A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

At the airport, Alessia scrolled through her phone, fighting off boredom. Only when people started streaming out of the arrivals gate did she finally put her phone away and glance inside, searching the crowd. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long before she spotted the person she’d come to pick up.

“What are you doing here?” Cole’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw her, the fatigue on his face melting away. He quickened his pace and strode straight toward Alessia.

Larkin, seemingly used to the routine, grabbed Cole’s suitcase, gave Alessia a brief wave from a distance, and headed out.

“I wanted to see you, so I came.” Alessia opened her arms with an easy familiarity, and Cole wrapped her up in a hug just as naturally. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and let out a long, weary sigh.

“Tough trip, huh? I could spot those dark circles from a mile away.”

“Try spending hours talking to a room full of self–important old men who think it’s their job to judge every move you make. Honestly, every minute I was tempted to punch someone in the face.”

“Want me to get you some stress balls?” Alessia offered out of nowhere, making them both laugh.

Cole straightened up, cupping her face in his hands and giving her head a gentle shake. “Then you’d better get me a robe and some prayer beads–might as well join a monastery at this point.”

“No problem. I’ll make sure our dear Mr. Whitley is all set up by tomorrow,” she

teased.

Cole ruffled her hair, eyes brimming with affection.

“Have you eaten yet?”

this morning, and after I finished up

on, let’s get some food.” Alessia nodded, and the two of them laced their fingers

the evening was still

had gotten his driver’s license as soon

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14:47

Chapter 109

my plate today. You’re visiting your mom,

after a couple of failed attempts, Cole leaned over, patiently untangled it, and clicked it

of long–standing habit,

familiar suburban streets seemed to quiet

the house and his mother’s condition, then let the

give her a gentle massage. Cole didn’t interrupt; he simply poured a glass of water, set it on the bedside table

massage.

The doctor just finished her acupuncture session not long ago; the next one won’t be for another month.” Alessia tucked Jade’s arm under the blanket

As soon as Cole entered his mother’s room, his mood plummeted. Alessia didn’t