A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Thanks for helping out today.”

“Come on, you don’t have to say that.” Eddie flicked her forehead in a playful, big–brotherly way. “Looks like the amusement park’s off the table, huh? But you said he likes to draw, right?”

Alessia nodded.

“Mind if I talk to him for a bit?”

Her raised eyebrow said all he needed to know.

Eddie grinned and crouched down, making himself eye level with Ivan. As soon as he did, Ivan let go of Alessia’s hand and ducked behind her, using her as a shield.

Alessia didn’t try to coax him out. Instead, she just reached back and gently patted

his head.

“Ivan, at least listen when someone’s talking to you.” Her voice was soft, not even close to lecturing, but it had a calming steadiness to it that made it hard not to

relax.

Ivan stopped trying to disappear and peeked out from behind Alessia, gripping the hem of her shirt for security.

can just call me Ed.” Eddie looked him straight in the eyes, his smile gentle, voice warm,

him. He just kept smiling, patient,

Ivan managed a quick, tentative handshake–barely

job,” Eddie

turned a little pink, and he inched further

Instead, he stood and held open the car door for

your studio’s

away doesn’t mean it shuts down. I have someone come

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11.49

Chapter 113

are you heading out

while. I’ve got an art show coming

and gazing out the window. At the sound of her voice, he glanced over, eyes

softly, letting the question drop, and reached

ever the gentleman, opened the door for them and led

pruned and vibrant. The studio itself was built from old red brick, carrying that romantic, old–European charm–like something out of a storybook castle. Ivy crawled up the walls, but

looked around with wide–eyed curiosity, though he stayed glued to Alessia’s side, not