A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

hapter 219

Ileana jerked her head up, just in time to see two housekeepers standing on the balcony above. One held a basketball, the other a volleyball.

Before she could react, they hurled the balls straight at her. Ileana barely had time to think–she just ran, stumbling across the courtyard in a panic. No matter where she dodged, the housekeepers seemed uncannily practiced; every throw found its mark, thudding against her back or shoulders.

Somewhere along the way, the butler had quietly disappeared, leaving lleana’s shrieks echoing through the misty early morning.

Later, the butler reported in a composed voice, “As you instructed, Miss Tate has received her welcome gift.”

Max twirled a pen between his fingers, tugged lightly at his tie, and let a thin smile flicker across his lips–a smile that never touched his eyes.

“I’m sure she’ll absolutely love it,” he replied, voice calm and unreadable. No one could be certain exactly who he meant by “she.”

Back at the academy, the spring sports meet was in full swing. The class rallied behind their competitors, cheering loudly, and hardly anyone seemed to notice that Ileana had quietly transferred overnight.

Stella claimed first place in both shot put and the 50–meter dash with ease. With both Alessia and Stella–undeniably the stars of the team–victory for their class was a foregone conclusion.

third year in a row, their class took home the championship, putting a perfect finishing touch

years

to begin, with Alessia’s long–distance race up last. “Is your hand

on–it’s

remedies always

two cups of milkshake.

1/2

13-31

class. Naturally, since Ileana was nowhere to be seen, he left

chorused, taking their drinks and sipping

day like this, nothing beat the sweet chill of grape milkshake and the satisfying chew of tapioca

Her father had gone home after watching her morning events, leaving Justin

grinned. “We owe this year’s trophy to you two–you’re the real

Alessia exchanged a look and

this afternoon–don’t push yourself too hard. I’m off