A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Ileana hadn’t expected Scott to say that. Her head snapped up, eyes wide with shock.

“Sir, your tea is ready.”

At that moment, Mae knocked on the study’s door.

Mae set the teacup down and quietly left. Ileana stood frozen, unsure what to say.

“I… Alessia, she… after all, she’s been with her classmates for two years. Of course, she’s closer to them,” Ileana stammered, fumbling for an excuse and forgetting

what she’d meant to call her.

“So, since you can’t compete with her, you take it out on people beneath you?”

“I… I’m sorry.” The apology slipped out before Ileana could catch herself. With her head bowed, she missed the look of disappointment in Scott’s eyes.

“Sorry for what?” Scott’s tone was cold, commanding respect without a hint of warmth. He looked at Ileana not as a father, but as a superior addressing a

subordinate.

shouldn’t have lashed out at the maid just because I was upset at school,” she

“Wrong.”

didn’t dare protest. Scott left his seat and walked toward her. She could only

gaze.

“Look at me.”

full of uncertainty and avoidance, but to Scott,

your choice. But don’t ever let anyone catch you. If you want a place in your class, earn it. Use money, connections–whatever it takes. Turn people into your allies and make yourself indispensable. How you do it is up to

him, disbelief swirling in her eyes. Scott’s gaze remained

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carry the Tate name. You act with the dignity and composure that’s expected from a member of this family. I will not accept an outsider who just

breaking through in her voice. She clenched her fists, eyes fierce with determination–and something

“I’ll arrange for an etiquette coach. Tomorrow’s introduction banquet is important.

the first time, Ileana managed a faint

nodded, gesturing for her to leave. As the study door clicked shut behind her, Ileana’s