A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Ugh, what’s that sour, musty smell?”

“Gross! Who left garbage here? This is disgusting!”

Every time York opened his mouth, Alessia felt a fresh throb in her temples. Zachary stayed silent, leading the group down the cramped hallway. When they finally reached the door, Alessia expertly flicked on her flashlight for him.

With a soft click, the door swung open.

“Mom!” Zachary called out.

“Zachary, did you pick up Lessie?” Karen stepped into view, her gaze shifting past Zachary–surprised to see not just Alessia, but two others and a dog in tow.

“And… these are?”

“Let’s just get inside first,” Alessia sighed, feeling utterly drained.

York wrinkled his nose, glancing around the tiny, shabby apartment with open disdain. “Wow, this is small. And cramped. Alessia, are you some kind of

masochist?”

“Shut it!” Alessia snapped, clamping a hand over his mouth and shooting him a

glare.

sulking, but there

main couch, watching their squabble in silence. Brendan, the head of the household, sat stiffly on the other sofa,

two young gentlemen from the Tate family to our

out glasses of water in front of the guests. Rex sprawled at York’s feet, tongue lolling, eyes fixed on Karen. Alessia noticed and quickly blocked Rex’s line

crossed his legs and folded his hands on his

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want to

froze. Everyone except York and Alessia seemed stunned by the

of her nose and rolled

Max. Alessia just shook her

to worry.

Lessie doesn’t want to leave,” Brendan said. “No matter what you offer, we have no right to decide for her. As long as she

a smirk. “Alessia, I bought you an estate and you’d rather squeeze into this

not hesitating for

needs a

could use

“Give me a reason.”