A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Hey, have Dad and the others arrived at the restaurant yet?”

With no way out, Ileana had no choice but to bring Scott into this. She was certain that no matter what, Max wouldn’t dare defy Scott. If she embarrassed herself, Scott might not care, but if she made the whole Tate family look bad in front of all these society kids? That was a different story entirely.

“Oh, look who it is–my darling little sister,” Max drawled, as if he’d only just noticed her standing there.

Ileana clenched her jaw but forced a smile. “You’re such a kidder, big brother. Always joking around.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, sis. I am picking someone up for dinner, but it’s not you.” Max’s lips curled in a smirk as he strode right past her, heading towards the school entrance without a backward glance.

“Wait, is he here for Alessia?”

“He is! Seventeen years in the same house, but blood clearly isn’t thicker than

water.”

“God, I wish I were Alessia. She’s so lucky–she’s got everyone wrapped around her finger.”

“Look at Ileana’s face…”

I almost feel

into tight fists. She could hear the whispers, the laughter, the not–so–subtle taunts from the crowd around her, but her eyes never left Max as he made his way toward

the center of attention, wanted nothing more than to melt back into the classroom. The intensity of Ileana’s stare was hard to ignore–not because she was afraid, but because she preferred to avoid open conflict

this world, you’re bound to run into people you don’t like, or who don’t like you. Alessia had always tried to steer clear of unnecessary drama, a lesson she’d learned from the Tates: never

to.

choice.

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16:43

In a world where only one person could come out on top,

run. She stopped in her tracks, watching

didn’t you?” she said coolly. “Showing up at the front gate, making sure everyone’s watching, humiliating Ileana, making

attention.”

we wouldn’t be having this little scene now.” Max’s voice was

the same as ever–controlling,

on. Let’s go eat.” Max’s expression

sharper Alessia’s retorts, the more entertained Max seemed, almost as if he wanted to corner her