A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Back in eighth grade, a new girl transferred into their class. Word was she came from the countryside, but instead of being rough around the edges, she was delicate, pale, and almost angelic–she caught everyone’s attention the moment. she walked in. Even the job of holding the class sign at the upcoming sports meet, which should have gone to Ileana, was handed to the new girl under the pretense of “helping her fit in.”

That’s why, the night before the sports meet, Ileana called her to the auditorium–to show her, in no uncertain terms, who was in charge, just like everyone else before.

At first, the girl tried to shield herself with her hands, but she was nowhere near as fast as Alessia. The basketball slammed into her arm, leaving dark bruises that stood out starkly against her fair skin. Ileana just laughed, delighted with the spectacle.

She’d expected the transfer student to beg for mercy. Instead, the girl actually tried to fight back. Too bad she wasn’t paying attention and tripped over a rolling basketball, twisting her ankle. Her scream was music to Ileana’s ears. She knew then–no one else was getting that sign–holder spot but her.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell the teacher?” the transfer girl choked out, red–eyed and trembling, the picture of helplessness. To lleana, though, she looked like she was just putting on an act. Jealousy clawed at her insides, making her want to punish this girl even more.

“Your family’s broke, right?” Ileana sneered, towering over her, the smugness thick

in her voice.

“What do you think would happen if I gave your parents ten grand? Wouldn’t they just fall at my feet with gratitude?” She cocked her head, pretending to be curious, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

She’d had to fight tooth and nail just to convince her parents–who never wanted to invest in their daughter–that coming

had to go back, it would all be

barely a whisper,

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Chapter 205

stared at Ileana’s expensive designer sneakers, tears spilling

Ileana’s grin only

swear. I’ll listen–I’ll do anything… please…” Sobbing, the girl clung to the hem of Ileana’s uniform trousers, only to be kicked away in

on the floor, too afraid to speak. The fear of being sent home outweighed everything. Only one thought echoed in her

back.

did?” Alessia’s

eyes lost focus