A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 57

Ileana’s face went pale, but she forced a tight smile, refusing to let her composure crack.

“What… Cole, what do you mean by that?”

No one answered her. The moment their eyes met, everyone quickly looked away, pretending to be occupied with something else.

“For an event like this, the hosts are supposed to send out invitations at least a week in advance,” Lucy explained quietly, suddenly appearing at Ileana’s side to offer a bit of context. “A verbal invite doesn’t count–if anything, it’s considered disrespectful to the guests.”

As the awkwardness thickened, Stella perked up with a mischievous glint in her eye. To Ileana, it was nothing short of open provocation.

“What’s the matter, are you nervous or just indifferent? Want me to introduce you to an etiquette coach?” Stella teased, her tone breezy and deliberately casual.

Ileana clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Still, she managed a strained smile, biting back her anger as she looked at Stella.

“My parents have been so busy planning my welcome party that they haven’t had time to worry about the details. They already found someone to help me prepare, but since I just got home and I’m still adjusting, they

Embarrassing yourself in front of the class is one thing, but making a scene at your own welcome party? Now

was sweet, but Ileana could only grit her teeth

Stella. I’ll be careful

Mr. Tate hired Justin to design your dressing room,

her pupils contracting, but

“Justin, that’s not cool–taking on such a big project and you

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Chapter 57

kick him out myself! Who does he think he is, ordering me around? And calling her the ‘Tate family’s precious daughter‘–oh, I’m so scared. Give me a break. If my reputation takes a hit because of this, are you going

and tears began to stream down her cheeks. She looked like she’d

to let it go, but you keep targeting me and shutting me out. Is it just because I finally reclaimed what’s rightfully