my opening.”
The group nodded in agreement—removing Pedro, even temporarily, was their best shot. The four Janzen family members huddled together, whispering about how to lure Pedro away and seize the opportunity to strike against Kathryn.
Meanwhile, the Farrell family mansion in Jensburg was bustling with activity.
Kathryn had invited many of the family elders for dinner, sparking widespread speculation. Some feared she might stage a “Hongmen Banquet,” much like her late mother, and eliminate them all.
However, confidence grew when word spread that Liberty had moved into the Farrell mansion. Liberty was set to become the new head of the family, so the elders assumed Kathryn wouldn’t act recklessly.
The primary reason for the gathering was to consult with the elders and choose an auspicious day for Liberty to officially take over as the Farrell family’s leader.
In truth, the decision rested solely with Kathryn and Liberty. But appearances mattered. Liberty wanted to show respect to the elders, reassuring them that the new leadership valued their input and traditions.
Back in Clarissa’s time, decisions were made unilaterally. She’d inform the elders of her choices, expecting them to pass the word down to the younger generation. While occasional family meetings were held, they were largely symbolic—Clarissa never truly entertained their suggestions.
Under Clarissa, the elders had been sidelined, and their influence diminished in favor of younger, more capable family members.
Liberty, on the other hand, played the part of the gracious leader. She treated the elders to a lavish meal and sent them home with generous gifts. Everyone in the family received a token, but it was the elders who distributed the gifts among the branches—ensuring their positions remained relevant.
After years of political maneuvering, the Farrell family had come to terms with reality. No matter who led, the side branches would always remain on the periphery. Their only hope for power lay in the unlikely event that the direct line failed to produce a female successor.
But in over a century, the Farrell family’s direct line had never been without an heir.
Liberty, now divorced with one son, had recently remarried and was still in her thirties. It was expected she would try for another child—ideally, a daughter—to secure the family’s future.
Knowing this, the side branches resigned themselves to their roles, choosing instead to curry favor with Liberty and secure whatever benefits they could under her leadership.
After all, Audrey’s branch in Wiltspoon wasn’t short on money. The Stone family’s wealth far exceeded the Farrell family’s current resources.
The family dinner stretched late into the night, finally concluding at eleven.
After seeing off the guests, Liberty and Kathryn sank into the living room sofa, exhaustion and a little wine making them slouch against the cushions.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4102
Chapter 4102
Kathryn’s cheeks were flushed as she turned to Liberty. “I really don’t like this kind of socializing.”
Liberty sighed. “Neither do I, but there’s no way around it.”
Even without taking over the Farrell family, their careers made avoiding such gatherings impossible.
Kathryn patted Liberty on the shoulder with a faint smile. “In the future, don’t expect me to join you for these things. Everyone hides behind a mask, and no one speaks honestly. I despise the hypocrisy of it all.”
“I won’t let any of you down,” Liberty replied firmly.
Just then, Pedro walked in, carrying two cups of honey water.
He handed them to Kathryn and Liberty, saying, “Miss, drink this. It’ll help you feel better.”
“I’m not drunk,” Kathryn muttered but still took the cup.
Pedro chuckled. “Your face is bright red, and you’re insisting you’re not drunk? At least you’re not completely out of it.”
Liberty, equally flushed, wasn’t as far gone either—just tipsy enough to be chatty.
After sipping their honey water, the two women began to talk more freely, their inhibitions slightly lowered by the wine.
Out of nowhere, Kathryn looked at Pedro and said, “You should leave Jensburg for a while.”
Pedro and Liberty both froze, staring at her in surprise.
Liberty frowned. “Kathryn, what are you planning? If Mr. Fraser leaves Jensburg, you could be putting yourself in danger.”
Kathryn leaned forward slightly, her tone calm but serious. “I know my brothers too well. They won’t give up—they want me dead. Liberty, you have powerful allies. They’re afraid of you and wouldn’t dare make a move.
“But I’m their sister. They know my strengths, and they know my weaknesses. Right now, Pedro is my only real protection. Without him, the bodyguards I’ve hired won’t be enough. They’ll come for me.
“Even though I said I’d stay in Jensburg for six months, Liberty, you’re sharp—you know I don’t have to stay that long. Before I leave, I need to deal with my brothers. They need to be put away for a few years—not killed, just locked up. That will buy you the time you need to solidify your position. By the time they’re out, your authority will be unshakable, and they’ll no longer be a threat.”
Liberty’s gaze sharpened as she studied Kathryn, understanding the weight of her words.
Kathryn was sparing her brothers’ lives.
For all her ruthlessness, she couldn’t bring herself to completely destroy her own family. But she also knew Liberty wouldn’t be as forgiving. Once Kathryn was gone, Liberty wouldn’t hesitate to crush the Janzen brothers if they stepped out of line.
Liberty had already envisioned the ways she would dismantle their power, ensuring they were left with nothing but regret—a fate worse than death.
Kathryn and Liberty exchanged a long, meaningful look, silently acknowledging the stakes.
Finally, Liberty broke the silence. “If you’re planning to lure your brothers into a trap, Mr. Fraser can leave Jensburg publicly but return in secret to keep you safe. Don’t take any chances—villains are the hardest to deal with.”
Kathryn nodded, leaning back on the sofa and staring at the ceiling. She raised a hand to rub her temple. “Of course. Pedro will make it seem like he’s leaving on a business trip, but he’ll come back quietly to protect me. Pedro,” she added, turning to him, “make sure they get close enough to think they can hurt me—but not fatally. I need to deal with them, but I’m not about to lose my life over it.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4103
Chapter 4103
Pedro said worriedly, “Miss, this is too dangerous. You don’t know how to fight. What if something happens…?”
Pedro couldn’t bear the thought of Kathryn getting into trouble.
Even though Kathryn wasn’t expected to take over as head of the Farrell family, Pedro had been assigned to her by the base. Officially appointed, his duty was to protect and serve her.
If something were to happen to Kathryn, it would be his responsibility, and he would face accountability from the base—not just for failing her, but for tarnishing its reputation.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” Kathryn reassured him. “Besides, you’ll be protecting me from the shadows, Pedro. I trust you, and I trust myself too. I may not know how to fight formally, but I’ve been fighting my entire life. I have real combat experience.”
Liberty hesitated before asking, “Kathryn, are you sure about this? The three of them don’t see you as their sister. Why risk yourself for them? If they truly want you dead, who’s to say they won’t try again? You’ve done everything you can to save their lives, but all they want is to take yours. They hate you for what they think you’ve done to the Farrell family—handing it over to outsiders. Frankly, Kathryn, I think they hate you more than they hate me.”
The Janzen family’s father and sons harbored deep resentment toward Kathryn, but Liberty believed their hatred of Kathryn burned even brighter.
Even Kathryn’s older nephews and nieces, influenced by their fathers’ bitterness, had started to resent her.
Liberty promised, “I’ll make sure they don’t fall into my hands. I won’t take their lives, so you don’t need to put yourself at risk again.”
Kathryn shook her head. “Liberty, you don’t understand them like I do. They’ll never stop, never let go—especially since my mother left most of her private property to me. That only fuels their hatred. They’re desperate to take back what my mother left me, and they even want to sell the antiques in the Farrell family mansion.
“Those antiques have been passed down for generations—they’re family treasures. Even during the hardest of times, the heads of the family never considered selling them. But my brothers… they’re different. They’ve already thought about it.
“There are also the jewels my mother left behind, heirlooms passed down through generations of family heads. Those aren’t personal belongings—they’re part of the family’s wealth. The head of the family may wear or use them, but they belong to the family as a whole. Any one of those pieces could fetch a fortune.
“Our ancestors left those treasures behind to safeguard the family during times of crisis. In the past, if the family faced an economic emergency, a meeting would be called to decide whether to sell those heirlooms. The decision required the approval of at least half the clan. Back then, the clan held significant power, and even the family head had to respect the elders.
“But after my aunt and mother took over, they centralized power, stripping the clan of its authority. Now, in today’s legal society, the clan’s influence has faded. Still, the family’s treasures aren’t meant to be touched lightly.
“My mother, ruthless as people thought she was, never dreamed of taking those treasures for herself. And there’s no way she’d let my three brothers have them either. Their last name is Janzen, not Farrell. Those things aren’t theirs to take.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4104
Chapter 4104
Kathryn understood her brothers all too well. She said firmly, “If we don’t put an end to this once and for all, they’ll keep coming back to stir up trouble. It’ll become a constant hassle. It’s better to finish it now.”
She continued, “They’ll target me because they know you have powerful backers, Liberty. Eventually, they’ll give up on you and focus entirely on me. To them, I’m the reason our family has ended up like this. They feel no brotherly love toward me—they can’t wait to get rid of me. If they succeed, they may not gain the family’s treasures, but they’ll at least inherit my mother’s private property.”
Kathryn sneered, “I’ve already decided—I’m going to draft a will. If something happens to me, all my assets will be divided into three parts. One portion will go to Pedro, another will be donated to the country, and the final part will go to you, Liberty.”
“Kathryn!”
“Miss!”
Both Liberty and Pedro cried out in unison.
Liberty’s voice was serious as she said, “Don’t talk like that. I don’t want your inheritance. Whatever wealth you have, save it for your future children.”
Pedro added passionately, “Miss, I am yours in life and your ghost in death. As long as you’re alive, Pedro exists. If anything happens to you, there will be no Pedro left in this world.”
His loyalty was absolute—he’d follow her in life and death.
Kathryn smiled softly. “I’m just talking. Nothing will happen to me, and I know that. Liberty, I trust you won’t let anything happen to me. Pedro, I trust you even more. We still have our whole lives ahead of us. I want to have children and a future. So, I won’t let anything happen to me, and neither will you.
“But my brothers—they must be dealt with. Even if they’ve treated me cruelly, I can’t let them die. For the sake of our shared bloodline, I’ll save their lives. Otherwise, they’ll never understand how close they were to death.”
Kathryn wasn’t lying when she said she didn’t set up the situation to bait her brothers. Their personalities made it inevitable that they’d provoke Liberty.
Liberty might seem easygoing, but that was only because of her strong bond with Kathryn. The two shared a mutual understanding and respect. But if Liberty was truly provoked, she wouldn’t hold back.
At just fifteen, Liberty had taken on the responsibility of raising her younger sister, Serenity. She didn’t just raise her—she shaped her into an extraordinary individual. Liberty was anything but weak.
Her years with Hank had been her lowest point, burdened by family, children, and the loss of her connection to the outside world. Those struggles had made her seem vulnerable.
But after the divorce, Liberty had rebuilt herself. She lost weight, regained her confidence, launched her own business, and now carried herself with undeniable self-assurance.
She was still the fourth young lady of the Lewis family.
If Marco and his brothers fell into Liberty’s hands, mercy wouldn’t even be a consideration. The two families were mortal enemies—there was no reason for Liberty to go easy on them.
Since Liberty understood Kathryn’s plan, Kathryn didn’t bother hiding her intentions anymore.
Seeing Kathryn’s determination, Liberty chose not to argue further.
Pedro, however, couldn’t shake his unease. He vowed to himself that, no matter what, he wouldn’t let Kathryn’s life be endangered—not even at the cost of his own.
But the thought of Kathryn’s plan, which required her to put herself in harm’s way, made his heart ache.
“Miss,” Pedro suggested, “why don’t we set up an economic trap to lure them in? That way, we can deal with them without putting you at such great risk.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4105
Chapter 4105
“Without my mother and the Farrell Group backing them, they’re cautious about investments. But caution takes time, and I want quick results,” Kathryn said firmly.
She continued, “Just do as I say. For them, it’s simple violence, but for me, it’s a swift victory.”
Kathryn had no patience for elaborate economic schemes. To her, the intelligence of her three brothers didn’t justify the effort.
If they wanted her dead, she’d give them the chance. And if she survived, their bad luck was inevitable.
Even when her mother was alive, she had been clear with Kathryn: if her brothers ever turned against her and caused trouble, she shouldn’t hesitate to act decisively.
Her mother had always said, “I’m a mother, and I could never bring myself to harm my sons.”
At the time, Kathryn thought her mother was harsh. After all, the woman had even harmed her own sister, who had raised Kathryn.
But her mother had always put the Farrell family above everything else. Whoever jeopardized its interests—son or not—faced her wrath.
Now, reflecting on those words, Kathryn felt her mother’s cold resolve in herself. She truly was her mother’s daughter.
Her brothers shared that same cruelty, but they lacked her mother’s cunning.
Once Kathryn set her mind on something, no one could change it.
Seeing her determination, Liberty and Pedro stopped trying to persuade her.
That night, Liberty stayed at the Farrell family mansion for the first time. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t sleep. In the middle of the night, she texted her husband, Duncan:
“Hubby, are you asleep? I moved into the Farrell family mansion today, but I can’t sleep. Maybe I just don’t feel like I belong here yet.”
The mansion had been home to Clarissa’s family for decades.
Kathryn had already cleared out the master bedroom, erasing all traces of their mother. Although it was the traditional room for the head of the family, Liberty had no desire to sleep there. For now, she stayed in a guest room.
Kathryn had suggested hiring a decorator to renovate the master bedroom before Liberty officially moved in.
Each head of the family typically renovated the mansion upon taking over, ensuring its preservation through generations.
Though Liberty was the successor, she hadn’t yet led the clan in their ancestral worship ceremony, so her position wasn’t official. Renovating the mansion wasn’t a priority for her right now.
She decided she would undertake the renovations later, once she had solidified her position and gained everyone’s support. The current décor, updated during Clarissa’s tenure, felt outdated for modern times.
After sending the message, Liberty checked the clock: 3 a.m. Duncan was surely asleep. She didn’t expect a reply.
On impulse, she texted Serenity instead.
Since Serenity was pregnant, she often woke in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
Soon, Serenity responded. She’d just gotten up for water and sent a low-voiced audio message, likely to avoid waking Zachary.
“You’re not used to it yet, but you will be. Treat it like your home, and you’ll eventually sleep well,” Serenity said softly.
She added, “That’s where our mother lived as a child. If you sleep there, maybe she’ll visit you in your dreams. If she were alive, she’d be so proud to know you’ve moved in and are carrying on Grandma’s legacy.”
Hearing that, Liberty’s heart felt lighter. Serenity even mentioned wanting to visit Jensburg and stay at the Farrell family mansion herself.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4106
Chapter 4106
Serenity didn’t desire anything from the Farrell family, even though it was where her mother was born and had spent three or four years of her life. Her older sister bypassed both their aunt and mother to take on their grandmother’s role as the family head.
After hearing what Serenity said, Liberty responded, her voice heavy with regret, “I’m afraid Mom wouldn’t even remember the way home anymore.”
The early loss of their mother left a void, and with no connection to their aunt or their mother’s childhood home, Liberty feared that their mother had forgotten everything about her roots.
Serenity sent another message: “Sister, if you’re there, Mom will find her way home. Zachary and I visited our parents, and I told them about you taking over in Jensburg. I explained that you’d be changing your surname to Farrell, so Dad would understand your situation.”
She added, “Grandpa and Grandma seemed a little unhappy when they heard about the name change, but they didn’t say much. Maybe they’re starting to accept that you’re meant to lead the Farrell family.”
Despite her complicated feelings, Serenity had gone back to her hometown. Though she disliked her grandparents, she still visited them, brought supplements for their health, and gave them some money.
Her relationship with them was strained, and there was no denying the disappointment the two elders felt toward their other children and grandchildren.
In the past, they had been most critical of their third son. But now, they realized too late that he and his wife were the most filial.
Unfortunately, they had failed to appreciate them when they were alive. After their deaths, the grandparents continued to treat Liberty and Serenity poorly, despite their loss.
Now, the sisters had married into wealthy families and proven their worth. Their once-dismissed third daughter-in-law had turned out to be from a wealthy family herself, and her granddaughter, Liberty, was now head of the Farrell family.
“If only they’d known,” Serenity thought, “they might have treated us better.”
But hindsight was meaningless now. The sisters had moved on, and Serenity’s willingness to acknowledge them was more than they deserved.
Liberty laughed bitterly and said, “They know they can’t control our lives. If it weren’t for Dad, they’d be dreaming of living in our house!”
She continued, “Dad was the most filial son and raised us to respect the elderly. I don’t want to argue with them endlessly, but I’ll never forget how they treated us.”
Though they couldn’t forgive the past, Liberty and Serenity had decided not to hold on to the bitterness. Their grandparents were old, nearing the end of their lives, and it wasn’t worth the fight anymore.
But once they passed, the house their parents had built with their hard-earned money would revert to Liberty and Serenity. Liberty vowed to protect their family home from their uncles and cousins, who might try to claim it.
That house was her parents’ legacy, and it belonged to her and Serenity.
Liberty asked, “How’s Sonny? Is he behaving?”
Serenity replied, “Sonny is always well-behaved, but your ex-in-laws are still causing trouble. They keep targeting Duncan, calling him insincere and claiming he’s not genuinely good to Sonny. They’ve even pushed Hank to fight for custody again.”
She continued, “Hank is spending more time with Sonny lately. I think he’s afraid Sonny will grow closer to Duncan than to him. At least Hank is more rational now and doesn’t blindly follow his mother and sister’s lead.”
If Hank hadn’t changed, Serenity wouldn’t have allowed him near Sonny at all. She worried about the influence of Hank’s family, fearing they might corrupt Sonny the way they had with Lucas, turning him into a misbehaved, unruly child.
After a pause, Liberty said, “I’ll call Hank tomorrow. I’ll talk to him again for Sonny’s sake. But I don’t think he should take Sonny back to his family’s home. His mother and sister haven’t changed and probably never will.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4107
Chapter 4107
Liberty said, “They never change their bad habits. Seren, don’t let Sonny get influenced by them and end up ruining his relationship with Duncan.”
Sonny would eventually live with Liberty and Duncan. If the Brown family instigated him to go against his stepfather, it would cause unnecessary trouble.
Serenity replied, “Our Sonny is smart. How could he be so easily influenced by them? He was raised by us sisters. Unless the Brown family’s genes are stronger than ours, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Serenity firmly believed in Sonny’s intelligence. Despite his young age, he could clearly tell right from wrong.
The Brown family wouldn’t be able to lead Sonny astray—unless Hank’s genes were exceptionally dominant.
“Still, try not to let Sonny spend too much time with the Browns. You know how my ex-in-laws are. It’s hard to trust that they won’t misguide him.”
“Once this semester is over, Sonny will transfer to a kindergarten in Jensburg for the next term. He’ll be farther away from the Brown family. If it’s just occasional phone calls, we won’t have to worry too much.”
Serenity nodded in agreement.
“Seren, get some sleep. I’ll read for a bit and see if it helps me fall asleep. I’ll come back when your due date gets closer,” Liberty said.
This was her sister’s first child, and Liberty was determined to be there for her during the delivery.
Even though their aunt was still in Wiltspoon, Liberty felt it was her responsibility to be present.
Serenity said, “I woke up in the middle of the night, and now I’m wide awake. I’ll keep you company, sister. By the way, how are things going between you and Kathryn?”
Liberty replied, “Things are going smoothly. Kathryn’s fine. It’s all up to me now. She’s eager for me to step into my role so she can settle down with Pedro.”
After dealing with Kathryn for a while, Liberty felt she understood her well.
Kathryn had no desire to take over the Farrell family. In the past, circumstances had forced her into that position.
Now that Liberty was stepping in, Kathryn was more than happy to step back. She was ready to return the family leadership to her aunt’s descendants.
For Kathryn, the biggest reward for reconnecting with the Farrells was Pedro, her love.
Pedro was exceptional in every way, and together, he and Kathryn made a powerful team.
“Even if Kathryn doesn’t lead the Farrell Group, she’ll still be the CEO of a major company. She already has her own business, and with Pedro’s support, she’ll only become more formidable.”
Liberty added, “I’m still waiting to meet my all-round assistant. Kathryn said she’s already submitted the request to the base, but I probably won’t meet them until I officially take over and lead the family during Qingming Festival.”
Liberty looked forward to meeting her assistant.
These assistants were highly skilled, loyal, and indispensable to the head of the family. Seeing Pedro’s capabilities only raised her expectations.
“Don’t worry about it too much,” Serenity said with a smile. “When you officially become the head of the Farrell family, I’ll personally be there to celebrate.”
“No, Seren, you shouldn’t come,” Liberty said firmly. “You’re seven months pregnant now, and by then, you’ll be eight months. Even with Zachary by your side, I’d still worry about you traveling so far.”
Liberty’s concern for her sister’s health was evident.
“Listen to me, Seren. Just call or send me a message to wish me well. That’s more than enough. We’re sisters—there’s no need for formalities.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4108
Chapter 4108
“Or how about I ask your brother-in-law to livestream it for you?”
Serenity looked down at her rounded belly, ran her hand over it, and sighed. “Ever since this little one came along, I really can’t go anywhere. Fine, I’ll listen to you, sister. When the time comes, I’ll have Zachary go over and take a video for me.”
To avoid worrying her sister, Serenity gave in and stopped insisting on going in person to offer her blessings.
“Seren, go to bed now. Your brother-in-law is calling,” Liberty said. “Don’t bother replying to me. I’ll answer his call and keep battling this bed.”
Serenity responded with a simple “mm-hmm” before ending the conversation.
“It’s the middle of the night, and you’re still awake. Who were you chatting with?”
A gentle voice sounded behind her as Zachary approached, draping a coat over her shoulders.
“It’s still chilly in the early morning,” he said softly. “You didn’t wear a coat when you got up. What if you catch a cold?”
Serenity tugged at the coat and replied, “My pajamas are thick, and the room isn’t cold. My sister just moved into the Farrell family mansion. She said she’s having trouble sleeping, maybe because of the new environment or something else.”
She turned to look at him. “I got up to use the bathroom and grab some water. Then I saw her message, so I chatted with her for a bit. Did I wake you?”
Zachary guided her back to the bed and shook his head. “No, I’m used to it. When I reach over and don’t feel you there, I wake up.”
In truth, Serenity’s growing belly kept him on edge. He was constantly worried she might go into labor unexpectedly, even though her due date hadn’t arrived yet.
Zachary was a naturally light sleeper, and now even more so. If Serenity wasn’t beside him, he’d wake up quickly.
Some nights, he’d quietly watch her belly rise and fall, gently placing his hand on it. He often wondered what their baby would look like.
Would the child resemble him? Or Serenity?
He hoped their baby would inherit the best of both of them.
“Maybe Liberty isn’t used to the new environment yet,” Serenity said thoughtfully. “Or maybe she’s got a lot on her mind. She’s under a lot of pressure right now. Even though the Farrell Group has declined, it’s still a massive corporation.
“Sis has worked in big companies and has her own business, but running a conglomerate is a whole other challenge. Plus, she’s just taken on the responsibility of leading a large family. She needs to show results and make a positive impact for everyone in the family. Only then can she truly earn their trust and establish herself.
“Honestly, if it were me, I’d feel the pressure too. But I believe in her. As the eldest daughter of the Farrell family, her natural leadership skills will emerge. She’ll prove she’s the right person for the job.”
Zachary nodded. “You’re right. Maybe send her a message with some encouraging words. Let her know she’s not alone. And don’t forget, your aunt will step in if needed. She won’t let Liberty face this all by herself.”
Serenity smiled. “You’re right. Aunt Audrey is experienced, and Mr. Jimenez is there too. He’ll guide her through the tricky parts, and Aunt will teach her what she needs to know. Liberty’s got this.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4109
Chapter 4109
Serenity said, “Yes, with my aunt around, we have someone to rely on. We don’t know much about the Farrell family, and we don’t have any emotional connection to them. But my aunt is from the Farrell family—she’s my grandmother’s eldest daughter. Even though she and my mom left home when they were young, the Farrell family is still her family.
The most important thing is how capable my aunt is. Before I married you, I’d already heard about her talents. I know she’s responsible for half of the Stone Group’s success today. I used to worry about my sister, but now that you’ve mentioned it, I feel much more at ease.”
Zachary hugged her and said, “There’s no need to worry. We all have experience managing large companies. We just need to guide my sister a little.”
Serenity smiled. “You don’t have to teach her. My brother-in-law will handle that. Don’t go stealing his job.”
Zachary chuckled. After laughing, he gently kissed Serenity’s forehead and pulled her into a tighter embrace. “Seren, the best decision I ever made was listening to my grandmother and marrying you. My two good friends should thank us too. If it weren’t for us, they’d probably still be single.”
If Zachary hadn’t married Serenity, Josh wouldn’t have met Jasmine, and Duncan might not have ended up with Liberty.
While Liberty first met Duncan by accidentally bumping into his car, without Zachary and Serenity, their relationship might not have developed.
Serenity teased, “Then go find your two friends and ask for a matchmaker’s red envelope. Tell them they owe their happy marriages to me—your amazing wife.”
Zachary grinned, lowering his head to playfully tap her lips with his own. “You’re absolutely right. Thanks to marrying you, I didn’t just end my single life—I helped them end theirs too. I’ll make sure to ask Josh for that red envelope tomorrow.”
“Be careful,” Serenity warned with a laugh. “Josh might just decide to take more time off and leave you buried in work.”
Jasmine was a month further along in her pregnancy than Serenity. At eight months pregnant, she was due to give birth within the next month. Josh had already been pushing Zachary to clear his schedule so he could take a month off to care for Jasmine after the baby arrived.
“If the company isn’t too busy,” Josh had said, “I might even take three months. The first three months are the hardest, and I don’t want Jasmine to be overwhelmed.”
Zachary had reminded him that they’d already hired a nanny and a confinement nanny for Jasmine and the baby. “Why do you need to do it all yourself?” he asked.
Josh’s response was simple: “A child you care for yourself becomes closer to you.”
Zachary had no comeback for that. He didn’t dare argue too much, knowing Josh would just counter with more points. After all, Serenity was also due to give birth in two months, and Zachary knew he’d likely be stepping into the role of hands-on dad.
“Josh told me he wants to take maternity leave,” Zachary said, shaking his head. “He’s not even the one having the baby! I’m giving him a month off to care for his wife, and now he’s talking about taking three months—or even half a year—like the women in the company. What am I supposed to do? I want to take leave too!”
He turned to Serenity and added, “Seren, after our baby is born, we need to spend as much time as we can with them. That way, the baby will grow close to us.”
Zachary reflected on how he and his brothers had been raised primarily by their grandparents. While they respected and honored their parents, the bond with their grandparents had always been deeper and closer.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4110
Chapter 4110
Zachary’s mother once shared a memory from his childhood. When he returned home from kindergarten for the first time, his entire family—parents, grandparents, and uncles—was waiting for him. As he stepped out of the car and ran toward them, his mother squatted down, arms wide open, ready for a hug.
But instead of running to her, he bypassed her completely and ran straight into his grandmother’s arms. After his grandmother hugged him, he turned to his grandfather for another embrace, ignoring his parents and uncles entirely.
This was because his parents were often busy with work and didn’t have much time to care for or spend with him.
Children naturally grow closer to those who take care of them.
Take Sonny, for example. Since Duncan often spent time playing with Sonny and accompanying him, Sonny became more attached to Duncan than to his own father. This closeness even caused the Brown family to feel uneasy, worrying that Duncan might take Sonny away.
Serenity nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly how it works. I’ll make sure to take care of our baby myself. The nanny can help out, but the primary responsibility will be ours.”
Zachary smiled. “You focus on work and making money. Once we have the baby, you’ll need to earn more for all that formula,” he teased with a laugh. “I’ve raised Sonny before—pretty much single-handedly—so I already have plenty of experience with kids.”
Zachary chuckled at her. “Between the two of us, we’re sitting on a family fortune worth tens of billions. Do you really think we’ll run out of money for formula? Besides, I don’t care. Once the baby is born, I’ll stay home to help. I’ll be your nanny, looking after you and the baby. During your recovery period, you won’t need to lift a finger—just rest and get plenty of sleep.
“I have so many younger brothers to pick up the slack at work. It’s their turn to step up. I’ve been carrying the weight for long enough, and I need a break.”
As he spoke, Zachary rested his large hand on Serenity’s rounded belly. His expression softened as he said, “Wife, I already feel for our child, even before they’re born. Being the eldest in the family comes with heavy responsibilities. In our family, the firstborn always takes on the burden of leadership, and it’s an exhausting path.
“I’ve walked this road myself, so I know exactly how hard it is. I don’t want our child to carry that same burden, but it’s their duty, their mission. There’s no escaping it.”
Inwardly, Zachary comforted himself. If their firstborn was a son, at least he’d be suited for the role. A job this demanding shouldn’t fall to a daughter.
If they did have a daughter, Zachary decided he would pass the responsibility to their second child. Daughters, after all, are meant to be cherished, not burdened.
Serenity smiled. “It’s way too early to worry about that. For all we know, our child might not even have the capability to take over the family business. Don’t forget—you still have eight younger brothers, and they’ll all get married and have kids someday too.”
“If each of them has two children, that’s 18 members in the next generation. Who knows which one will turn out to be the most capable? The family will choose the best candidate. You were chosen because you’re the eldest and the most capable. If you hadn’t been up to the task, I doubt the family elders would’ve let you take charge.”
Serenity had never met Zachary’s grandfather in person, only in family photos. The man looked kind in the pictures but had sharp, discerning eyes.
She felt sure that when Grandpa York chose a successor, he didn’t base it on seniority but on ability. He focused on the grandchild with the best qualifications and trained them accordingly.
“Besides,” Serenity continued, “we’re both ambitious people. Even if our child doesn’t take over the York Corporation, they’ll still have to manage our businesses. There’s no escaping that.”
Serenity’s company might not be the biggest, and its scale wasn’t as grand as the York Corporation. However, Zachary’s personal company was massive and formidable. While it wasn’t quite at the same level as the York family business, it still outperformed most large corporations.