A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Happy New Year, Brendan.”

The door swung open, and Cole Whitley stepped inside, arms full of bags and boxes. Gone was his usual suit; today, he wore a simple, clean hoodie that gave him a boyish charm. It was the one Karen and Alessia Morton had picked out for him on a recent shopping trip–Karen had thought it would suit him.

It wasn’t from any fancy brand, but when Cole received it, he’d been momentarily taken aback, running his fingers over the fabric for a long while.

“There you are! Happy New Year!” Brendan Morton clapped him on the shoulder, grinning.

Brendan was also wearing new clothes Alessia had bought for him. He’d even dyed his hair and looked far younger than he had half a year ago–his face was healthy and bright, with no sign of the weary gloom he’d once carried.

“Why’d you bring so much? Aren’t those heavy?” Brendan reached out and took a few of the gift bags from Cole.

“They’re not heavy, just some little things–and some painting supplies for Ivan. Where’s Karen?” Cole asked, swapping his shoes for a pair of house slippers.

“Karen’s in the kitchen cooking your favorites. Lessie and Ivan went downstairs to grab some soy sauce.”

“Brendan, can you wash these veggies for me?” Karen’s voice called from the

kitchen.

“Cole’s here!” Brendan shouted in reply.

A moment later, Karen poked her head out.

Take a seat, dinner

Mrs. Morton.” Cole rolled up his sleeves, ready to

kitchen.

need, dear. Let

him show off a little,” Alessia chimed in, suddenly appearing with a

was wearing the red hoodie Karen had bought her. She handed the

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Chapter 231

she was really talking about Alessia. Cole just smiled and slipped on an apron from the wall. Alessia tied the strings behind his back, the gesture so natural

Karen’s face beamed with satisfaction,

of chess?” Alessia asked,

that.” Brendan’s eyes

up Mae yet,” Karen said, waving a spoon as she bustled about, busier now than she ever

the ground, but inside, the house was alive with warmth and laughter.

out the last dish–a steaming soup.

of the kitchen–Karen was chatting happily with Mae, while Cole sat quietly beside Alessia, letting her

house no longer felt cramped as it once did. Mae looked a bit shy at first, but as