A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Alessia stepped off the bus, her backpack slung over one shoulder, and started the familiar walk home alone. What had once been a maze of unfamiliar streets had become so routine that she could have found her way with her eyes closed.

Dusk had settled in, and the streetlights flickered to life, bathing the sidewalk in a soft, amber glow. As Alessia rounded the corner, she spotted a familiar figure standing under the nearest lamp.

“Lessie, time for dinner,” Zachary called, waving her over.

As she drew closer, Alessia noticed the dark bruise marring Zachary’s cheek.

“What happened to your face?”

He shook his head, silent, and Alessia frowned but decided not to push further.

“Did you work things out?” she asked quietly.

“Pretty much,” Zachary replied.

“If you need to talk anything over tomorrow, I’ll wait for you in the Crestview High classroom. I was planning to hit the library and look over some practice problems anyway.”

“Have you eaten?” he asked.

“No, my parents just got home too, so it’s perfect timing.”

They chatted about nothing in particular, as if the recent drama had never happened.

the weekend arrived. The Mortons were busy with the final preparations before their grand opening, Ethan and his friends were chasing their dreams, and Alessia, after finishing

was immediately

without me again!” York’s eyes went wide,

the

time, I told the housekeeper I

Chapter 161

he deserved

She reached out and ruffled his hair. “Good

York’s cheeks flushed

When I set my mind to something, I always get

his eyes darted to Ivan, who was clutching

where are you two sneaking off to without

Ivan piped up unexpectedly, catching Alessia off guard. York, on the other hand, looked

his neck. “Uh,

bag to Ivan, suddenly shy–so different from his usual cocky

at Alessia, uncertain. She nodded and let go of his hand so he could

peeked inside. It was a brand–new book, still wrapped. The

the torn book, and Karen had bought a replacement, telling him to apologize properly when he saw Eddie that

expected York to remember–York always acted like nothing bothered him.