A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 188

“Wow, you’re really handsome, you know that?”

Zachary blushed and scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed by the compliment.

“Come on, let me show you upstairs.”

Mae nodded. “Alright.” She bent down to pick up her suitcase, but Zachary quickly stepped in to stop her.

“Your hand’s still hurt. Please, let me take it.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly. What if I get your uniform dirty? It’s a pain to wash. I can manage, really.”

“Mae, we asked him here to help. Your hand’s in that state–if you still insist on lugging your own bags, what does that say about us two young people?” Alessia spoke up, tilting her head as she noticed a few neighbors peeking at them from the hallway windows.

Mae caught on immediately and let go of the handle. Growing up in a small town, she knew just how sharp neighbors‘ tongues could be when it came to appearances. She didn’t protest anymore, letting Zachary take her bag while she followed Alessia up the stairs.

Once inside the apartment, Mae hurried to have Zachary set the bag down, apologizing over and over until Zachary felt awkward himself.

sensing his discomfort, changed the subject. “Mae, take a look around. It’s not huge–just a bedroom and a living room–but see

around and broke into a smile. The living room was certainly more spacious than the one at the Tate family’s house. There was a kitchen, a bathroom, and the place faced south,

is wonderful, Lessie. Really, it must

The café covers room and board.

a beat

what she earned to girls in need back in the mountains. She’d never managed to save much for herself. Money, she figured, couldn’t be taken with you

you go

had no children of her

1/2

12:02

babies she’d lost before she even got to see

all this. That’s why she’d gone to such lengths to help

place cleaned for you,” Alessia added. “Take

that Alessia didn’t want to hear another round of apologies or thanks. She bit back her

street, so it’s easy to get to. For now, just focus on resting. Once your hand’s healed, you can come by. The contract’s already printed

as if running through a mental checklist. Zachary, watching her, felt his