The Contracted Ever After novel Chapter 607

Cordelia was a foundling, not related by blood to Samantha, but Samantha and Adrian were indeed cousins.

"Cordelia," Samantha began, flashing a conspiratorial grin, "Seth’s Swiss account is loaded – we’re talking billions. I’ve already snatched the key from Alana. Just spill the digits for the safe, and we can laugh all the way to the bank. What do you say? Her terms are a fifty-fifty split with you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t get a dime out of it."

Truth be told, Samantha hadn’t the foggiest idea how much was stashed away; Alana hadn’t shared the details. But given that Alana, a woman swimming in cash, was eyeing the fortune, it had to be a hefty sum. So, Samantha threw out a number in the billions.

Adrian's eyes went wide as saucers. Billions?

He'd never dreamed of such wealth. Heck, he'd be over the moon with just a fraction of that.

Samantha dangled the key before Cordelia's eyes.

It was an intricate little thing, beyond the skill of any common locksmith. It had to be modeled after the real deal.

Cordelia puzzled over it: Seth had said the key was in August's possession, so how did it end up with Alana?

Had Alana forged some new alliance with August?

She was clueless!

Adrian was practically salivating. "Damn, Cordelia! That’s a truckload of cash. Aren't you gonna cut your brother a slice?"

But Cordelia was wary. Alana was cunning and vicious. Why would she hand over the key to Samantha so easily?

With that in mind, Cordelia replied, "Money's just worldly possessions. I'm not that into it. Especially not when it's not earned by my own sweat. Plus, I've just transferred to Millstone College; I’m swamped and have no time to jet off to Switzerland. If you’re so keen, I’ll write you a power of attorney. You can go. But the code? You'll get that once you're in Switzerland."

"What’s your angle, Cordelia?" Adrian challenged.

"I promised I’d help you, and I will. I wouldn't send you on a wild goose chase. And don't worry about the travel costs; they're on me. You can have two billion of the inheritance," she offered.

Adrian was stunned. His sister was throwing around 'billions' like pocket change. When had the gap between them yawned so wide?

"No deal! That’s peanuts! And let’s not forget the risks of this Swiss escapade. I want five billion!" Adrian countered.

"Fine, I’ll go myself," Cordelia retorted.