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.

year in a row, their class took home the championship, putting a perfect finishing touch on the final event of

years

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

some ointment on–it’s almost

Dawson’s remedies always work

Pierce Quinn appeared, carefully balancing two cups of milkshake. “Stella, Alessia–milkshake!” Pierce had memorized everyone’s favorite

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class. Naturally, since Ileana was nowhere

the girls chorused, taking

sweet chill of grape milkshake and the satisfying

leaned back lazily on the steps, eyes half–closed. Her father had gone home after watching her morning

owe this year’s trophy to

and Alessia exchanged a look and

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