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-”

short, and jogged back up

the umbrella! Don’t run–watch your step!” Cole hurried after her, handed her the umbrella, and fussed over

“Okay,” Alessia promised./

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

1/2

12:40

Chapter 258

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

this next time, it would make you happy, so…

picked up, but it wasn’t

smile playing at her lips even as her

take that as

herself, exhaled twice, watching her breath swirl up into

snow.

be just fine. Please watch over him–let him be

times, then made her

spotted her and immediately got out of

“Did you find it?”