A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Are you home alone? Did you hire any help?”

“Yeah, we have someone who comes in. Zachary and the others come back after school, too.”

“But Liam and I both work part–time.on weekends, so we’re not around all that much.”

“Lessie, are you saying… that someone mistreated Ivan behind our backs? Is that why he’s so guarded now?” Brendan finally caught on to what Alessia was getting

at.

“But we have security cameras in the house. Things weren’t great back then, so we could only afford one lady to come cook for us–she’d make our meals and leave right after. Besides, Ivan barely ever left his room at that time. He wouldn’t have even crossed paths with her.”

Zachary didn’t think Alessia’s guess was out of line. Instead, he answered her seriously, helping her piece together how things were at home back then.

“But Ileana did spend quite a bit of time with Ivan when the rest of us weren’t home.” Karen’s words slipped out before she realized, and she quickly glanced at Alessia, a little anxious about her reaction.

Alessia, however, was lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to Karen’s unease.

Zachary exchanged a look and shook their heads. They had no idea how Alessia felt about Ileana these days, and they didn’t want her to think they were still taking Ileana’s side. That would only

d headed

knew there was no point in going around in circles. She glanced at her neatly bandaged arm, murmured something back to her

Alessia paused by the curtains for a moment, debating whether to

as she’d left it. The only new thing was a small collection of paint jars

lip, her gaze lingering

13:50

Chapter 44.

she turned and left

“Dad, Mom.”

was left

out to get a glass of water. Ever since he’d started apprenticing, any spare moment was spent studying–he was terrified of disappointing Xander, his mentor. The

okay if I take Ivan

but… do you think Ivan will even want to go?” Karen