A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 25

Zachary pressed his lips together, searching for the right words, when Alessia suddenly appeared and gave Six a swift smack on the back of the head. Six yelped, clutching his head, and darted behind Xander for protection.

“Father, did you see that? She hit me again.”

“You talk too much. Serves you right,” Xander replied without missing a beat. Six pouted but didn’t dare argue.

“He’s my real brother. I was switched at birth,” Alessia announced, her tone so matter–of–fact that it made Zachary feel strangely guilty.

Six’s eyes went wide as he glanced between them. “So you got kicked out by the Tate family? When did that happen? I’ve been keeping your old room at Eastwood Estate tidy all this time. Want me to go make up your bed?”

Alessia’s lips curled into a faint smile. She ruffled his hair, her tone softening. “Anyway, my name’s Alessia now. Don’t forget it.”

“I won’t, I won’t,” Six promised quickly, not daring to ask more.

“And the room-?”

“No need for it right now.”

“Oh.” If you listened closely, you could hear a note of disappointment in his voice.

Alessia’s smile never faded. Zachary could tell she was in high spirits–the kind of genuine warmth she’d never shown during her time with the Morton family. Back then, her smiles had always seemed forced, distant. Now, there was a real glow about her.

so we’ll be heading out. And no snacking, you hear me? Next

I know. No idea who you got that from.” Xander grumbled, but there was

sneaking treats to Grandpa again, I’ll send you on a haunted house tour,

really!” Six pressed his palms together in a

1/3

15:38

question?” Zachary’s voice

attention.

a list of the ingredients, but I keep feeling like

was piqued. He glanced at Alessia, who just smirked and shrugged, making it clear

ingredients did

items, even

don’t you tell him the last

“Angelica root,” she said.

“Angelica?” Zachary looked surprised.

dose is small, though. I’m impressed you even

a little taken aback by Zachary’s

herbs, but overlooked the most common one,” Xander added. “Did

around medicine, soaked in herbal baths as a kid. After a while, you pick things

thought, his gaze lingering