The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 562

Alana cradled Samantha's face in her hands, her voice a tender whisper. "My daughter, my baby girl?"

"Yes, Mom, Aunt only found me recently."

"Really?" The skepticism in Alana's eyes was unmistakable. "Does she even have a heart to do that?"

The other Alana, the imposter, laughed coldly, "You know I'm not that kind-hearted. After all, I was the one who cast you away. Why would I bring your child back? But you see, Dad's fortune is stashed in a Swiss bank, and I need that password. I had to find the kid. I’m getting older, and I don’t hold the same bitterness towards children anymore.”

As the imposter Alana spoke of “children,” her heart skipped a beat.

The real Alana was at a loss for words, and after all these years, her thoughts were slow to gather.

"Alright, your own flesh and blood has acknowledged you. I've already had Allison tidy up a room. I'll have your daughter keep you company. You can also go downstairs to see Dad," the fake Alana added.

"Dad, Dad..." It was as if madness had gripped the real Alana. She had lived in the same house as her father for thirty years, but she had never once seen him. Then, like a coiled spring released, the real Alana leaped from the bed, flung open the iron door, and dashed downstairs.

All these years, she believed her father was dead, her daughter lost, and her beloved August gone. All hope had vanished like smoke in the wind. Although the imposter claimed that Samantha was her lost daughter, Alana felt a disconnect; she didn't seem familiar, at least not with the heart-wrenching bond she expected. She was more anxious to see her father.

The fake Alana watched her sister's retreating figure with a sinister smile. They all thought the imposter Alana had suddenly grown a conscience, but in truth, Alana only wanted to lull them into complacency. If the old man saw the real Alana, perhaps he would divulge the password.

Alana found her father lying in bed and shook him gently. "Dad, Dad..."

So many years had passed. Her father had aged, grown plump, and sprouted a beard that no one had bothered to trim.

Seth was in tears, too, caressing his eldest daughter's face. She had been the apple of his eye since childhood, his pride. They had relied on each other for over two decades, and now, to be reunited under such circumstances was a cause for sorrow.

The imposter Alana and Samantha had also come downstairs, witnessing the scene.

"Dad, how did you end up like this?" The sorrow in real Alana's voice was profound.