A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Alessia stepped out from behind the two of them and came to stand confidently at Brendan’s side. Zachary knew now wasn’t the time to hold her back. Though worry flickered in his eyes, he let go and allowed Alessia to speak her mind, bold and unafraid.

“I saw it, plain as day,” she said, turning the accusation back on Ignatius with a calm that caught him off guard. She squared her shoulders and looked to Ignatius’s friend. “You saw it too, didn’t you?”

His friend hesitated, looking torn, his eyes fixed on the floor. He stammered, but no words came.

A hush fell over the gathering crowd, whispers passing between them. Ignatius’s frustration was palpable–he glared at his friend, jaw clenched.

“So, what now?” Alessia continued coolly. “Want me to open up the container and show everyone? If there’s nothing there, you’ll pack up all these leftover sandwiches as compensation for wasting our time and reputation. Or would you rather I report you for slander? Which is it?”

She stood there, unruffled, in stark contrast to Ignatius’s barely contained fury.

“Why bother with some food safety hotline?” she added, her tone almost playful. “Let’s just call the police–save everyone some time. We’ll see if it’s really a hygiene issue, or if someone’s just spreading rumors out of spite.”

As she spoke, Alessia dialed the number, putting the call on speaker for all to hear. The crowd leaned in, holding their breath; eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Ring… ring… ring…

Ignatius swallowed hard, his resolve faltering. Just as the third ring sounded, he lunged to snatch the phone away from Alessia. But she was ready–she dodged back, ending the call in one smooth motion.

front of Alessia, arms crossed behind his

anyone watching

darkened. His friend tugged at his sleeve, but he shook him off with a

everyone crowding around for? Am I missing something?”

921/2

14.42

Chapter 62

his way through the spectators. He stumbled into the circle, nearly losing

it! Who shoved me?” Pierce steadied himself, ready to glare back at whoever had pushed him–only to find himself staring straight at

it is–the eternal third

voice was tight

letting Zachary compete this year. Lost by a single

just can’t handle coming in second and

out, then caught himself and stepped back, realizing

tension in the air.

if you have concerns about the scores or my participation, I’ll walk with you to the faculty office and we