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.”

She turned to

the back garden.” The maid

thoughtful nod, Cordelia went upstairs to drop off

head was

they couldn’t pin down the culprit. Lorna decided to dock everyone

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

seemed to have descended into chaos throughout the day.

reconciling August’s financial

in his forties who didn’t think much of Lorna. He was reporting with a smug grin. “Lady Lorna, this page details the daily expenses. Eggs were at $1.8 each, with the family consuming fifty

for eggs, and then there’s

massaged her temples “Just give me the

announced an outrageously inflated

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

managed things, and there were no issues for years It’s getting dark. Please approve next month’s budget so I can make the arrangements Otherwise, if we delay it, Mr. Steward

didn’t approve on the

Lorna was fuming.

been skimming from the Delaney family’s expenses for

newcomer like Lorna thought she could get him to reduce daily costs.

money. If you can’t handle it, you’d better hand the reins

Hank was basking in his arrogance, a cold voice interjected.

turned to see Cordelia

ponytail swaying behind her, Cordelia

Lorna like a guard and gazed at

rattled off a complicated list of organic vegetable costs, each varying by day.

for five minutes, expecting Cordelia to be lost. But when he finished, she delivered an exact figure. Stunned and sweating, Hank faltered under Cordelia’s relentless scrutiny. One by one,

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