The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 203

Today, Judy whipped up a roast turkey for Cordelia. Suddenly, Cordelia remembered that Ronan was a sucker for roast turkey. She planned to make him one, but time just wasn't on her side.

"Mom, what's up?" Cordelia asked her mother.

"Ronan didn't come with you?" Shelley asked.

"Hmm, he's nursing a cold today and couldn't make it to work."

"Then you should head back, cook him some ginger sugar water. A good sleep will do the trick. It's good he didn't come. I want to discuss something with you. Your brother called a couple of times, saying he wants to get engaged. His girlfriend, Kendra, is asking for half a million in betrothal gifts. It's been bugging me." Shelley shared, looking rather troubled.

"Half a million?" Suddenly, the roast turkey in Cordelia's hand didn't seem so appetizing.

"Yes, apparently Kendra is pregnant. I never liked her. I always thought she was a bit of a gold-digger, but now that she's pregnant, what can we do?" Shelley was equally distressed. Even the most capable individuals would feel at a loss when faced with such family drama.

Cordelia was puzzled. If it were in the past when she had money, the problem would be easier to solve. But now, all her money was returned to Ronan. If she borrowed money from him again because of her brother, he might feel she was burdening him. Also, Cordelia was too embarrassed to ask.

"Can you get my brother and Kendra to negotiate, see if they can lower the amount?" Cordelia asked Shelley.

"The problem is that Kendra said if we shortchange her even by a penny, she'll abort the baby. After all, this child is a Haselwood." Shelley banged the table, unable to find a solution.

Cordelia was confused; she was still young and had never experienced such a thing. "Mom, I got it, I'll go home first." Cordelia said, sounding a little down.

"Alright. Don't let Ronan know. If he knows, he might think we are intentionally borrowing money from him, and it might affect your marital relationship. Who would've thought Kendra would use the baby to threaten us, this..." Shelley expressed helplessly.

"I understand."

"Also, I was talking to your grandma today. Your Aunt said your Uncle's calf is starting to atrophy, and he needs surgery." Then, Shelley broke down crying, "Our family..."

"But we're not obliged to pay for Uncle's surgery." Cordelia was getting a headache hearing this.