A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

2

“Damn it!” Max cursed under his breath. He scooped Alessia into his arms and bolted for the door, nearly knocking Mae over as she rushed in.

When Alessia finally woke again, she was no longer at home. Oddly enough, her tiny hand was still clinging tightly to Max’s index finger.

“Hey, little one, you okay?” Max’s voice was gentle but anxious.

Alessia, hooked up to a respirator, tried to open her mouth to speak, but sleep pulled her back under. In that hazy space between dreams and waking, she thought she heard a distant whisper, an almost inaudible, “I’m sorry.”

Bzzzz. Bzzzz.

The vibration of her phone dragged Alessia out of sleep. She silenced the alarm and sat up, rubbing her head, puzzled by the strange dream dredging up memories she’d rather forget.

8:30 a.m. She still had an hour before she was supposed to meet Liam.

“Lessie? It’s the weekend–why are you up so early?” Brendan glanced up from his breakfast, coffee in hand.

“I’ve got somewhere to be today,” Alessia replied as she took her seat at the table, still a little out of it.

“You look exhausted. Didn’t sleep well?” Karen reached over to feel Alessia’s forehead, but everything seemed normal.

“No, it’s nothing. Just some old memories–bad ones, honestly.” Suddenly, Alessia grabbed Karen’s hand with a seriousness that startled her mother.

you almost lost me.

you saying?” Karen ruffled her hair, shooting Brendan

peeled egg into her bowl.

A&C Entertainment,

glancing at the clock. They still had ten

1/2

11-16 20

naptor Juz

so I figured I’d

“Let’s go.”

made it to the 22nd. floor without anyone

twice before pushing open

show up. It’s been months, Alessia!” Lillian, dressed in a crisp white suit,

presence.

a break because I know you’ve got everything handled. And hey,

wanted to join show business, Lillian knew she could have made her a star to rival Tristan

introduce you–this is my brother, Liam. We’re

you, Lillian,” Liam said, voice cool