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

tell how upset he was. With Ileana always playing the victim and York’s usual

Normally you’re all bluster when you

York shouted suddenly, making Ivan jump and grab

over and gently patted

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does everyone always blame

any security

the handrail,”

all swarmed around that wailing woman, soothing her, fussing over her,

asked if they could check the

just rushed her off to the hospital. Only Mae stayed

have just stayed down there? The more York thought about it, the angrier he became. Back

set someone up and backfiring!

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

she

Ivan

in surprise. “Who’s

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to protest, but Ivan grew even