A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Meanwhile, Alessia had asked Butler Dawson to pick up York at the designated spot, while she and Ivan were being driven home by Cole.

Since the car couldn’t get any closer, Cole got out and walked them the rest of the

way.

“Try to get some rest tonight, and don’t overthink things,” Alessia said, holding Ivan’s hand. Her gaze lingered on Cole, full of concern.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of myself,” Cole replied, gently tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “Next time, I’ll bring a proper gift and come meet your parents officially.”

Alessia nodded, her worry not quite fading.

“And stop working so late,” she chided softly. “The Whitley Group isn’t going to fall apart if you let a deal or two go. I know how much responsibility you shoulder, but you don’t have to carry it all alone.”

Cole smiled, a bit rueful. He knew she was right, but the weight of his family’s legacy always pressed on him.

“If you’re taking the twins to the amusement park next week, let me pick you all up,” he offered, changing the subject. “After everything that’s happened lately, you could use a break.”

Alessia saw right through him. Cole never made promises lightly, especially if he wasn’t sure he could keep them.

deciding not to

in her hair, unwilling to let go just yet. His words said one thing, but his actions betrayed

Alessia’s

a faint, warm

glancing back at Cole with every few steps. But truth

headed to the clinic. Zachary was busy helping with

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find it locked for once. Alessia knocked, and soon Six

move in here–never- liked that Zachary guy. The other day he came by saying he messed things up, so I gave

recalled the bruise on Zachary’s face when she’d seen him after

yeah.” Six hesitated under her

do that?” Alessia asked,

didn’t he?” Six answered, looking

her head, finally understanding Zachary’s odd way of thinking,

“Where’s Master?”

holed up in the dispensary since he got back last night. I brought him dinner in there, and if I hadn’t forced him to bed, he’d have stayed up all night. When I woke up and didn’t see him in the courtyard, I figured he’d just