A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Aren’t you here to talk about how I dislocated Ileana’s shoulder?

“Silly girl, of course that’s what we’re here for!” Karen gave her a look that clearly said, “How can you be so sharp most days and so clueless right now?*

“What if she goes and gets a doctor’s report and tries to press charges? We need to be ready just in case. Your college entrance exams are coming up next year, you can’t afford trouble now. I get you acted on impulse, but you did the right thing. Don’t worry if it comes to it, I’d sell everything I own to protect you.”

Alessia couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time, but she quickly reached for Zachary’s phone.

“Relax. I already set her shoulder back in place. She can’t do a thing to me.”

“Really?” Both of them looked skeptical.

“Really! Don’t worry.” Alessia ended the call before it connected and handed the phone back to Zachary.

“Well, that’s a relief. As long as you’re alright.” Karen finally let out a long breath, and Zachary gave Alessia an approving pat on the shoulder.

“Mae, no matter what, I raised her for seventeen years. If she turned out like this… well, I’m truly sorry. How’s your hand?”

have given up hope on Ileana, but after all,

edges. Give it a few days and I’ll be fine. Back when I was younger, this

a scratch.”

call me ‘ma’am‘-that makes me feel ancient. Just call me Karen, please. Lessie’s told me so much about you–said you’re a real lifesaver around the house. Once you’ve recovered, you have to come by and show us

would you like to try some of my

headed upstairs, leaving Alessia behind, still a little dazed, a Zachary smiling as he watched them go. In the corner, three kids

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12:02

for hurting Ileana Alessia had braced he lecture, only to be

ruffled her

wrong. She did. And besides, who’s family here? We are.

but a small smile tugged at her

and ruffled her hair again, full of brotherly

help. Dad’s up there too. Can I leave the

disappeared upstairs before joining the kids at their

her sweetly, earning a dramatic