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?”

with the dog, hasn’t touched the fruit

Mom, keep an eye on him.

worry, I’ll stay with

up and

she said, grabbing her

“Where to?” Stella asked.

my place. I

13.38

I brought the bike today: Stella blinked, but the already up and

“Sure.” Alessia didn’t hesitate.

the prof we had to

what? You’re both leaving? Why? One comes, two go–what’s happening here?” Pierce looked utterly

answered. They just waved over

and settled in as Stella revved the engine. In seconds, they

need anything, call me.” Stella took her

watched until Alessia vanished into the

Alessia pushed it open and stepped inside. Karen appeared at the sound, motioning quietly to the living room. Alessia nodded, swapped her shoes, and walked in–only to find York sprawled

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