A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Next time, don’t go running off, alright? Look at what you put your sister through. A young man’s supposed to protect his big sister, you know.” The police officer ruffled York’s hair before following Butler Dawson out of the room.

Now, only Mae, York, Alessia, and the family doctor–who was tending to Alessia’s wounds–remained in the foyer.

“All done. Try to keep your wounds dry for the next couple of days. If you start running a fever, get in touch with me right away, and steer clear of anything spicy for now.”

“Alright, thank you so much.”

“No trouble at all.”

“Mae, would you see the doctor out?”

Mae nodded, and the two left, leaving the siblings alone in the vast entrance hall. Alessia crossed her legs, watching her little brother huddled in the corner of the

couch.

“Scared now, are you?”

York kept his eyes down, fidgeting nervously.

It was rare to see the family’s little terror looking so subdued. Alessia felt her urge to scold him melt away. Judging by how shaken he was, she figured York would probably keep his head down for a while.

much; she’d have to stop by the clinic tomorrow,

“I’m sorry.”

her

sorry. I didn’t know it’d turn out like this. I just… I just didn’t want to go to class. I never meant for you to get hurt. I

York burst into tears, sobbing, “I’m sorry,” over again through a mess

and

wrinkled her nose at the sight, but in the end, she just

and York scrambled awkwardly across the

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more of a classic sibling rivalry–pranks and payback, a

had already been toughened up by Max’s antics. York never managed to get the better of her, but that didn’t stop him from

knew that was all he really wanted, so when she

the trouble it caused, might actually do York some good. He’d gotten a little

What are you blubbering about?” Alessia grumbled, but she

for a while,” York sniffled, still hiccuping

forehead lightly and didn’t say

earn forgiveness. He’d bring Alessia snacks or a glass of water, then scurry off without a word, too embarrassed to stick