A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“It’s about time. Let’s get ready to head down,” Scott said as he walked over, Yvonne at his side, her makeup immaculate.

“Dad! Mom!” Ileana called out, lifting the hem of her dress as she hurried over, her voice bubbling with excitement.

A rare, genuine smile flickered across Yvonne’s face as she smoothed Ileana’s hair, her lips curving into a picture–perfect smile.

“All that running around–what if you trip and fall?”

Ileana stuck out her tongue playfully and slipped her arm through Yvonne’s, the two of them looking every bit the close–knit family.

“Mr. Tate, Mrs. Tate.”

“Thank you for everything. We’ve set out some pastries for you in the next room.” Most of the stylists invited tonight had connections in the industry; the organizers always made sure the staff were taken care of, if only to avoid any gossip.

“Thank you, Mr. Tate. Your family looks so happy together.”

“Yes, Miss Tate takes after her mother–so sweet and charming.” With a few more words of praise, the staff knew their work was done for the day.

Yvonne’s smile stayed in place, and she gave a small nod, apparently pleased with the compliment. But if you looked closely, her eyes betrayed nothing but polite formality.

almost time,” Scott’s assistant murmured in

The reception

Yvonne each holding one of her hands, the three of them descended the grand staircase together, all eyes in the

them.

attention made Ileana feel almost triumphant. She glanced down at the crowd, feeling every

together. Penny’s face was unreadable, while Stella

stand still, can

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princess your cousin?” Stella teased, a mischievous glint in

feast,” Penny replied, her words heavy

curved upward despite herself. “That’s for sure.

in check. Stella,

went unnoticed; everyone else was

time to attend this special occasion,” Scott began, his voice ringing out across the hall. “After seventeen years apart, our daughter

Ileana’s arm, the two of

she’s their real daughter–she