A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Yeah,” Stella sighed, shaking her head. “Looks like the second son of the Tate family really can’t stand his older sister.”

“No matter how much York dislikes her, he’d never push her down the stairs.” Alessia’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as her fingers tapped a steady rhythm on the tabletop.

“You think there’s more to the story?” Stella didn’t doubt Alessia’s instincts for a

second.

“I need to make a call.” Alessia stood up, already halfway out the door before Stella could respond.

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Pretends not to care, but she’s worried as hell.”

“What’s got Alessia running in and out like that?” someone asked.

“Mind your own business,” Pierce piped up, leaning in. Stella promptly pushed him back with a finger to his forehead.

At the stairwell, Alessia was just about to dial when her phone lit up–Karen was calling first.

“Mom? What’s wrong?”

“Lessie, York just showed up at the house. He’s acting strange, won’t answer any of my questions. Do you want to come home and check on him?”

“York’s at home?”

touched the fruit I brought him, just staring off into space. Honestly, it’s kind

eye on him. I’m

I’ll stay with him. Drive safe,

up and headed back into

she said, grabbing her

“Where to?” Stella asked.

at my place. I need

13.38

blinked, but the already up and slinging her own

“Sure.” Alessia didn’t hesitate.

prof we had

comes, two go–what’s happening

over

Alessia, who caught it and slipped it on with practiced ease. She swung her long legs over the bike and settled in as Stella revved the engine. In seconds, they shot off like a

anything, call me.” Stella took her helmet

then hurried inside. Stella watched until Alessia vanished into the building, then pulled down her visor and sped

ajar. Alessia pushed it open and stepped inside. Karen appeared at the sound, motioning quietly to the living room. Alessia

while the dog wagged its tail and panted, content to just be there. Strangely enough, Ivan was sitting