A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Alessia’s shout sent a ripple of laughter through the crowd, drawing people over like moths to a porch light. Even Zachary, caught off guard by her sudden outburst, couldn’t help but let his anger melt away. He exchanged a knowing look with Brendan, the two of them shaking their heads in silent, affectionate amusement.

As more people gathered, Zachary and Brendan moved in to help. Meanwhile, at Alessia’s subtle signal, Pierce enlisted two of his friends to usher Ignatius and his companion out of the fray–ending the commotion as smoothly as it had started.

“Hey there, your mega sandwich is ready!” called Karen, holding up a foil–wrapped bundle.

“Thanks, ma’am! I barely got two bites of breakfast before my friends swiped the rest. I’ve been craving your famous wraps all day,” Pierce replied, grinning.

“Oh, is that so? Well, this batch just came out of the oven this afternoon–perfectly soft and warm. Give it a taste. And thank you for your help today, dear. This one’s on the house,” Karen said, her eyes crinkling with fondness for this straightforward, good–natured kid.

Pierce hesitated, glancing over at Alessia for permission. She nodded.

“Go ahead and take it. If you like it, I’ll save one for you tomorrow too–no charge,” Karen insisted, waving away his concern.

“Well, thank you, ma’am!” Pierce replied, not one to stand on ceremony. Despite being from the elite Westfield Academy, he tore into the sandwich right there, standing among the bustling clean–up.

Only after the crowd dispersed and the evening wound down did Karen, Zachary, and Brendan realize Pierce was still hanging around.

“Thanks for earlier,” Zachary said, bumping Pierce’s fist in camaraderie.

Pierce scratched his head, sheepish. “Sorry for teasing you about always coming in second. Your school’s always looked down on ours, you know? Now that we finally have Alessia, who totally crushes your scores every time, well, you can’t blame us for showing off a little.”

“Zachary.” Zachary smiled, his tone gentle.

each other’s elbows in a

sidelines. He

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Chapter o

the clean–up. The trio worked in practiced harmony, each

Karen asked

saw him

“How’s Lessie doing today?”

same as she did this morning. After school, her

out with her.”

Brendan exchanged relieved glances. “That’s good

with that classmate?”

lot of pressure at home. There was this one time he didn’t make the team for a

She couldn’t believe parents

she murmured, her heart aching at the

that’s their family’s business, Brendan said, shaking his head. “There’s always someone better out there. Just because he’s struggling now doesn’t mean he won’t meet even tougher competition in college or out in the world. Zachary, don’t let this weigh on you. Do what you have to do, but if he acts

Zachary nodded, smiling quietly.