The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 732

Sienna showed up at August's place, arms brimming with bags and boxes. Upstairs, Alana had already called it a night, while August was still downstairs, engrossed in a book.

When August glanced up and saw Sienna, confusion flickered across his face. He had just returned to his hometown and didn't expect to see a familiar face so soon.

"Uh, who are you?" he asked, clearly puzzled.

"Oh, well," Sienna began with a warm smile, "I'm your daughter's aunt by marriage. You know Shelley, right?"

August, who had been filled in on the family connections by Cordelia, nodded in recognition. "Ah, yes, of course."

"Well, since we're practically family, I thought I'd drop by," Sienna continued. "Mr. August, you came back to the States and didn't even give me or your brother-in-law a heads up."

August offered a sheepish smile. "Just got back, and it's been one thing after another. I've only just finished getting the house in order."

"Your place is really beautiful," Sienna said, looking around the room. Then, lowering her voice and covering her mouth as if to hold back tears, she added, "It's so much better than what Shelley went through. She only had Adrian back then, and he was quite a handful. After they had Cordelia, they spoiled her rotten. She wanted for nothing. But when Castiel got sick and Shelley became bedridden, a little money could've made a big difference."

Sienna was thrilled; she hadn't expected to receive any money from August. Now, she had more than enough to pay off her debts and ensure she and Ronald could live comfortably for a while.

She left with a spring in her step.

August kept this transaction to himself, not sharing it with Cordelia or Ronan. He knew they wouldn't approve and would probably chide him for being too soft-hearted. After years abroad, August had learned to let go of the petty concerns of life, including resentment. He wanted to share this perspective with Cordelia, to suggest that Ronan's current extreme actions might be a phase related to his age, and that with time, he too might mellow.

Yet he kept his silence, not wanting Cordelia to find out about the money. After all, some secrets are best kept close to the heart, especially if they're about extending an olive branch, however contentious it might be.