A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

e watcAlessia woke from a dreamless sleep, sat up in bed, and pulled back the curtains. Shhed the quiet street outside for a moment, lost in thought. Eventually, she picked up her phone to check the time–9:30 a.m.

Just as she was about to set the phone down, it buzzed with an incoming call.

“Hello?” Alessia’s voice was soft and a bit husky with sleep, carrying a lilting note that sounded almost playful.

On the other end, Cole fumbled his pen, dropping it noisily on his desk. His ears flushed pink, and the tough tone he’d planned evaporated in an instant.

“You just woke up?” His voice was low, tinged with exasperation, but something about it made Alessia want to curl back under the covers.

“Mmm.” She answered lazily, eyes half–closed.

“So that’s it? I help you out and then you ignore my messages? Is Miss Morton really that busy?” He sounded more like a big dog left out in the rain than an aggrieved executive.

“I was busy talking things over last night. By the time we finished, it was nearly morning, so I just crashed.” Alessia yawned, not bothering to hide it.

Cole frowned. “Anything serious going on?”

“Nothing major. Oh, I need to head to Mr. Dawson’s place the afternoon after tomorrow, and I’ll be taking Zachary.”

“The old man’s going to complain you only call on him when you need something,” Cole said with a sly grin.

just tapped her nose and didn’t

you a list later. Can you drop the stuff off for

your personal errand boy. Is this what I am to you–a delivery guy, at your beck and

the drill. Opening day

Your order will be delivered within the hour,

insult his way, and hung up, feeling more awake than she had just minutes before. Cole, meanwhile, was

1/2

15.36

walked in with a fresh cup of coffee;

into the kitchen, where Karen was

When Karen saw her, she waved cheerfully, then popped a

eyes shone with anticipation,

chewed, swallowed, and nodded. “Perfect.

this, too.” Karen, relieved, sliced off a piece of seaweed roll and offered it

eyes lit up, and she happily accepted

I had a chat with the

Alessia said, nodding. “By