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.

learning self–defense, but Jade felt otherwise; she believed it was even more important for girls to be able to protect themselves. After checking with Alessia, she made arrangements

it was a members–only facility with limited coaches, sessions had to be booked in advance. They usually didn’t accept young people, but Alessia and her friend were polite,

alone. She’d changed clothes, and fresh bruises were visible on her arms.

her next destination.

spotted her and

was relieved she wasn’t left outside and watched as Alessia slung a case

that girl

came to pick up her violin. It’s been a

Ileana, not bothering to

have been unable to pay for the violin until now. Whatever else

“What’s going on?”

girl just asked what Miss Tate was taking

say to strangers. Not just anyone can

you

Miss Tate, are

manager… I didn’t