A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“You’ve got the code. Your fingerprint’s in the system. Yet I never see you around here.”

Eddie set his tea down on the table, matching Alessia’s choice–black tea, fragrant and warm.

The aroma drifted softly through the room. Alessia took a breath, sipped, and smiled.

“Except for Mae, no one makes a better cup than you.”

Eddie recognized the attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere but let it slide. His gaze shifted to Ivan, who was staring at a painting on the wall.

“Ever tried your hand at painting, Ivan?”

Ivan broke his gaze from the artwork and shook his head.

“I’ve got all the supplies here. Want to give it a try?”

Ivan glanced at Alessia, who gave him a reassuring nod. Only then did he turn back

to Eddie and nod as well.

My art studio’s a real gem–normally, I don’t let anyone else in.” Eddie always made a point of looking people in the eye when he spoke. With his gentle features, it was disarming, almost as if you couldn’t help

Alessia didn’t move, Ivan avoided Eddie’s gaze

exchanged a quick look with Alessia,

on the back of his head. “I designed

times but eventually followed

led the way, pushing open the door to the studio. Alessia

bookshelves, swaying in the breeze. Even before a single line was drawn, the whole

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Chapter 114

right.

he took it all in. Alessia rested her

didn’t I? You’d love

from the moment she’d described the view outside that Ivan would fall for this

you. It’d be a shame not to paint something while you’re here, don’t you think?” At some point, Eddie had already set out the

time, Ivan didn’t refuse. He took it and sat in

absent–minded gaze out the window,