A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Dad! Mom!” Alessia and Zachary greeted them with easy smiles as they wove through the after–school crowd. The food truck was parked on the busy corner, with students thronging around the window, laughter and chatter echoing down the

street.

“Zachary, Lessie, you’re here,” Karen said warmly, her hands moving deftly as she packed up another order.

“I thought you two were supposed to head straight home after school,” Brendan called over his shoulder, sliding a box of freshly wrapped sandwiches across the counter to a waiting customer. He pressed the few remaining bills from the cash box into Alessia’s hand. “Are you hungry? Go pick out something you want.”

Alessia caught Zachary’s eye, giving him a subtle signal. Zachary stepped in, blocking Brendan’s view as Alessia quickly slipped the money between the box and the side of the truck, safely out of sight.

When she finished, Zachary flashed her an OK sign behind his back. Alessia ducked her head to hide a fleeting smile, and when she looked up again, her face was composed and calm.

“We just wanted to see if you needed any help before the rush died down.”

“There’s nothing left to do here. You two should head home and start the rice; we’ll be back soon after we finish up.” Between words, the soft chime of mobile payments kept ringing, signaling new orders.

Most of the customers were students, pausing to glance curiously at the family’s truck as they passed.

wrap?” a girl asked from the front of

flavor?” Karen replied

Ignatius, do

answer. She called his name again, a little more insistent this time. Following her

ice prince of Crestview High,” Ignatius sneered, his words cutting

were true.”

trying to

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we had money to lose,” Alessia

with quiet scorn. “Unlike you–some people are

he forced a smirk. “Well, if it isn’t the

Alessia’s

came out from behind the counter, face