Chapter 39

Cordelia stood frozen, her mind a whirlwind of disbelief as Rachel’s seemingly rational but ultimately twisted words filled the air. “You nailed the national first place in the Galaxy Math Whiz Competition, so acing that math league and getting that scholarship is a given. Diving into the physics contest is the icing on the cake. But if Juliana breaks into the national top sixty in physics, she can snag a scholarship, too. Imagine the Delaney sisters both getting a free ride to college. It’ll be the talk of the town.”

Laurinda was quickly convinced. “Exactly! That way, our family can finally shake off the nouveau riche label. Cordelia, drop that physics prep class tomorrow.”

Cordelia gave the three a detached glance, paused a little, and then drawled, “Top sixty all get scholarships.”

It meant aside from her, there were fifty–nine other spots up for grabs.

Juliana was good at physics but wasn’t anywhere near number one in the country. So Cordelia didn’t need to give up this competition at all.

Rachel cut in with a sly grin. “Isn’t it true that one less competitor means a better chance? Lia, do you agree? How about I sweeten the deal with a new Hermès?”

“No need! With that kind of money, we’d better get Juliana a new dress!” Laurinda scolded. “We’re family. We should help each other. It’s settled! Did you hear, Cordelia?”

Cordelia responded leisurely, “Yeah.”

Laurinda managed a rare smile. “That’s more like it…”

“But I don’t agree.”

Laurinda’s smile froze. “What?”

Cordelia didn’t look at her again, returned the gift box to Rachel, and headed upstairs.

Laurinda cursed, “Such an ungrateful little bitch, I knew it. She’s nothing but trouble to this family! And her mother can’t even keep the books straight. Now that you’re back, Rachel, you should take over the household!”

Rachel’s eyes flickered. “Let’s talk about that later, Laurinda.”

Cordelia paused upon hearing that. She turned to

garden.” The

thoughtful nod, Cordelia went upstairs to drop off her backpack and headed

head was

had everyone pointing fingers, and in the end, they couldn’t pin down the culprit.

future issues would be her responsibility, a tactic she borrowed from Sanderson Management that

throughout the day. She didn’t even

August’s financial statements with September’s expenses.

this page details the daily expenses. Eggs were at $1.8 each, with the family

in transit, a two percent loss. That’s the cost for eggs, and then there’s the greens, pork, beef, chicken… Lorna, are

temples “Just give

announced an outrageously inflated

But Hank either itemized everything meticulously or lumped it into a total that demanded approval, utterly uncooperativel

It’s getting dark. Please approve next month’s budget so I can make the arrangements

If she didn’t approve on the spot, Hank would dare to hold back provisions and blame

Lorna was fuming.

from the Delaney family’s expenses for years.

Lorna thought she could get him to reduce daily costs.

Lorna hesitated, his contempt grew. “Madam, please hurry up. Everyone’s waiting for their money. If you can’t handle it, you’d better hand the reins

was basking in his arrogance,

was dumbfounded. He turned to see Cordelia

swaying behind her, Cordelia exuded an inexplicable sense of authority as

like a guard and gazed at Hank. “You can continue with the greens.”

complicated list of organic vegetable costs, each

lost. But when he finished, she delivered an exact figure. Stunned and sweating, Hank faltered under Cordelia’s relentless scrutiny. One by

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