A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

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“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.

was a time you almost lost me.

are you saying?” Karen ruffled her hair,

Brendan said, dropping a peeled egg into her bowl. Alessia didn’t argue, just picked

Alessia arrived outside A&C Entertainment,

the clock. They

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11-16 20

naptor Juz

nothing else going on, so I

“Let’s go.”

the company recognized Alessia–she and Liam made it to the 22nd. floor

knocked twice before pushing

It’s been months, Alessia!” Lillian, dressed in a crisp white suit, looked every bit the powerhouse–scarlet lipstick, immaculate nails, and heels that gave

presence.

you’ve got everything handled. And hey, did you like the present I

it.” Lillian pinched Alessia’s cheek playfully. If Alessia had ever wanted to join show business, Lillian knew she could have made her a

brother, Liam. We’re here today

meet you, Lillian,” Liam said, voice cool as