Chapter 358 Life Interferes
Chapter 358 Life Interferes
“You are not Ronald’s illegitimate child; he is not your father but your uncle,” Allison said.
Zachary’s breath hitched for a moment.
This news hit Zachary like a bolt from the blue, leaving his mind utterly stunned,
I’m not Ronald’s illegitimate child?
Ronald isn’t my father?
He’s my uncle?
The identity of my mom… is quite obvious, then.
Zachary couldn’t believe it, yet he had no choice but to accept it.
The mother he had longed for since his childhood turned out to be Tamara.
The traces that were once unclear finally had answers.
No wonder Tamara was so kind to him since he was a child.
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No wonder Tamara didn’t favor Johanne, her nephew. Instead, he had a soft spot for Zachary, the so–called “illegitimate” nephew.
No wonder Tamara was always meddling in his personal affairs. In reality, she was just interfering with his marriage under the guise of being his mother.
Allison gazed at Zachary’s stunned expression, continuing her story. “Tamara met your father early on, but he was forced to marry another woman due to familial pressures. Despite being misled by your father, Tamara had no intention of ending things. Your grandpa and I vehemently disagreed, but she was stubborn, paying no heed to our advice. Later on, your dad’s wife and Tamara became pregnant one after another. When his wife discovered Tamara’s existence, she threw herself off a building after giving birth, resulting in her death. The wife’s family confronted your grandpa and me, hurling accusations at us. It was only then that Tamara finally compromised. She registered her baby under your uncle’s name and left this place.”
In this situation, Bertram was also at fault.
When the members of the Hoffman family attempted to take Zachary away, Gerald intervened, preventing them. The maternal relatives of Bertram’s wife also did not want their grandson to have another half–brother competing with him. Thus, under the balance maintained by these three parties, Zachary was able to stay with the Fuller family.
“Actually, your Aunt Madeline knew you weren’t Ronald’s child. She even visited Tamara at the hospital when she was pregnant. Their arguments weren’t because of you. I know how much you’ve been wronged.”
After hearing this, Zachary remained silent for a long time.
Somehow, a bitter taste welled up in his throat.
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Chapter 358 Life Interferes
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He wasn’t the illegitimate child of Ronald, nor was he indirectly responsible for the death of Johanne’s
parents.
After carrying the heavy burden and suppressing his emotions for so many years, he finally let it all go.
He didn’t need to hang his head in front of Johanne.
However, life had a way of interfering one’s life.
He had now become the illegitimate child of someone else.
His mother was indirectly responsible for the death of another child’s mother.
If that child were to discover the truth, he would surely harbor a deep resentment toward him.
A flash of realization sparked in Zachary’s mind, and Ezekiel’s familiar face surfaced in his thoughts.
He lifted his gaze to meet Allison’s. “My father is…”
“It’s Bertram from the Hoffman family in Jeahron.” Allison sighed.
“Indeed.”
Zachary let out a self–deprecating laugh.
That child was none other than Ezekiel.
Ezekiel had learned about the past events, which explained why he had repeatedly targeted him.
“Zack, I know you’re a good kid. What happened back then has nothing to do with you. There’s no need for you to blame yourself or feel guilty. Do you understand?” Allison, fearing he might be taking things too hard, held onto Zachary’s hand and patted it gently.
“Grandma, rest assured. I understand.” Zachary lifted the corners of his mouth slightly, offering a faint smile.
He wasn’t that foolish.
Back then, the grievances of the adults had nothing to do with him. He wasn’t raised in the Hoffman family, nor did he vie for power and profit with Ezekiel
He had no need to blame himself for Ezekiel.
“I’m glad you understand.” Allison sighed in relief. “This matter has been weighing on my heart for many years. You and Johanne have long since grown up and become mature. I should have told you both sooner.”
Johanne had always regarded Zachary as an illegitimate child. Deep down, he felt a sense of superiority, believing that he was the rightful heir to Fuller Group. He resented Zachary’s existence, blaming him. indirectly for the death of his parents.
Although Gerald had suppressed much of his resentment, it still lurked in the dark corners of his heart, making him susceptible to manipulation.
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Chapter 358 Life Interferes
“Grandma, I’m sure you did what you thought was best for us back then.”
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In the eyes of the elderly pair, if the brothers were living in harmony, there was no need for any additional measures. Who could have foreseen such an event happening?
“As for Tamara, your mother… She’s had a hard time living abroad all these years. Don’t hold it against her.”
Zachary’s gaze was intense. He still remembered what Tamara had done before she left. “As long as she no longer interferes with my personal affairs and stops trying to prevent me from being with Nora, I will regard her as my mother,” he declared.
“All right.” Allison nodded. “That’s all. You may leave now. I’m tired and would like to be alone for a while.”
“All right, Grandma. You should rest well.”
Zachary rose and left the room.
As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Lenora standing by the window on the second floor. Her clothes were fluttering, making her look ethereal, as if she was about to ascend into the heavens, leaving the mortal world behind.
Upon hearing the sound of the door opening, Lenora turned her head. Before she could utter a word, Zachary strode forward, sweeping her into his arms in one swift motion.
He buried his head in the crook of her neck, his eyes closing as he took a deep breath.
Lenora was taken aback, pushing him slightly. “Zachary, what’s wrong with you?”
His reaction was off. What had his grandmother told him?
Receiving no response, Lenora called out again, “Zachary?”
A few seconds later, Zachary released her and spoke up. “It’s nothing.”
Nobody would wish to reveal an identity as such in front of the person they cherished.
Lenora cast him a doubtful glance. “What did Grandma tell you about Johanne?”
“She blamed herself for not educating Johanne properly. Reflecting on the past, she couldn’t help but feel a touch of melancholy.”
Lenora gave him a glance, then turned around to descend the stairs.
As it was nearing the end of the kindergarten day, Zachary instructed his driver to pick up Harrietta from the kindergarten. Together, they went to a restaurant for dinner.
While Zachary was halfway through his meal, his cell phone began to ring.
He pulled out his phone from the inner pocket of his suit, the screen displaying the name Tamara.
“I’m going to take a call.”
Zachary rose to his feet and exited the private room.
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Chapter 358 Life Interferes
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He gazed at the familiar name, and only in the final moment did his thumb press the answer button.
“Hello? Zack?”
A familiar female voice came through the receiver.
After a few seconds of silence, the woman’s voice echoed again. “Even if you don’t speak, I know you’re listening. You are aware of your identity now, aren’t you?”
Zachary responded with a soft “Mm–hmm” and asked, “Is there something you need?”
Unexpectedly, Zachary’s attitude remained so aloof after he found out about her identity. Tamara felt a pang of displeasure in her heart. Patiently, she said, “Zack, I want to come back and see you. As mother and son, we should spend some quality time together…
“No.”
Zachary was resolute in his refusal, not showing a hint of hesitation. “Stay abroad, and I will still consider you my mother. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being cold and heartless.”
When he was young, he used to imagine the warmth of his mother.
However, for Zachary, who was already thirty years old, his mother’s presence was something he could take or leave.
If Tamara had behaved herself, considering the affection they once shared, he would treat her like his own mother.
If she intended to act high and mighty in front of Lenora, he would have no choice but to be ruthless.
Tamara was shocked, angry, and confused. “Zack, I am your mother! How could you treat me this way? Is it because of that sly Lenora? Don’t be foolish anymore! Think about it. Johanne was responsible for her father’s death. The vengeance for her father’s murder is something she can’t just brush off. How could she possibly not hold a grudge? You’re the only one still living in a fantasy, believing she could ever be with you!”
