A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Ileana’s resistance was useless; Dawson, the butler, had clearly come prepared

He crouched down, took Ileana’s hand without hesitation, and, ignoring her protests, signaled for the bodyguard to pick her up and carry her out of the gymnasium.

Meanwhile, Alessia–shielded by Ethan and Liam–made her way outside, only to run straight into Stella and Justin, who were hurrying toward them.

“Lessie! Are you okay?” Stella grabbed Alessia’s hand, turning it over anxiously. The ugly bruises stood out starkly against her pale skin, making the injury look even

worse.

“Damn it, Ileana! If I don’t beat her senseless, my last name isn’t Laine!” Stella was shaking with anger and was about to storm back into the gym when Alessia, well aware of her temperament, caught her just in time.

“Stella, calm down–wait. What are you doing here?”

She should have been with Dave at this hour. Alessia also couldn’t help noticing how coincidental Ethan and Liam’s appearance was.

“It was Lucy who told us,” Stella replied, her voice still tinged with frustration. With Alessia holding her back, she didn’t dare break free and just stood there fuming.

“Lucy?” Alessia asked, frowning.

you, so she

phone. She’d been on a call with Cole the whole time,

“What did she say?”

Lucy went to find your brothers and brought them to the gym. Basically, Ileana not only wanted to keep you out of the next round, she also wanted you to experience what it feels like when everyone turns against you,” Justin said,

down, but it was shocking to realize the ‘e

11:30

to her, Stelle fentan growing angrier by the second. “Where is she? What did she do to you?

and quickly recounted what

an arm around her shoulders, whispering, “Calm down, deep breaths, Stella,” until she managed to settle down a

Stella and Justin had fiery tempers, but it was almost comical–whenever one lost control, the other somehow managed to keep a cool head and rein them

worry. Cole’s inside now,” Alessia

Ethan instinctively turned to glance at the gym entrance, which was now quiet

realizing they hadn’t seen anyone

in the least. Hearing Cole was