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 steps before

step!” Cole hurried after her, handed her the umbrella, and

“Okay,” Alessia promised./

Alessia stayed where she was, waving until he disappeared below, then turned and climbed back up

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12:40

Chapter 258

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

me that if I called you this next time, it would make you happy, so… I hope you don’t

but it wasn’t

at her lips even as her nose stung

take that as

exhaled twice, watching her breath

snow.

and I will be just fine. Please watch over him–let him be safe, healthy, and happy,

three times, then made

immediately got out of

“Did you find it?”