A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“I know it wasn’t you.” Alessia ruffled his hair. “But I need you to tell me what

happened.”

York pressed his lips together, sulking. “Would’ve been easier if I had pushed her myself.”

Alessia gave his cheek a gentle pinch. “Come on, let’s talk in my room.”

She patted Rex, and the dog jumped off the couch instantly. York dragged his feet, but eventually stood up.

They walked down the hall, Alessia leading the way and York trailing behind. Just as she was about to close the bedroom door, Ivan and Rex appeared in the doorway, both sporting the same pleading expression.

With a resigned sigh, Alessia let them in.

Now three kids and a dog sat cross–legged on the floor. Ivan settled beside Alessia, while Rex dutifully curled up behind York, acting as a furry pillow for his young master.

“Alright, tell me what happened.”

“That woman’s nasty as they come,” York grumbled. “Always pretending to be some helpless victim, all tears and drama. When she couldn’t win an argument with me earlier, she tried to shove me down the stairs. But Rex barked just in time and startled her. She panicked, slipped, and tumbled down herself.”

“Are you hurt?” Alessia’s brows knitted. She hadn’t expected Ileana to go off the

rails like that.

fine.” York hung his head, trying to hide the

was hard to catch the words, but Alessia could tell how upset he was. With Ileana always playing the victim

you didn’t push her, what are you so afraid of? Normally you’re all bluster when

shouted suddenly, making

back, Alessia reached over and

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always blame me?

wasn’t any security

blocked by the handrail,” York said, sounding

what actually happened. They all swarmed around that wailing woman, soothing her, fussing

asked if they could check the camera

to the hospital.

ego–why couldn’t she have just stayed down there? The more York thought about it, the angrier

trying to set someone up and

vent, not correcting his choice of words, but Ivan suddenly clutched Alessia’s sleeve tighter, as

wrong?” she asked

Ivan blurted

surprise. “Who’s

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about to protest, but