A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 21

Alessia didn’t miss a beat before steering the conversation in a new direction.

“Hey, didn’t you study law, big bro? Why not draw up a contract? I’ve got a pretty good eye for this stuff. Mom’s barely opened shop today and already has several orders lined up. At this rate, I might actually end up ahead.”

“That’s… Dad’s glad you’re thinking that way, but—”

“Let’s not rush any decisions just yet. Dad, don’t be so quick to shoot this down. Lessie’s idea is actually pretty solid, but we can talk through the details later. For now, let’s focus on what’s in front of us. We’ll see how things go and make plans from there.”

As the eldest, Ethan had a calm steadiness about him that naturally inspired confidence. The discussion had come full circle, and with nothing more to add,

Alessia excused herself and headed to her room to rest.

A new bed really did wonders for her sleep. When Alessia checked the time, it was already ten o’clock..

Just like Ethan had said, Ivan was a quiet sleeper, and when he woke, he simply sat in the corner sketching, silent as a shadow. If it weren’t for the occasional sound of a pen cap twisting off, you’d almost forget anyone else was there.

Not wanting to disturb him, Alessia slipped out and opened the door. She found Brendan, Karen, and Zachary gathered around the living room table, counting something over and over, exchanging excited whispers they could barely suppress. “Morning.”

Did we wake

the market today?” Alessia couldn’t help

theirs.

two hundred.” Karen’s eyes sparkled as she sorted through a handful of small bills,

hadn’t even left the building and we’d already sold a bunch,” Brendan added, unconsciously straightening his back with pride.

15:37

days starting out, that thrill of landing our

fingers over the crumpled stack of bills, expression

tomorrow. There’ll be way more foot traffic, and we’ll be a lot busier. Don’t get all flustered like you did today, okay?” Zachary picked up on his father’s mood and smoothly

came straight from school to help,” Karen chimed in. “Anyway, Lessie, you must be hungry. Let

protest. “Oh, and this afternoon, I’m going

out, so let her treat herself–whatever you want to eat or drink, go for it.” Karen’s smile was warm and genuine, clearly delighted that her

nineteen–they exchanged a look that

stop, she stared at the handful of small change in her palm–something she’d

take it,” Zachary said,

back even harder. But faced with sincere kindness, she never quite knew what

to accept these