A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 24

“All right, take this and him, and go pick up the medicine from the front.”

Six took the prescription, glanced at it, then at Zachary, nodded, and led him out.

The door creaked shut behind them. At Xander’s gesture, Alessia slipped quietly into the seat Zachary had just vacated.

“So, when did you suddenly get a second brother? You’re not here about a patient, are you? Seems more like you’re here to introduce someone.” Xander hadn’t missed the subtle tap of Zachary’s finger–a little signal, seemingly casual, but timed perfectly to answer Six’s silent question about the quantity of herbs.

“The illness isn’t hard to treat, but at this rate, he won’t make it to twenty–five. We could only bring him here, let you nurse his health for a while.” Alessia wasn’t the least bit flustered at being seen through. She slid a neatly folded note across the table to Xander, then, with practiced ease, began preparing some tea.

Her careful movements made it obvious she’d learned this on purpose.

“Let’s set that aside for now. Tell me what’s really going on.” Xander unfolded the note, gave it a quick scan, and set it aside. He recognized Alessia’s handwriting at a glance–he already had a pretty good idea what this was about.

Alessia poured the freshly brewed tea and handed him a cup before giving him a quick rundown of recent events.

“I’m glad you left the Tate family, but why not come here? You could have any room. you wanted, do whatever you pleased–no one would get in your way. Why go to the Mortons and put up with all that?”

Xander frowned, but Alessia just shook her head, calm as ever. “It wasn’t so bad.”

“You child… So much happened and you never said a word to me.”

telling you now, aren’t I? As soon as

know.”

made a good

smiled, saying neither yes

together for a year, so I’ll help where I can. Once college starts, everyone goes their

his clouded eyes impossible to read. After a while, he let out

7/2

15:38

Chapter 24

really worth it for you–or for an old

smile on her lips. “I know,

on to acupuncture after. There’s no rushing this. As for everything else, we’ll see how it goes.” Xander tucked the note away and

the teapot and hurried

whatever you

touch gentle and full of

into a small side room, then went behind the counter to gather the medicine. Some of the ingredients were rare and kept

for the people in modern clothes coming to pick up their prescriptions,

a mix of ordinary folks and the well–heeled. Some kept their faces hidden, making it impossible to see who they were. Strangely,

as the private room he’d just left. Bored, Zachary pulled out his phone and started jotting

evening. I wrote down the exact amount of water you’ll