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?”

unconvinced at first, but Stella’s last

family–smiled sweetly for the guests. As they prepared to step off the stage

swung open.

bark rang out, making Stella’s eyes light up. She whipped out her phone, slipped into the nearest shadowy corner, and tried to make herself invisible. Penny, confused, squeezed in beside her as the

commotion.

instant, chaos erupted. A figure burst from

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

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herself from screaming.

Get away!” She shrieked,

away. She scrambled to her feet, aimed a

you alive! Get out of here–just

her dress, she

their composure. They watched Ileana, who looked like a