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.

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

frequented this place belonged

inherit the Laines fortune, a family that

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

15-40

Alessia and Lucy were

a ‘welcome home‘ party, you know,” Lucy sneered. “I heard the real daughter is transferring into our class the day after tomorrow. What about you? Do you even have enough money for tuition anymore? Actually, are you even shameless enough to

Alessia remained unfazed. Only Liam, standing behind her,

you can’t leech off me anymore, you’re already making plans to cozy up

she glared back,

with that,” Alessia added, her voice oddly sincere–and that