A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

During the halftime break, the cafeteria swung open its doors and filled with the buzz of families reuniting for lunch. The Morton brothers trailed along with the crowd, but by the time they reached the dining area, only Stella was left waiting.

“Stella!” Justin Keane called out, walking over with Stella’s father, Dave Laine, in tow. The Morton brothers followed a few steps behind.

“Oh, Liam Morton?” Stella waved, her surprise clear when she spotted Liam at the back, but she greeted him with easy confidence.

Liam nodded. “Congrats on making the finals.”

His voice was calm, polite but not overly enthusiastic–just the sort of tone you’d use with an acquaintance you bumped into by chance.

Justin shot Liam a brief look and positioned himself beside Stella, with Dave quietly standing on her other side.

“Thanks.” Stella accepted the congratulations without a hint of awkwardness, meeting Liam’s eves

“Hey, this is Stella,” Justin said to his brother. “She used to own the bar where I played gigs, and she’s a friend of Lessie’s.”

Stella glanced over at Ethan Morton. “Hi, I’m Stella. You must be Lessie’s older brother, right?”

“Nice to meet you, Stella,” Ethan replied.

there,” Stella explained, pointing out the way. She’d planned to go with Alessia, but Alessia insisted she’d be back soon and wanted Stella to stay with her dad. With the Morton brothers now here,

Ethan said, and he and Liam moved to

have to see this video I got of you–absolutely

see the photos first!” Stella

I’ll show you those later.” Justin’s voice had

out of his hand. Justin made a half–hearted attempt to grab it

with a quiet, amused smile as

take these for?” Stella

pleas for

cafeteria.

his mouth as Justin and Stella’s playful bickering faded

pace.

it doesn’t feel right, you’ve got to walk away before it’s

surprised, then relaxed and nodded.

gym, Alessia and Cole

I figured out I was Miss Tate, didn’t you?” Alessia teased, flashing her phone at Cole. “Meet

text from Ileana, her expression