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.”

hearing that. She turned to the maid cleaning on the second floor, asking, “Where’s my

the back garden.” The maid

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

head was pounding.

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

responsibility, a tactic she borrowed from Sanderson

have descended into chaos throughout the day. She didn’t even have time to catch her breath.

August’s financial statements with

were at $1.8 each, with the family consuming fifty a day

a two percent loss. That’s the cost for eggs, and then there’s the

massaged her temples “Just give me

an outrageously inflated

suspecting the household didn’t need to spend so much But 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 would have another fit

of September. If she didn’t approve on the spot, Hank would dare to

Lorna was fuming.

smirked triumphantly. He’d been skimming from the Delaney family’s

could get

waiting for their money. If you can’t handle it, you’d better hand

flushed with humiliation and anger. Just as Hank was basking in his

He turned to see Cordelia walking toward

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

Lorna like a guard and gazed at Hank.

of organic vegetable costs, each varying by

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

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