Alice was in disbelief.
Who was Zack York? He was the heir of the York family. It stood to reason that Serena and he would never cross paths in their lives.
Clive said, “It’s not impossible. 1 heard Elisa mention that Serena’s husband had the same last name York. Although there are many people with the same last name in this world, the York surname is quite uncommon. In Wiltspoon, everyone who carries the last name York is either from Zack’s family or related to them.
“Serena’s husband is also working at York Corporation. Don’t you think it’s too much of a coincidence?”
“Are there no other people with the surname York working at York Corporation who aren’t Zack or his brothers?”
Clive choked for a moment, then said, “That’s not true either. Many members of the extended family also work at York Corporation. Some are closer by blood, but most of them are at least thrice removed.”
“Maybe her husband’s ancestor was from the same family as Zack’s ancestor. They just share the same last name, but are not related.
Clive had this in mind, so he did not think about Zack when his sister mentioned that Serena’s husband had the last name York.
Although the York family had a deep heritage that spanned several generations, they originated from the countryside. It was said from where their ancestors lived, everyone had the last name York.
Clive did not know whether Zack’s ancestors brought along the townspeople when they made a fortune in the city.
However, he was cognizant that there were indeed many employees with the surname York in the headquarters of York Corporation and its branch companies. However, most of them had nothing to do with Zack and simply shared the same last name.
“That’s why I called you up. I want you to find an opportunity to secretly ask Serena what her husband’s name is. Don’t let Mom or Elisa find out. You know Elisa hasn’t completely let go of her feelings for Zack.
“Mom just found Serena and Liberty, so don’t let her know for the time being. I don’t know how she’ll react if Serena’s husband really turns out to be Zack. She’s bent on helping her two nieces now, but she loves Elisa more.
“Even our affection is biased toward Elisa. After all, Elisa is my sister, but Serena is just my cousin who we just reconnected with. We don’t even have a sibling bond yet.”
Clive said in a low voice, “Elisa told me that Serena always addresses her husband as Mr. York around her. She had never mentioned her husband’s name before. Coincidentally, Elisa also addressed Zack as Mr. York in front of other girls. She doesn’t use his first name either.
“I think that’s probably how it is. They both don’t know that the man they’re talking about is actually the same person.”
Alice paused before saying, “Clive, I feel like you’ve already decided that Serena’s husband is Zack.
“Serena’s best friend is Mrs. Lowe’s niece, and the Lowe family’s heir often goes to Serena’s shop. How could it be that Serena doesn’t even mention her husband’s name in front of Mr. Lowe and the others?”
Clive added, “You don’t understand the York family’s way of education, so it’s normal for you to think so.
“The York family’s children are well protected before they step into society, so outsiders don’t know what they look like or what their names are. They attend schools like ordinary people, so no one knows that they’re actually from the York family.
“The first time Zack attended a business reception was when his grandmother brought him to one ten years ago. It was his official debut. If Old Mrs. York participates in a business reception, the other guests must be rich and influential. She only introduced Zack to those bigwigs.
“After that, Zack slowly took over York Corporation, and everyone called him Mr. York. Among those in the younger generation, only those who were close to the York family know his name.
“He also protects his privacy exceptionally well. If Elisa weren’t from the Stone family, she wouldn’t even be able to find out Zack’s name, let alone pursue him.
“Mr. Lowe might not know that Serena’s Zack is Zack York, or he just thought that it was someone with the same name. After all, no one would expect Serena’s husband to be the great Zack York. With his temperament, do you think he’s someone who would get married all of a sudden?”
Alice shook her head. “I don’t believe that he is Serena’s husband, but you said that you saw Serena’s ring matching Zack’s.”
Even though it was her husband raising those doubts, she still could not believe it.
Clive said, “I hope I’m just overthinking. If Serena’s husband indeed turns out to be Zack… Alice, if Serena’s husband is really Zack, we have to keep it a secret. It’s not to help Zack, but it’s for Elisa.”
“Elisa finally put down her infatuation for Zack. We’ll tell her when she has completely let go and is able to openly face Zack with the fact that he’s married.”
Clive sighed. “If she finds out that Serena’s husband is the man she loves but can’t get, I can’t imagine the consequences. Serena isn’t close to us, but Elisa and her get along well.
“I have to think about Elisa.”
“But Serena is your cousin now, and her husband is your brother- in-law. If it’s really Zack, he has to accompany Serena to visit us eventually. He can’t keep hiding and refusing to see Mom, right?”
It was fine if Serena’s husband did not meet them but Audrey was their elder. He had to meet her.
“I’ll ask Zack tonight if his marriage with Serena is hidden. Serena probably doesn’t know his identity. She most likely wouldn’t dare marry him if she did.”
Alice reminded him, “Serena said her husband is out on a business trip and won’t be back for some time.
“Why don’t you call Zack now and ask him where he is? If he’s in Wiltspoon, then you’re overthinking it. If he’s on a business trip, then he may really be Serena’s husband.
“Speaking of which, how did Serena get married all of a sudden in the first place? Elisa didn’t ask either.”
Clive thought about it and said, “I have a hunch that Serena’s husband is Zack York. That day when I met him coincidentally, he had the sudden magnanimity to invite me to a meal. I think it might not just be because he was in a good mood. He… might have been trying to please me because he already knew that Serena is my cousin.”
Alice hesitated but concurred, “That’s possible.”
She added, “I’ll go downstairs now and find a chance to ask Serena secretly.”
“Be careful and don’t let Mom or Elisa know. Even if we get confirmation, we still have to hide it, lest Elisa finds out and falls out with Serena.”
Alice nodded solemnly. She would bring this secret to the grave.
She was reluctant to believe that Serena’s husband was Zack York, the heir of the York family.
How could Zack York get married all of a sudden?
He had incredibly high standards and usually did not allow young women to approach him unless they were relatives. He had always kept women at bay, at least three meters away from him.
Making such a man get married suddenly was harder than trying to ascend to heaven.
Even if he wanted to marry, why would he marry Serena?
“Let’s go downstairs.”
Clive embraced his wife and went out.
The couple went downstairs as if nothing was wrong.
Audrey was talking to the Hunt sisters about hosting a banquet tomorrow night.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.