The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 561

Alana led Samantha into the mansion, her eyes widening with awe as she took in the opulent decor for the first time. A sense of longing stirred within her at the sight of such wealth.

"This is your grandfather," Alana said, gesturing toward the figure of Seth, reclining in a grand four-poster bed.

Alana had dressed Samantha in elegant clothes that complemented her poise, and she didn’t look out of place in them.

Seth’s eyebrows knitted together slightly; he was unable to speak.

"Father, haven't you always wanted to meet your granddaughter? I've found her for you. We've even done a DNA test; take a look," Alana said, pulling out a document from her tote bag and handing it to Seth.

Seth's frown persisted. Once a titan in the financial world, he knew all too well that such documents could be forged.

"Now that we’ve found my sister’s daughter, our family is complete. Dad, if you have anything to say, now's the time," Alana urged.

Seth kept his gaze fixed on Samantha.

"Grandpa!" Samantha's eyes brimmed with tears, and she looked the picture of sorrow. Being an actress, she knew exactly how to play the part.

"I'm so sorry, Grandpa. It's all my fault for not coming to see you sooner," Samantha said before kneeling at the bedside.

Seth continued to stare at her until finally, his frail finger lifted, pointing upstairs.

The sister’s gaze drifted. "Savannah, Savannah, my little treasure..." It seemed she was struggling to recollect the past, a past too painful to revisit.

"Mom, I've missed you so much," Samantha cried, throwing herself at the feet of the real Alana.

"My baby girl?" The real Alana seemed incredulous, barely able to believe that this was her daughter. After nearly three decades of madness, her consciousness was elusive, and her responses were slow.

“Yes, Mom, it’s me, look,” Samantha said, lifting an emerald ring for the real Alana to see.

This ring was a premeditated gift from Alana. Cordelia had cast one ring into the waters, leaving only Alana's. Alana passed hers on to Samantha. The sight of the ring seemed to coax a glimmer of recognition from Alana.