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.

transfer student turned ghostly pale, unable to utter a word. She’d had to fight tooth and nail just to convince her parents–who never wanted to invest in their daughter–that coming to this city school wouldn’t cost them a dime. She’d promised them she’d win

go back, it would all be over. That terror gripped her

voice was barely a whisper,

13.28

Chapter 205

tears spilling down her

Ileana’s grin only

I’ll listen–I’ll do anything… please…” Sobbing, the girl clung to the hem of Ileana’s uniform trousers,

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

back.

disgusting things you did?” Alessia’s voice snapped Ileana out of

focus for