A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

After saying goodbye to York, the two of them walked to the bus stop in silence, boarded in silence, and sat side by side–still not uttering a word.

Alessia watched the trees slide past outside the window, their branches blurring together. After three days of nonstop chaos–putting out fires for her family, juggling her own problems–it felt almost surreal to be back in the rhythm of an ordinary school day. The taut string in her mind finally loosened, if only a little.

sible to miss.

else, while still

Zachary glanced over and immediately noticed the shadow under Alessia’s eyes. Her pale skin made the bruise stand out starkly in the sunlight, Thinking about how she’d been running herself ragged for every managing her own troubles, Zachary felt a fresh wave of guilt crash over him.

He wasn’t just a lousy older brother–he was doing a pretty poor job at being a decent human being, period.

He’d tossed and turned all night, replaying everything in his head, and finally sat up in bed and gave himself a couple of hard slaps just to get to sleep. Now, seeing Alessia’s tired face, the guilt was back with a vengeance.

What a piece of work he was.

Zachary cursed himself silently.

“These past few days must’ve been rough, huh?” He wrestled with his thoughts for a while before finally breaking the silence, only to immediately regret how stupid the question sounded.

Alessia

thicker than before. They didn’t speak again, not

spot Alessia, waving her over as soon as she appeared. Pierce’s wave was even more enthusiastic; his eyes

“What’s up?”

up,” Pierce announced, thrusting a sign–up sheet

you already pick for me?”

רו

Chapter 157

do you think?” Pierce gave

the other two events were dominated by athletes from other classes. If Alessia didn’t compete, their class didn’t stand a chance. With just those three events, they’d have a lock on a top–three finish for the

limit per person, Pierce would’ve filled in Alessia’s name

Alessia took the form and signed her nam strokes–no hesitation,

quick, bold

putter again this year,” Pierce said, sliding a different form her way. Stella didn’t even argue; she just scribbled her name with a

Pierce’s seat had barely touched the chair before he bounced

tapped him on the head with her