A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Sorry, that information is confidential.” The receptionist pressed a small bell, and In no time, a tall man emerged from a side door.

His presence was intimidating enough to make Ileana shrink back instinctively. She retreated two steps, slipping out the door.

Without a word, the man shut the door firmly, shutting Ileana out–both physically and from any further answers.

Fuming in helpless frustration, Ileana lashed out and kicked the heavy door. But after walking for over an hour, her legs were already weak and sore. The kick only sent a jolt of pain up her own foot.

She let out a sharp scream right there on the sidewalk, drawing the attention of several passersby.

“What are you staring at?”

Her shout snapped everyone back to their own business, eyes quickly averting. Ileana looked around, eventually picking a nearby coffee shop to sit and wait for

Alessia to come out.

“Who was just here?” Cole asked as he came down the stairs.

“Probably just someone who got lost,” the receptionist replied. “She followed Miss Tate in, I think.”

Cole didn’t press for details. He simply turned and headed back upstairs. Meanwhile, Alessia was unfazed by the earlier commotion, fully focused on her sparring match with her coach. The hour–long walk hadn’t really tired her out, but the back–and–forth of the bout had her drenched in sweat in less than thirty

minutes.

owned by a friend of Cole’s father, Parrish. The Tate family didn’t see the point of girls learning self–defense, but Jade felt otherwise; she believed it was even more important for girls to be able to protect

with limited coaches, sessions had to be booked in advance. They usually didn’t accept young people, but Alessia and her friend were polite, talented,

later, Alessia finally emerged alone. She’d changed clothes, and fresh bruises were visible on her arms. Her

her next destination.

spotted her and hurried after

was relieved she wasn’t left outside and watched

was that girl here

up her violin. It’s been a long road for her–she’s only just now able to take it

Alessia was already turning the corner, and Ileana, not bothering to hear the rest

for the violin until now. Whatever else

“What’s going on?”

what Miss Tate

say to strangers. Not

you

for Miss Tate, are you ready to deal

manager… I didn’t