A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Alessia never expected Jade’s first words to be this–her tears fell instantly, slipping down her cheeks before she could stop them.

She bit her lip, forcing her voice to sound as steady as possible.

“Yes, they’re very good to me. You don’t have to worry.”

She gave a wavering smile and brushed at her tears, but they kept coming, no matter how hard she tried to hold them back.

“Our Lessie deserves the world.” Jade’s eyes shone with pride at Alessia’s words.

“Ms. June, you mean so much to me. I love you, truly–you know that, right?” Alessia, who rarely expressed her feelings, suddenly needed Jade to know what was in her heart.

“I do know. I’ve always known. And I love you, and I love Cole–so, so much. But I’m sorry, sweetheart. I need to go be with your Mr. Whitley now. He’s been waiting for me for two years. He’s waiting, and I have to go to him…”

“But what about Cole?” Alessia’s voice was small and trembling.

“Cole still has you.”

“It’s not the same, Aunt June.” Alessia’s composure cracked, her voice tinged with panic.

Jade didn’t have the strength to argue. She simply looked at Alessia, her gaze gentle and full of love–there was no fear of death in her eyes, only the pain of leaving her two children behind, mixed with a kind of peaceful release.

Jade, Alessia found herself unable to beg her to stay. Wasn’t that just another form of holding her

a gentle soul. With you by Cole’s side,

willing herself to get the words out despite

way long ago.” Alessia blinked back. more tears,

you wouldn’t have.” Jade shook her head weakly. She didn’t have the

“Lessie…”

Alessia leaned in, listening

‘Mom Just

tears started again, even harder to stop than before. Alessia’s mouth moved soundlessly for a moment

“Mom…”

fatherly love, it was Parrish and Jade who had patiently taught her

time you visit us, call your Mr. Whitley ‘Dad,

her eyes and nose flushed red–a rare moment

You’re so beautiful when

could imprint every

want to let go, but she knew her time was

“I’ll go get Cole.”

Jade

emotions. He fought back tears, opening his mouth, but with so much he wanted to say, he didn’t