A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Mom, Dad, even my brothers don’t know–just stop lecturing me, okay? I’m starving. What’s for dinner tonight?”

A few years ago, Alessia would never have imagined herself speaking in such a soft, almost childlike tone–especially not to her own family.

“We’re making your favorite tonight–pan–seared pork, Just wait, I’ll get started right now,” Karen replied with a warm smile.

“I’ll help with the veggies. Let’s get moving.” Brendan thumped Ethan and Liam on the head–just hard enough to make them yelp–before following Karen into the kitchen.

Ivan slid onto the couch next to Alessia, carefully taking her hand in his and blowing on it as if to heal an invisible wound, making her giggle at the ticklish

sensation.

She couldn’t help but smile, ruffling his hair with her free hand. “Thank you, buddy.”

“Does it still hurt?” Ivan’s eyes were wide and damp, filled with concern.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Alessia gently pinched his cheek. “Did you have fun at school today?”

Ivan nodded. His words still came out haltingly, but he was definitely talking more than he used to. Clutching her hand, he launched into a story about York and Zane arguing again, then taking him bug–hunting, how York startled the teacher and tried to blame it all on Zane…

listened patiently, laughing at the right moments, warmth

three hopeless brothers were smart enough not to break the peace, each busy with their own chores. It was rare for the whole family to gather

at the Tate household, things couldn’t

her face ashen. The doctor had checked her over and found

“Sir…”

as Scott stormed

is she?” Scott’s voice was tight

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13:31

young lady is in her room,

the corridor and threw open

up–like someone drowning who’s just spotted a

disbelief and pain colliding in her

yourself into this time?” Scott’s shout made her flinch, shrinking

anything!” she protested, voice trembling, tears streaming down her

you didn’t, then why did that Whitley boy mention your name?” Scott’s voice