A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 14

“And besides, once the semester starts, I can apply for a dorm room on campus. Rather than leaving this place empty, it makes more sense to use the space well.”

“So you were planning to move out to the campus all along?”

The conversation kept circling back and forth.

“I don’t have to live there,” Alessia shrugged, her tone impossible to read.

“If living at school makes things easier for you, I won’t stand in your way,” Brendan said.

“There’s no place like home, no matter how fancy the alternatives,” Alessia replied with a little smirk.

Everyone in the room chuckled at that.

“Alright, it’s getting late. We should all get some rest,” Brendan said, glancing at the clock.

“Yeah.” As soon as Alessia replied, Zachary’s face changed–he turned away suddenly and began to cough harshly.

His parents rushed to his side, worry etched on their faces.

“If you don’t mind, may I check your pulse?” Alessia waited until Zachary had recovered before she spoke.

“Of course,” Zachary replied without hesitation, extending his hand. “You know how to do that?”

“I picked up a few things from an old… well, let’s just say a family friend.” Alessia placed her fingers gently on Zachary’s wrist.

middle of summer, but his hand was icy

you’ve made it this

a bit surprised,

Liam are twins,” Karen explained, her face clouded with worry. “When I was pregnant and went in for a scan, the doctor told me there was little chance Zachary would survive. I thought my whole world was falling apart. But somehow, he pulled through. He was rushed straight to intensive care after he was born, but

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survived on all kinds of weird medications,” Zachary added lightly,

Alessia let go of

was sick a lot as a kid, so I had to take a year off

meds are you on

ginseng…” Zachary listed off the ingredients

relieved, Alessia’s brow furrowed even

coughed, cutting her

Karen

it’s late. You both should get some sleep, too. Don’t you have to get up

“But you-”

the same old thing. The doctor didn’t say anything new today. Lessie, the prescription’s

nodded. “Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with it.” But she knew

let out a sigh of relief. He turned to Alessia, pressing a finger to his

meeting his eyes. “But tell me,

myself. Don’t let my looks fool you. I’ve been around medicine since before I could walk. I know my own body. I

Alessia nodded thoughtfully.