A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Oh please, like our friendship could ever fade?” Stella scoffed, rolling her eyes. “And guess what? Queenie’s transferring to our class this semester–she says she wants to tough it out with us through the college entrance exams.”

“She’s all right now?”

“The heart transplant was a huge success! Queenie’s healthier than ever, aren’t you, Lessie?” Stella tipped her chin up, looking far too proud.

“Of course!” Alessia grinned.

“But as soon as she got better, she started pulling all–nighters working on designs again. The moment I heard she was back in the hospital, my own heart nearly gave

out.”

Stella pressed a hand to her chest, remembering how her dad had been in the hospital with his chronic stomach issues at the same time. She’d been running herself ragged, so Alessia had gone to visit Queenie alone–and delivered Stella’s share of scolding on her behalf.

It had taken a miracle to snatch Queenie back from the brink, and now she was pushing her luck all over again.

“Oh, my darling Stella, I was wrong, okay?”

No one saw where Queenie came from; suddenly she popped up behind Stella, throwing her arms around her shoulders. Stella nearly whipped around and tossed her off on pure reflex, but Alessia was faster, catching Stella’s hand before she could move.

to death!” Stella’s heart was still

sneak attack startled all three girls–except for Pierce, who just watched the

no see,” Pierce called out

nodded politely. “It really has been a

hair glossy and straight–exactly the image of

only has this one style, and honestly, it wouldn’t suit your mother much. But there’s a new launch coming up soon, and one of the limited editions would be just

1/2

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had overheard their

birthday is coming up, and

if that “something special” started

now. Didn’t mean to interrupt you lovely ladies.” With Queenie’s promise secured, Pierce left, looking

As soon as Alessia saw Queenie, she reached out to check her pulse–by now, it

me busy, but I swear, I’ll be in bed by ten tonight.” Queenie

keep this up, you’ll burn through every heart you’ve got,” Stella scolded, jabbing Queenie’s forehead–though she couldn’t

clung to Stella’s arm, turning

eyes.