Matriarch Farrell had done much for the Janzen family, but her commanding presence made them behave submissively, always keeping a low profile. Holden was even more deferential around his wife, Matriarch Farrell, acting more like a servant than an equal. This dynamic left Holden feeling frustrated, leading him to place all his hopes on his daughter.
Holden said, “Shiloh, your mother’s decisions are beyond my control. Please speak to her on my behalf. You heard Kathryn mention that I am the man your mother chose to marry. What status do you think a husband holds in this family?”
“Dad,” Shiloh replied.
With a sigh, Holden responded, “Shiloh, I truly cannot change the situation. You know the position I hold within the family.”
Shiloh pouted, fully aware that her father was speaking the truth. In the Farrell household, her adoptive father had little authority.
Meanwhile, in her study on the second floor, Matriarch Farrell sat at her desk. When Kathryn entered, she instructed, “Close the door and lock it.”
Kathryn complied.
“Why did the car break down?” Matriarch Farrell inquired.
Kathryn replied, “It was tampered with.”
Leaning back in her chair, Matriarch Farrell asked, “Is there anyone you suspect?”
Kathryn answered, “The only suspects I can think of are my dad, my brothers and sisters-in-law, and your favorite, Shiloh.”
Matriarch Farrell did not express anger at her daughter’s response. Instead, after a brief silence, she remarked, “My feelings for Shiloh are complicated right now, but the rules of the Farrell family cannot change.”
This was a clear signal to Kathryn that she would assume leadership of the Farrell family when Matriarch Farrell retired.
“Mom, you should consider allowing Shiloh to return to her home,” Kathryn suggested.
Matriarch Farrell smiled and said, “Kathryn, if you don’t claim your own identity, you will never truly be yourself. She still serves a purpose; at least she can practice your sword skills for you. Let’s keep her for now.”
Occasionally, when she was angry, she would direct harsh words at Shiloh, but ultimately, she chose to keep Shiloh by her side.
A biological daughter couldn’t have a straightforward path; even the most successful master faced challenges.
She hoped her daughter would surpass her in strength and capability.
For now, Kathryn was a pragmatic individual who acted with composure and consistency, making her the ideal successor.
Sometimes, Matriarch Farrell considered that if her daughter hadn’t been replaced over twenty years ago and Kathryn had been raised as her successor from childhood, she would surely be leading the family today, allowing Matriarch Farrell to enjoy a peaceful retirement.
Holding the title of Matriarch brought many rewards, but it also entailed significant sacrifices.
Perhaps due to her advancing age, Matriarch Farrell found herself reflecting more on her parents and sisters lately.
Especially her elder sister.
She had been raised by her eldest sister, who had cared for her deeply, while her younger sister had been closest to her second sister. However, in pursuit of her ambitions, she had severed those sisterly bonds.
Now, she felt regret, but sadly, there was no remedy for regret, nor was there a way to turn back time.
Kathryn remarked, “Aside from them, I still suspect Mom.”
Matriarch Farrell paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, “Until you gather proof, anyone can be a suspect.
Have someone investigate. As long as there’s evidence, Mom will…”
“I will stand by your side.”
“You and Young Master Queen—could it really be impossible? I can’t shake the feeling that you two are meant for each other. You see him often, and he certainly treats you differently.”
Matriarch Farrell held a deep appreciation for Hayden.