The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 560

Seeing the divorce papers gave Petra a flicker of encouragement in her heart.

"Cordelia, let's go as well," Victoria said, giving Cordelia a knowing look.

Cordelia knew Petra was capable of some pretty underhanded tactics, so she simply nodded, "Alright."

After handing Callum over to Janice, they all headed out.

Cordelia rode shotgun, and when they arrived at Birchwood Prison, neither she nor Victoria got out; they just waited in the car.

Petra glanced at the clock; it was past three. She dragged her feet on purpose, trying to stall. The last thing she wanted was for Cordelia and Ronan to get back on track. But deep down, Petra knew that love, like a river, finds its way. If Cordelia and Ronan were meant to be, she couldn’t stop the inevitable.

After visiting Tabitha, Petra decided to head back to Birchwood.

At the bus station, she chatted up Cordelia with clichés like "We won't be seeing each other much after this." Cordelia humored her with half-hearted replies.

Once Petra was gone, Ronan dropped Victoria home. By the time he got back, it was half-past five.

Cordelia was beat, but most importantly, she felt there was plenty of time. The reunion with Ronan could wait till tomorrow, at most. Ronan didn't push it. The county clerk's office was already closed anyway.

"I've got school the next couple of days. Let's pick up our marriage license on Friday, okay? I just got transferred to Millstone College, and it's going to be crazy busy. We could celebrate with dinner after?" Cordelia suggested.

"Sounds good," Ronan replied, his voice steady.

...

Alana thought Samantha’s looks were subpar, but she was the only option available. "Do you know who Cordelia's real mother is?" Alana seemed ready for a long heart-to-heart that night.

Memories of an emerald ring flashed in Samantha's mind, but she was clueless. "No idea."

"Cordelia's real mother is my sister, but she lost her mind. I need you to pose as her daughter to comfort her. More importantly, I would like you to coax the Swiss bank account codes from my father. He's hanging on just to see his granddaughter. My father's estate is vast, and if you pull this off, there's a slice in it for you." Alana skipped the part about poisoning her father and sister, leaving Samantha in the dark about the full story.

"What?" Samantha's eyes went wide. She always knew Cordelia came from money but never guessed she was Alana's niece.

"Surprised? My sister was an actress in her youth, just like you. Hopefully, the old man won't suspect a thing. Your job is to keep him happy."

Samantha nodded, swallowed by the enormity of the charade.