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.

smile, and her voice softened. “Sorry for the disruption tonight. Your tabs are on the house, and next time you visit, you’ll each get

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

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

The doors were locked; the club was suddenly quiet. Stella took charge, coordinating

15-40

Lucy

after

sarcasm, but Alessia remained unfazed. Only

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

she glared back, refusing to back

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