A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Eddie pressed his lips together and set Ivan’s latest drawing in front of Alessia.

“Dark, twisted, suffocating… That’s a lot of negativity for a seven–year–old. You must be a little unnerved too, right?” Alessia just glanced at the picture.

She’d seen Ivan’s artwork before–she knew it all too well.

“You’ve noticed it too, haven’t you? He’s not like most kids on the spectrum.”

“What do you think?” Instead of answering Eddie’s question, Alessia tossed out her

own.

“If

you ask me, it’s less autism and more like… he’s been through something–some kind of abuse, maybe? He’s on guard, always, but at least he’s willing to leave the house. He talks to people, so he can’t be doing too badly.”

Eddie propped his chin on his hand, long lashes casting shadows under his eyes as he pondered.

“But if, as you say, he barely sees anyone outside and his family is so protective…

he have been

Exactly–where?

through Alessia’s mind, but without proof, she refused to say anything aloud, no

Eddie shot her a knowing glance, reading her thoughts

eating and,

brought him by from time to time?

but even if I’m

great sign. Shutting himself in would only shrink his world smaller and

a little closer to him.” She thought of how she’d

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don’t think he’s as distant with you as you fear.” Alessia’s gaze lingered on Ivan

encouragement.

stood and walked over to

no longer shied away from him, though he didn’t exactly acknowledge him either. He just

at that age when every adult’s patience is tested–Ivan was quiet, gentle, even when sick, never fussy or

up for grabs, you know,” Eddie said,