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.”

come for dinner, and leave it at that,”

a bit longer, then hung

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12:37

Chapter 249

of his parents, or worse, spend the holiday alone. Alessia tried to recall how she and Cole had spent the New

with the extended Tate family, then sneak off to Cole’s place in the evening.

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

of an

the project’s good to go and we’ll schedule

Alessia

year–end bonuses been

says they finished payouts

“And the holiday memo?”

on break starting tomorrow.” Vera

papers.

at the

seemed caught off guard by the question,

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