A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 31

There were no blinding neon lights here–only two soft spotlights spinning lazily, casting a gentle glow through the room. Jazz music drifted from the speakers, giving the place a calm, almost intimate atmosphere that set it apart from the usual bars in town.

Most of the tables were already taken. If you paid attention, you’d notice that the clientele was overwhelmingly female–and not just any women, but the kind who wore designer heels and expensive perfume, their laughter as polished as their jewelry.

“Hey, look who’s here–the boss herself!” One of the regulars called out, waving Stella over without a trace of self–consciousness.

“Faye, you’re early today! Brought someone new with you?” Stella grinned, slipping behind the bar.

“Yeah, finally managed to snag a reservation.” Faye shot her a mock–annoyed look.

Stella, ever the charmer, picked up on the subtle complaint right away. “That’s my bad. Mario, send three of the new cocktails to Faye’s table–on the house.”

Faye’s annoyance melted into delight. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, but when Faye tried to ask about Alessia, Stella deftly steered the conversation elsewhere without making an introduction.

Plenty of eyes were fixed on Stella, watching her every move. Some were ready to gossip was this friendship real, or just for show? Stella made her answer clear: she slipped an arm around Alessia’s shoulders, her protective gesture leaving no room for doubt.

Most ordinary patrons had no idea who Stella really was. Some of the socialites came just for the ambiance, but others were here hoping to get close to Stella. And Stella knew it–she made sure they all saw exactly what she wanted them to see.

their heiress? Stella was still the sole heir to the Laines. Anyone with half a brain could weigh the balance: in this city, every top entertainment venue belonged to the Laines. Eighty percent of the deals these families made happened on Laines–controlled turf. Crossing them? You could find another place to do business, but your standing would take a hit–and so

was lined with private booths–small, cozy, perfect

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ruin the

was a one–way glass window, letting you look down on the main floor unnoticed. The attendant adjusted the air conditioning to the perfect temperature, set out

her watch. “I headhunted this guy. myself–great voice, and honestly, he’s ridiculously

look on her face, like she’d

“The thirtieth. Why?”

She took a thoughtful sip of her drink,

wave of anticipation rolling through the crowd, but the overall hush remained. A few guests overreacted, but the staff handled them quickly, restoring

it?” Alessia arched an eyebrow, glancing down toward the

But thanks to him, our sales numbers have shot way up, and we’ve got

watched as everyone’s attention was

stage.

spotlight hit the man’s silver hair, making it gleam. At first, the lights were too bright for Alessia to see more than his outline. Then the first notes of