A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“How can she still be that strong? Seriously, how does Alessia do it?”

“Guess evolution decided to leave the rest of us behind–again.”

The parade of students marched in neat formation

across the field. As the next class took their turn, chatter began to ripple through the crowd. Ileana caught every word, her jaw clenched.

It didn’t matter how many times people praised Alessia–it always felt like an insult aimed right at her. Anyone else could outshine her, and she’d grit her teeth and bear it. But Alessia? Absolutely not.

After the opening ceremony, Mr. Lance went over the rules and safety notes, then had everyone settle with their class. Each student was to stay in their section until their event was called, or until it was time to go cheer for their friends.

Ileana, sidelined from all the events by her injured leg, slipped away unnoticed–except by Lucy, who watched her go, silent.

for tomorrow afternoon. Today was for the standard, less grueling contests. Alessia’s events–high jump and long jump–were among the first, and she

electric start.

the sidelines. When she clinched her second gold, they nearly forgot to take pictures, too excited to remember anything

the stands first. Instead, her gaze went straight to the VIP section, where she

shone with pride. Ignoring the puzzled glances from others around

acknowledged her did Alessia turn to the regular stands, giving the Morton brothers a little wave. Liam fumbled with his phone

photos when he spotted something odd. “Lessie looked like she was waving

12:03

in the VIP

screen, Liam was right. The first thing Alessia did after winning

someone up there,” Ethan said with a shrug. “Honestly, when it comes to Alessia,