A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“I knew you’d show up.”

“There really isn’t any other way?” Alessia stared at the scattered books on the

table. She already knew the answer, but she still couldn’t help clinging to a shred of hope.

Xander sighed and closed the book in his hands.

“Lessie, I wish more than anyone that there were.”

Alessia fell silent.

The ancient medical texts here were as familiar to both of them as the backs of

their hands. They could pinpoint any passage, any line, without hesitation. But now, with one of them asking questions and the other scouring the pages all night, it was obvious–they’d hit a dead end.

Still, neither wanted to give up.

What if–just maybe–they’d overlooked a chapter, missed something in their

exhaustion?

“How’s Cole doing?”

Alessia shook her head.

lines

stubborn too. Never lets his feelings show. Lessie, you’ll have to keep a close eye

“I will.”

in. She and Xander pored over the medical books together long into the evening, but nothing useful

café finally opened its doors. Zachary and the Mortons were up before dawn, bustling to prepare. After finishing her own

floor, whirling from customer to customer, while Zachary helped at the

yet?” Karen called from the

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14.43

Chapter 170

hovering at the

I just wanted to stop

about up. Zachary, stop fussing and get to school–both of you! Senior year’s important. If you want to come by after classes, you can,

were both a little stunned to be shooed away so

cups for the road,” Karen said, thrusting two steaming drinks into their hands. “Sorry, we’re swamped right now. Be careful on your