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.

glared back, sulking, but there wasn’t much

Brendan, the head of the household, sat stiffly on

last, “but what brings the two young

lolling, eyes fixed on Karen. Alessia noticed and quickly blocked Rex’s line of sight,

point.” Max crossed his legs and folded his hands on his knee, exuding the air of a

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price. I want to take Alessia

room froze. Everyone except York and Alessia seemed

her nose and rolled her eyes, as if she’d

family stared at Max. Alessia just shook her head,

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 wants to stay, she’ll always have a place in

you an estate and you’d rather squeeze into this little flat, where you

Alessia smiled back, not hesitating

really needs a

could use

“Give me a reason.”