?Chapter 247:


    Before Belinda even turned a month old, she was secretly swapped and sent to live in the countryside, where she grew up enduring abuse from the so-called parents who raised her. Meanwhile, the nanny’s niece, Gillian, took Belinda’s ce and lived a life of luxury as a young heiress.<fn3260> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? fin?novel</fn3260>


    The truth came to light only when Gillian needed a kidney transnt at the age of seventeen.


    Even now, Belinda could clearly remember the joy she felt when she first learned that she had been swapped as a baby. She thought she could finally escape her abusive upbringing and live the life she had always dreamed of, the life she deserved—the life that should have always been hers.


    But that wasn’t what happened when she returned to the Nelson household. Not only did her biological parents ignore her, but they also tantly favored Gillian. They were a happy family unit, and Belinda was nothing more than an outsider.


    When Belinda married Kristopher, Donovan still paid little attention to her. He only reached out after Kristopher woke up, and even then, it was sporadic. It was clear that he only saw some value in Belinda when it suited him, and his attempts to reconnect with her were driven by a desire to ingratiate himself with Kristopher’s family.


    Donovan hadst contacted her two months ago, inquiring about a possible business partnership with Kristopher’s family. Belinda took a deep breath, bracing herself before answering the phone.


    “Hello?”


    “Gillian has mentioned how you and Mr. Cox haven’t been visitingtely,” Donovan said without preamble, his usual indifferent tone carrying through. “Tomorrow is Gillian’s birthday. Bring Mr. Cox over.”


    “And don’t forget the birthday cake Mr. Cox arranged for your mother’sst birthday. Gillian really enjoyed it. Please order a three-tier cake for tomorrow morning. Gillian is having some friends over for her birthday.” Donovan’s tone was cold, more like issuingmands to an employee than talking to his daughter. “Make sure to order it first thing in the morning.”


    Throughout the call, Belinda remained silent, which seemed to irritate Donovan further. “Belinda, are you listening?”


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    Belinda frowned and ced her phone on speaker, setting it on the coffee table as she picked up Fluffy, gently squeezing its paw. “I’m listening.”


    “Why aren’t you saying anything then?” Donovan’s voice grew sharp. “Isn’t it just polite to reply when your father is speaking to you? You’ve been away from the countryside for years. Haven’t you picked up any basic manners?”


    Belinda massaged her throbbing temples. “I recall thest time I spoke up while you were talking, you scolded me for interrupting. Now I’m silent, and it’s still not right?”


    Her reply only seemed to increase Donovan’s annoyance. “I am your father! You should listen without talking back. Is this how they taught you to behave in the countryside? Huh?”


    Belinda exhaled softly. She knew the Nelsons had never been fond of her, and she had always tried to stay under the radar when around them. While other daughters might discuss their marital issues with their parents and receivefort and support, she had to face her challenges alone, including her terminal illness. Yet, whatever she did, it was never right in their eyes.


    “Fine then.” Donovan’s tone grew more impatient as Belinda stayed silent. “I don’t want to argue. I just called to remind you that tomorrow is Gillian’s birthday. Get the cake, find a gift, and make sure Mr. Coxes home.”


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