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 breakfast, was getting

and was immediately greeted

out to play without me again!” York’s eyes went wide, full of mock outrage

face remained perfectly calm as she shut the

the housekeeper I

Chapter 161

he deserved a

small smile. She reached out and ruffled his hair.

cheeks flushed red,

mind to something, I always get

Ivan, who was clutching a

are you two

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

back of his neck. “Uh, this is

handed the bag to Ivan, suddenly shy–so

She nodded and let go of his hand so

It was a brand–new book, still wrapped. The same title York had

her the torn book, and Karen had bought a replacement, telling him to apologize properly

hadn’t expected York to remember–York always acted like nothing bothered him. But there