A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 10

A warm look glimmered in Karen’s eyes. “The Mortons raised you well. You’ve had a rough time with us, haven’t you?”

Alessia shook her head but didn’t mention anything about her life with the Mortons. In truth, the Mortons were either cold or downright crazy; if she’d turned out halfway normal, it was thanks to someone else’s influence entirely.

By the time they got home, Karen was already bustling in the kitchen, getting lunch ready. Alessia sank into a chair and started replying to her messages.

“Miss Morton, have you finally finished up your endless paperwork?” The message popped up at ten in the morning–clearly the sender knew her schedule all too well.

“You mocking me?” Alessia’s fingers flew over the screen. She hit send at eleven–thirty, a good hour and a half later, but the reply came back instantly.

“Wouldn’t dare.” Cole Whitley sent a groveling animated sticker.

Alessia smirked and shot back a playful punch emoji.

“So, I guess you’re living the good life? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have tossed two suitcases at my place and then ghosted me.”

She was used to Cole’s nonsense and responded with a random sticker, not bothering to engage.

“When are you coming by?” he texted again, quick as ever.

“I’ll find a time in the next couple of days.”

I get you

and sent an exasperated emoji, ignoring Cole’s sudden burst of insanity. Pushing her phone aside, she wandered into the kitchen, where Karen handed her

You’d put the five–star chefs out of

sweet talker. Now, go set the table–it’s almost ready.” Karen ruffled her hair, clearly not taking her daughter’s

an eyebrow and obediently grabbed

at his desk. He twirled a pen absently in one

1/3

15:36

in thought.

sounded at the door. “Come in,” Cole said,

the latest bid

the desk,” he replied, voice a touch deeper now,

all of twenty–five but with the

the pen and

something else,

just say so! The westside place is almost ready too, but why would she want to live somewhere so cramped? None of those apartments are bigger than her old bedroom. She’s been pampered her whole life–why’s she acting like she’s used to

wealthy, kept his composure. “Miss Morton is a very independent and strong–willed

“You think I don’t know that? Can’t you

a bit outside my job

professional. Cole clenched his jaw, lips twitching in