Chapter 84

It was a rare occasion when the whole family was in the Delaney Manor. Steward and Laurinda lounged on the sofa while Rachel and Juliana flanked a stranger whose chuckles filled the air. His round, Jovial face bore some of a businessman’s cunning and a vague resemblance to Sanderson, Indicating he must be Cordelia’s Uncle

Kermit.

Cordelia entered the living room with Lorna, making her way to Sanderson, who exuded an aura of sophistication in his suit, the top button undone to reveal a crisp waistcoat beneath.

Silently, Cordelia compared Sanderson to Uncle Kermit.

Sanderson had an air of polished erudition, more like a highly educated professional than a mere merchant. And Kermit seemed to embody the quintessential trader, sophisticated, adaptable, but perhaps a bit too slick for the grand ambitions of the Delaney legacy.

From appearances alone, Sanderson had the edge.

Sanderson broke the silence when Cordelia sat down, hugging her schoolbag tightly. “Lia, this concerns you. I’ve been waiting for you to come home.”

Cordelia nodded.

Unable to contain herself, Laurinda huffed, “Fine, you’ve gathered all family members here as if it’s some grand Inquisition. Can we get on with it now?”

Steward furrowed his brows, sensing something amiss.

Indeed, Sanderson laid out the evidence he’d gathered on the table. “I thought someone was targeting the Delaney family through something Lia did but had never expected this. Rachel, what has Lia ever done to you that you’d frame her?”

The room fell into stunned silence.

Laurinda was the first to retort. “Sanderson, have you lost your mind? How could Rachel do such a thing?”

Kermit interrupted, “Sanderson, you must make a mistake. Rachel couldn’t have.”

Juliana glanced at Rachel guiltily, too anxious to speak.

money she wired to the reporters and the calls she

was perplexed by the documents.

evidence, he turned to Rachel. “What do you have to say about this?”

to stand up for me. And Sanderson, you can’t just jump to conclusions. It’s someone else’s plot to stir discord within our family, especially

primary concern was

attention back to Steward without giving others a chance to speak. “Steward, I have some good news to share, and since everyone’s here, I’ll just say it.

realizing something, he exclaimed,

“Yes, my brother has made his acquaintance, and they’ve

brought a smile to Steward’s face. “Good! When can your brother introduce Mr. Calvert to us? Whent will he visit

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nodded but then appeared troubled. “He was supposed to come over this weekend. But now, with

it, Steward looked

of anger in

at him, then frowned.

did it, then I might as well get hit by a bus!” Rachel cursed herself without hesitation, “Steward, this is a conspiracy. You and Sanderson must get to

As for this weekend’s invitation to Mr.

was light and easy, and she shot

up. “Sanderson, come

clenched his fists, staring at Rachel.

raised his voice. “Sanderson!” Perhaps too agitated,

hesitated but

two had left, Lorna glared at Rachel. “Rachel, don’t think you’re off the hook just because Steward isn’t pursuing this.”

she replied. “Lorna, I’m not sure what you’re talking

a partner for at harmonious home. Lorna, as the eldest daughter–in–law

Lorna was shocked.

Rachel’s hand. “The Smith family is impressed with all the business they’ve done with the Delaney family over the years. That’s what I call

the two women left the room,

to his room, and his demeanor was still

did Steward say?”

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