A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Ileana had shed every trace of her sweet, obedient schoolgirl self. Now, she looked downright vicious–voice shrill, eyes cold and menacing. She raked a hand through her hair in frustration, then lashed out, kicking Mae without warning.

Mae nearly collapsed to her knees but just managed to steady herself, too scared to utter a word. She hurriedly grabbed Ileana’s backpack, then pulled out the prepared slippers, placing them in front of her while kneeling.

“Can’t you see what needs to be done?” Ileana shot Mae a glare, growing more irritable the longer she looked at her. She raised a hand, about to shove the girl again, when footsteps echoed down the hall.

Instantly, the color drained from Ileana’s face. Her pupils contracted, and she jerked her hand behind her back, trembling slightly, the picture of anxiety.

“Dad.” Ileana swallowed hard, not daring to meet Scott’s eyes.

“Mae, bring some tea to the study.”

“Yes, sir.” Mae hung the backpack on a nearby rack and hurried off to the kitchen.

“Come here.” Scott didn’t specify whom he meant, only glanced coolly in Ileana’s direction.

her fists to hide the hatred in her eyes, Ileana trailed

mask her emotions.

behind them, Ileana stood before the desk,

gaze as he sat in the high–backed chair. The silence between them

you get back?” Ileana was young, and the oppressive quiet quickly became unbearable. She broke the silence first, her

tentative.

thud–tap, tap, tap–seemed to strike Ileana’s heart with each beat. Her hands began to shake, eyes darting nervously, and a

I’m sorry. I just today was so

expression unreadable. Ileana could

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it. Maybe it’s because of my adoptive family.

face as she wiped them away with a trembling hand, her small