Fast Lane Met an Early Death at the Age of 42

Fast Lane met an early death at the age of 42. Mr. Lane had been making contributions to a variable annuity contract for several years, and at the time of his death, his contributions totaled $25,000.Although the value of the contract had at one time reached $40,000, earnings included, a downturn in the market has resulted in a contract value of only $23,000.How much will Mr. Lane's beneficiaries receive as the death benefit associated with this contract under these circumstances?

A) nothing, since the contract now has a value that is less than Mr. Lane's total contributions
B) the average of what its value once was and what it is today: $31,500
C) $25,000
D) $23,000