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 to

perfect, happy family–smiled sweetly for the guests. As they prepared to step off the stage and

swung open.

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

commotion.

chaos erupted. A figure burst from the darkness and, amidst the shrieks, charged straight for the

up. She tumbled to the ground, and as a sticky, wet

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herself from screaming.

off me, you filthy animal! Get away!” She shrieked, her carefully

dog’s hide, shoving it away. She scrambled to her feet, aimed a

you alive! Get out of here–just

terrified, Ileana grew angrier with every missed kick. Clutching her dress, she hurled more curses

the guests–shaken at first–regained their composure. They watched Ileana, who looked like a woman unhinged, with growing