A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Ileana. Not long ago, I didn’t have the last name Tate.”

As soon as she finished, Stella pressed her hand over her mouth, trying to hide a grin. “A real page–turner, isn’t she?”

Penny turned away, clearly struggling to keep a straight face too.

Ileana, oblivious to the reactions in the audience, was caught up in the tragic story she’d crafted for herself.

Her eyes were red, and her voice trembled with emotion. Yvonne seemed genuinely moved, gripping Ileana’s hand tightly, refusing to let go. Scott just pressed his lips together and gave Ileana’s shoulder a silent, supportive pat.

“My adoptive parents had four sons. After the family ran into hard times, the atmosphere at home grew heavy. It was then I discovered the truth about my birth. I was nervous, and I hoped for the best. Luckily, my real parents welcomed me with open arms and gave me a kind of love I’d never known before.”

Stella rolled her eyes, unable to hold back any longer. “Give me a break–she’s basically accusing her adoptive family of abuse, just not saying it outright.”

“What if she’s telling the truth?” Penny whispered back.

“Please. I’ve met Lessie’s twin brothers–they’d never do something like that. Besides, if they really were that awful, would Lessie still be there?”

at first, but Stella’s last point seemed

of the perfect, happy family–smiled sweetly for the guests. As they prepared to step off the stage and guide Ileana around the room

swung open.

out, making Stella’s eyes light up. She whipped out her phone, slipped into the nearest shadowy corner, and

commotion.

erupted. A figure burst from the darkness and,

heels and flowing dress tripped her up. She tumbled to the ground, and as a sticky, wet sensation hit her face, she couldn’t

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herself from screaming.

filthy animal! Get away!” She shrieked, her carefully styled

She scrambled to

alive! Get out of here–just

every missed kick. Clutching her dress, she hurled more curses and chased after the dog,

their composure. They watched Ileana, who looked like a woman unhinged, with growing