A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Cole held her hand against his cheek. It was cold, lifeless–devoid of even the faintest warmth. He and Alessia had both tried, again and again, to warm Jade’s hand with their own, desperate to bring some comfort, but it was no use.

Jade looked at her son. She knew how much Cole had endured these past two years. He never told her the worst of it, always choosing to share only the good things, but she understood it all. Sixteen years old, thrust into chaos overnight, suddenly responsible not just for himself, but for an entire company…

Despite everything that had happened, her son never complained, never gave in to despair. He simply pressed forward, doing everything he could to keep life moving. She was proud of him–so very proud.

“My Cole,” she whispered, voice trembling with love, “you’re incredible. I’m so proud of you. So, so proud.”

Cole’s answer came out choked and small, full of all the pain he’d been carrying. “Yeah.”

“Alessia’s a good girl. Take care of her, will you? You’ve already done so much, but you don’t have to bear all the weight yourself. The inheritance your father and I left will take care of both of you. Just… don’t be so hard on yourself. I love you, sweetheart–so much. I never blamed you, not once…”

Jade’s breathing grew quicker. Cole nodded, tears slipping between their entwined fingers.

The machines started to beep, sharp and insistent. Cole clung to Jade’s hand, desperate.

“Mom… please, just stay with me a little longer. Mom…” His voice broke, and he sobbed like a lost child.

He shook his head wildly, tears blurring his vision until he could only just make out Jade’s faint smile, her unwavering gaze locked on him.

I love you–so much. You and Alessia… take care of

worries and little triumphs. She knew, deep down, that event without her, they would

them grow up. No one in the

11:42

she did.

their parents, as long as the had each other, there

overcome.

silently, let all the love and warmth in this world gather around my

screamed. Jade’s eyes fluttered closed, a single tear slipping down her cheek, soaking into the

Xander, Alessia, and Cole

circle of light shrinking around her, but she felt no

hand waiting beside her. “Sorry

I could wait

leave the fading

much.”

all right. You raised