A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Jade felt helpless–she couldn’t scold or punish the girl, but her heart ached for little Alessia, leaving her wide awake through the night.

Parrish, knowing Jade’s temperament, didn’t try to dissuade her from getting involved. Instead, he gently squeezed her shoulder, offering comfort.

“Hey, listen–Cole starts school with Lessie on Monday, right? They’ll be classmates, just a year apart, practically the same age. They’ll hit it off fast. Let’s have Lessie join us for dinner whenever we can. Anything her parents neglect to teach, we’ll step in and show her how it’s done.”

Jade’s eyes lit up instantly. She cupped Parrish’s face and planted a noisy kiss on his cheek.

“You’re amazing, babe! You’re right–this is the age when her personality is really starting to form. If we just stand by and do nothing, it’ll only hurt her in the long run. She’s such a sweet kid. I can’t just watch her go down the wrong path.”

From what had happened earlier today, it was obvious: Alessia was bright, but completely clueless about how to interact with people. She was so young, and yet she couldn’t handle kindness; instead, she hid behind biting words to protect

herself.

If nobody steps in, how could her character not become twisted over time?

“But…” Jade hesitated, frowning. “Will Lessie understand? What if she thinks we’re meddling in her life?”

home. Sometimes, you just click with someone–and from the moment they first saw Alessia, they’d been drawn to her. For such a young girl, she spoke with confidence, never flustered, always sure of herself and strong–willed. Who wouldn’t be taken with her–apart from those infuriating parents

time. She’s not going anywhere, and

we.”

could a

and crying, nearly broke

Chapter 230

this.

the verge of tears. Normally, she was easygoing and bold, but she couldn’t bear to see a child in pain–especially now that she was a

signs and quickly cupped Jade’s face, showering her with a flurry

you doing? We’re not newlyweds anymore,” Jade said, her eyes still red, though there was a playful

yet, maybe we should find

do…”

disappeared as he silenced

walls

front of the Tates‘ house, with Parrish and Jade at his