A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Oh, sweetheart, your brother said he doesn’t want anyone disturbing hirn right now. Please, don’t knock anymore–you’ve turned your hand red,” Mae coaxed gently. “I made your favorite vanilla cake. Why don’t we go downstairs and have a slice, hmm?”

No matter how much Mae tried, little Alessia just stood there, her eyes welling with tears, stubbornly knocking on the door again and again.

“Max!”

She’d barely raised her fist when, suddenly, the door swung open. The momentum sent Alessia stumbling forward, but Max caught her and promptly nudged her back.

out.

He left the door open only a crack. The room behind him was dark, the curtains drawn tight, and only half his face was visible in the gloom.

“Go away.” Max’s low growl was uncharacteristically harsh.

“Why won’t you come?” Alessia’s lower lip trembled as she fought hard not to burst into tears, but the tears in her eyes kept gathering, threatening to spill over.

“Did I ever say I would? Stop being so self–important.” Max’s exposed eye was ice–cold, utterly expressionless. They bickered often, but he had never spoken to her like this before.

Hic!” Alessia’s hiccups escaped, betraying

instinctively reached out, as if to pat her back, but pulled his hand

downstairs. I told you–no one’s to bother me. Next time someone knocks,

over and over. She scooped up the hiccuping,

speak to you… hic… again…” Alessia sobbed between hiccups

his teeth and slammed the door

family photo that once sat on his desk had been torn to pieces. No one knew that

12:03

Unapter 195

the edge of town.

next day, Scott stepped in to handle things, and Max never saw his desk. partner again. After that, though Max and Alessia still

or sneak in disguise to watch. It was as if the whole thing

and the other investors sat in their reserved section, while the principal and faculty stood on stage,

shimmering ribbons floating