A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Cole rambled on about everyday things, his voice soft and meandering. By the time he reached his last sentence, his smile had grown a little strained, and he let out a quiet sigh. Tugging his hoodie tighter around his face, he tried to hide the redness in his eyes and the prickling at the tip of his nose.

Alessia didn’t say a word. She simply let Cole hook his pinky around hers as he went on with his boyish chatter. Only in moments like this could he let down the stern mask of Mr. Whitley.

As they talked, a few delicate snowflakes drifted down from the sky. Karen had thought of everything–she’d left an umbrella inside, just in case.

“Come on, let’s go. Your mom’s waiting for us to come back for dinner,” Cole said, getting to his feet.

“Alright.” Alessia stood up, and Cole bent down to gather their things.

“Wait, I think I left something up there.” Halfway down, Alessia rummaged through her small bag.

“I thought we packed up everything?” Cole stopped, angling the umbrella over her.

“Maybe it fell when I stood up.”

“Let’s go back and check, then.” Without a hint of complaint, Cole made up his mind immediately.

“I’ll go by myself. The snow’s getting heavier–why don’t you bring the car around? I’ll be right down.” Alessia pressed a hand to his arm, stopping him.

“But-”

cutting him short, and jogged back up

your step!” Cole hurried after her, handed her

“Okay,” Alessia promised./

turned and climbed back up the path.

1/2

12:40

Chapter 258

red–whether from the cold or

if I called you this next time, it would make you happy, so… I hope

breeze picked up, but it wasn’t as

playing at her lips even as her nose

as your answer,

exhaled twice, watching her breath swirl

snow.

watch over him–let him be

times, then made

her and immediately got out

“Did you find it?”