A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

She pulled open the drawer and found a lighter inside.

Once Ileana had composed herself, she grabbed both the medical report and the lighter, heading straight for the bathroom. She watched as the report crumbled into ash, flushed away at last with a rush of water. Only then did she collapse onto the sofa, limp with relief.

Her heart was pounding wildly, reminding her exactly what she’d just done.

“Did you bring back the test results?” Karen and Zachary had just returned home, immediately noticing the opened envelope on the table.

“Y–yeah… I did.”

Ileana had just stepped out of little Ivan’s room, her face a bit pale. She managed a weak smile and nodded in response.

Karen saw the look on her face and set aside the report, barely glancing at it before hurrying over. She reached out to feel lleana’s forehead.

“Sweetheart, you look a little under the weather. Are you feeling alright?”

“I’m fine… Ivan kept crying, and I just got him to sleep. I’m sorry, Mom….” As she spoke, two big tears rolled down her cheeks.

wrong? What happened, darling? Don’t cry, it’s alright.” Karen pulled her into a

a hard time?” Zachary came over, concern

his voice.

a package and he bumped his arm–it’s just a little bruise, but he wouldn’t stop crying. I tried reading the

more lleana explained, the more her voice trembled, her shoulders shaking with sobs. Karen’s heart ached to see her like

Little kids trip and fall all the time–it’s not your fault.” Karen soothed

nothing to apologize for. You’re

did great getting Ivan to sleep,” Zachary

we’ll go out for a

12.

13:29

playfully pinching Ileana’s cheek and brushing away the last

pick out your prettiest princess dress,” Zachary chimed

them, their back–and–forth finally coaxed a smile from

and although she tended to be a bit of a spender, most of her treats were gifts from Karen or

time.