A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Queenie’s exhibition went off without a hitch. After a few rounds of negotiation, they finally settled on Liam and another rising film star as the new faces of the joint brand.

Liam’s meteoric rise took Alessia by surprise; he seemed born for the spotlight, drawing attention wherever he went. With his striking looks and undeniable charisma, he catapulted to stardom, quickly becoming a household name.

Endorsement offers soon flooded in. Still, for all his fame, Liam hadn’t yet landed a signature hit–no defining moment or body of work people could point to and say, “This is Liam.” He was well aware of it, too. What he needed was a breakout single, something custom–tailored to him the way Tristan had received when Alessia wrote a song that launched his career. So, whenever he wasn’t busy with daily commitments, Liam could be found sequestered in the studio, working late into the night.

Everyone was immersed in their own projects, and for once, it felt like things were moving in the right direction.

Almost without realizing it, the year slipped quietly to its end.

“Lessie, are you busy right now?” Karen’s voice came through the phone.

Alessia set down the file she was reading and rubbed her temples. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was already dinnertime.

Ever since the holidays started, Verá called almost daily, urging her to stop by the office. It was ironic–she was the owner, yet somehow she’d ended up with the daily grind and anxieties of an employee.

Still, Vera couldn’t really be blamed. The company had just expanded several divisions at once, which meant a mountain of new work. Some things needed Alessia’s personal oversight, and with the end–of–year rush, having an extra decision–maker around was simply more efficient.

“In a few days it’ll be New Year’s Day,” Karen said warmly. “Why don’t you bring Cole over to celebrate with the family? The more, the merrier.”

Alessia hesitated. “I’ll ask him.”

him to come for dinner, and leave it

bit

1/3

12:37

Chapter 249

Karen was getting at–she was worried Cole would be reminded of his parents, or worse, spend the holiday alone. Alessia tried to recall how she and Cole had spent the

Cole’s place in the evening. Together with Parrish and Jade, they’d visit Xander and share a proper holiday

festivities. Last year, they’d simply joined Xander for a quiet dinner and then gone

blink of an eye, and the ache of old

everything checks out, the project’s good to

of her reverie, Alessia reviewed the document and signed

year–end bonuses been

they finished

“And the holiday memo?”

We’re officially on break

papers.

holidays at the hospital again this

seemed caught off guard

has a friend who’s a specialist in psychiatry. Here’s his card–I’ve already given him a heads up. He’ll be back in town on the third and