A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Alessia just shrugged, palms up, looking as innocent as ever.

“I’ll let go–as long as you promise to stop causing trouble.”

“Trouble? So what if I am? What can you actually do about it?” Lucy’s voice was shrill, though her words lacked conviction. “Do you still think you’re the darling of the Tate family? You’re just some stray no one even knows. With a snap of my fingers, I could ruin you.”

Her bravado was laughable, earning more than a few raised eyebrows from the onlookers. Stella started forward, but Alessia, as if she had eyes in the back of her head, stretched out an arm and blocked her path–stopping her with uncanny precision.

Stella knew Alessia had her own way of handling things, so she let her be. Besides, Alessia always had a better sense of boundaries than she did. And even if things really got out of hand, Stella would handle the fallout herself–what was there to be afraid of?

It was just the Summers family, after all. If her own father showed up, even they would have to tread carefully.

“We’re closing for the night,” Stella announced, her tone polite but steely. “Out of respect for me, I’d appreciate it if everyone could keep tonight’s events to themselves.” She glanced around the room, her warning perfectly clear, but her words gave everyone an easy way out–a chance to save face.

this, Stella’s lips curved into a smile, and her voice softened. “Sorry for the disruption tonight. Your tabs

exit. Everyone who frequented this place belonged to the city’s elite–they all knew better than to risk

more. Stella was.set to inherit the Laines fortune, a family that owned two–thirds of the city’s nightlife. Who in their right mind would pick a fight with

waitstaff began clearing the room as the crowd dispersed. The doors were locked; the club was suddenly quiet. Stella took charge, coordinating the cleanup and preparing to close for the

15-40

Alessia and Lucy were still squared

real daughter is transferring into our class the day after tomorrow. What about you? Do you even have

sarcasm, but Alessia remained unfazed. Only Liam, standing behind her,

anymore, you’re already making plans to cozy up to the real Tate heiress?”

face tightened, but she glared

Alessia added, her voice oddly sincere–and that stung Lucy’s already fragile ego