A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Zachary met her gaze, catching the lively spark and mischievous glint in her eyes.

He couldn’t help but smile fondly, nose twitching as he actually managed to name a few herbs aloud.

Alessia’s lips curved in a sly grin, but she offered no comment. She led him through twisting corridors, turning left and right, until they stopped before an unremarkable wooden door.

The door stood slightly ajar. Through the crack, they could spot an elderly man sprawled out in a worn armchair, lazily waving a fan and occasionally humming along to the radio’s scratchy tunes. A small table beside him was piled high with cakes and snacks–he looked utterly content.

Out of politeness, Zachary barely glanced inside before looking away, careful not to

intrude.

Alessia pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. Zachary obediently stepped back behind her. But instead of entering immediately, Alessia waited for her moment. As soon as the old man popped another snack into his mouth, she flung the door wide open.

“Caught you red–handed, Old Dawson! Sneaking snacks again, are we?” Alessia’s sudden voice startled the old man, who instinctively hid the treats behind his back. “What snacks? I don’t see any snacks.”

Alessia gave a cold laugh. “Why don’t you swallow those chips in your mouth first before you deny it?”

Busted, Xander Dawson straightened up in his chair. Alessia picked up the teapot, skillfully brewed a cup, and set it in front of him–courteous, but not exactly overflowing with warmth.

Xander, having just finished his chips and feeling a bit parched, took a long sip. The tea was good, and he had to admit, the girl knew what she was doing. He nodded, savoring the lingering taste.

“Hand them over,” Alessia said, palm outstretched and expression stern.

“Hand what over? You imp! You barely come by to visit your old man, I’m lucky if I see you twice in a whole summer!” Xander feigned ignorance, grumbling about her neglect.

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Chapter 22

pastries from Blossom Bakery?” Alessia

did you? Trying to trick your old granddad now, are

snacks, and

come

Zachary finally stepped inside, a pastry box in

Dawson,” he greeted,

voice, Xander turned. Their eyes met, and Zachary nearly fumbled the box. He glanced at Alessia,

“Xander…”

No need to be nervous,” Alessia said, patting his shoulder and taking the box from

to do with his hands and feet, his eyes still shining with a

you only show up when you need something, huh?” Xander said, sizing up Zachary

too,” Alessia replied, handing over the pastries. As Xander accepted them, she deftly snatched

in protest, but he could

bring you some other treats already? These are all greasy and loaded with calories. For

do you know, kid? I’m halfway to the

last!”

I’m here to pull that ‘half–foot‘ right back out for you,” Alessia retorted, making Xander