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.

hung his head, trying to hide the hurt in

catch the words, but Alessia could tell how upset he was. With Ileana always playing the victim and York’s usual troublemaking, it was no wonder everyone

all bluster when

not afraid of anything!” York shouted suddenly, making Ivan

over and

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everyone always blame me? belleves me.” York’s voice dropped

wasn’t any

camera was blocked by the handrail,”

could still picture everyone glaring at him, not even stopping to ask what actually happened. They all swarmed around that wailing woman, soothing her, fussing over her, while he was left standing

even asked if they could check the camera footage,

rushed her off to the hospital. Only

more York thought about it, the angrier he became. Back at Merovia Manor, no one would have dared treat him like this! He’d have had them all fired–every last

trying to set someone up and backfiring! Damn

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

wrong?” she

Ivan blurted

blinked in surprise. “Who’s

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in disbelief, about to protest, but Ivan grew even