A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 5

Both of them were clearly flustered–almost as if their brains had

short–circuited but they still hurried to invite Alessia inside. They set a glass of warm water in front of her; though they were the hosts, they seemed oddly out of place in their own home.

“Aren’t you heading out?” Alessia asked.

“I called work and asked for the day off,” Zachary replied quietly, answering her question without hesitation.

“You’re not picking up your prescription today?”

“I can go tomorrow. It’s not urgent.”

Alessia nodded slightly, and the three of them fell silent.

“Don’t you have anything you want to ask?” Noticing Karen fidgeting nervously with her hands, Alessia was the first to break the awkward quiet.

“I spoke to Dad and the others. They’re on their way back,” Karen said softly.

you eaten yet?” Karen wiped her hands on her apron, her face a mixture of unease and embarrassment. “We don’t have much in the fridge, but if you tell me

picky,” Alessia replied, picking up her glass and taking a sip of water. As she did, she glanced around

stained in places, but it was clear the owners took care of it; everything was tidy

as the front door opened. The first to enter was a middle–aged man in

demeanor calm and reserved,

though his eyes were sharper and his expression impatient. A guitar

the already–cramped living room feel even smaller. At some point, Zachary had

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Chapter &

seven or

lips pressed tightly together, one hand gripping

I’m… Alessia. I’m your biological daughter. If you don’t believe me, we can do a DNA test.” Truthfully, there was no need; anyone could tell at a glance that she belonged to this family–the resemblance was

Brendan Morton,” the man

have been a touching family reunion, but it felt more like a meeting between strangers, or maybe business partners meeting for the

Ethan Morton,” the man in jeans said, studying

Liam Morton. And that’s the youngest, Ivan Morton.” Zachary Morton introduced everyone in turn, pointing to the little boy still clinging