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.

to appease her. Seeing this, Stella’s lips curved into a smile, and her voice softened. “Sorry for the disruption tonight. Your tabs are on the house, and

frequented this place belonged to the city’s elite–they all knew better than to risk their own

much as money–if not 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

began clearing the room as the crowd dispersed. The doors were locked; the club was

15-40

Alessia and Lucy were

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

sarcasm, but Alessia remained unfazed.

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

glared back, refusing to

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