A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 27

“I should probably let Mom and Dad know when I get back.”

Zachary was still muttering to himself when Alessia stopped in her tracks.

“I need to go somewhere, so I won’t be heading home with you. Don’t worry about dinner for me tonight.”

“Alright. Just text me when you’re on your way back so I can come down and meet you. It’s not safe around here at night.” Zachary didn’t push for details–he just gave a gentle reminder.

Alessia wasn’t concerned about her safety, but if she refused, Zachary would only insist, and she’d rather avoid the back–and–forth. So she nodded and agreed.

At the fork in the road, Alessia turned the corner, disappearing from view as Zachary watched. He clutched the bag in his hand, let out a quiet sigh, and a complicated expression flickered across his face–half a smile, half worry.

If it had been Ileana, he probably would’ve asked a thousand questions. But when it came to Alessia, his concern was tangled with the fear of coming across as overbearing. He was still trying to figure out how to make her feel comfortable

around him.

Back at the townhouse, Xander was already sprawled in the armchair, happily sampling the pastries Alessia had brought over.

else has passed that scent test, right? You don’t think Lessie gave him the answers

smirk. Six crouched in front of him, only to be met with a sharp flick to the forehead.

Lessie is. She wouldn’t bring someone here who didn’t have what it takes. How long have you been with me now? Five, six years at least, and you still can’t answer half as many

out of a sci–fi movie. How am I supposed to compete with that? All these years, only Cole’s even come close to matching her.”

think you measure up to her? I’m

guy didn’t say a word the whole time!” Six’s voice shot up

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Chapter 27

a pastry in his mouth and slipped a note

yard and help out. Quit hanging around and getting on my nerves.” With that, Xander sank back in the chair, but his mind lingered on the memory of Zachary quietly answering questions, his fingers rhythmically drumming along his jeans. At first, Xander thought it was just coincidence, but after a string of correct answers, he realized Zachary’s attention to detail

but your precious Lessie is allowed to hang around you.” Six mumbled, spraying crumbs everywhere and making Xander lunge at

Six darted away before Xander could catch him, grabbing another pastry as he ran, leaving

The list of ingredients and their precise amounts–it was a basic formula, but… to get it right just from reading, without

the note away, nodding to himself

emotions. From the kitchen came the sounds of Brendan preparing dinner. Karen, who’d been building blocks

“Hey, Mom.”