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.

alright.” Karen pulled her into a gentle hug, stroking her hair and wiping away

happened? Did Ivan give you a hard

his voice.

he bumped his arm–it’s just a little bruise, but

more her voice trembled, her shoulders shaking

okay, sweetheart. We’ll just get a new one later, Little kids trip and fall all the time–it’s not your fault.” Karen soothed her,

apologize for.

to sleep,” Zachary said, ruffling her hair with

tonight, we’ll go out

12.

13:29

Karen said, playfully pinching Ileana’s cheek and brushing away the last of

and go pick out your prettiest princess dress,” Zachary chimed in,

them, their back–and–forth finally coaxed

family, and although she tended to be a bit of a spender, most of her treats were gifts from Karen or her older brothers. Her own savings had added up

time.