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

more than Eddie expected. When Alessia didn’t move, Ivan avoided Eddie’s gaze and looked back at the painting on

quick look with Alessia, who immediately

gently patting Ivan on the back of his head. “I designed that studio

blinked a few times but

open the door to the studio. Alessia gave Ivan a gentle nudge, sending him

warmth. Shadows of tree branches outside danced across the easels and bookshelves, swaying in the breeze. Even before a single line was drawn, the whole place felt like a living painting–light and shadow, glass windows, the scent of

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Chapter 114

right.

it all in. Alessia

you, didn’t I? You’d

moment she’d described the view outside that Ivan would

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

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

brief, absent–minded gaze out the