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-”

waved him off, cutting him short, and jogged back up the

after her, handed her

“Okay,” Alessia promised./

he disappeared below, then turned and climbed back up the path. By now, the snow had settled into a thin, soft layer.

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12:40

Chapter 258

Mom…” she whispered, her ears turning red–whether from the cold or from embarrassment,

if I called you this next time, it would make

it wasn’t as

playing at her

that as your answer,

exhaled twice, watching her breath

snow.

Please watch over him–let him be safe, healthy,

bowed three times, then made her

got out

“Did you find it?”