A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Yeah, if things really go south for me, you’d better remember to take me in when I’m out on the street.”

Max was still the same Max. Two–thirds of what he said was a joke, and you could never take him too seriously.

“Honestly, you camping out on a park bench sounds about right,” Alessia shot back, rolling her eyes.

Laughter echoed from the other end of the line–light, easy.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan.”

Only then did Alessia feel a genuine sense of relief. She looked up, her gaze landing on the framed photo on her desk, and for reasons she couldn’t quite name, her mood soured.

“If you really do go bankrupt one day, I suppose I could let you crash at my place.”

She didn’t bother waiting for Max’s response, simply hung up.

The dial tone droned on. Max, lips curled in a faint grin, didn’t seem bothered at all.

Lately, Tate Holdings had been a mess. These past couple days, he’d barely managed three hours of sleep in total. He rubbed his brow and leaned back in his chair, feeling lighter after that call–the exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

“Ungrateful brat. Guess she does have a conscience after all.”

He muttered as he looked at the darkened phone screen. But a second later, the

screen lit up again.

smile faded. He straightened, voice

The Gables. Don’t forget you’re meeting the Winston family’s daughter.” Scott’s tone was cold, more business partner than

flat, emotionless, as

state Tate Holdings is in. We need the Winston investment–there’s no room for mistakes. I trust you know how to conduct

bother to

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12:42

Chapter

about his attitude. As soon as he got confirmation,

let out a cold laugh, tossed his phone onto the table, and didn’t give

next day he showed

the time Sienna arrived, Max was already seated, staring

the brink and her family’s investment the only lifeline, she knew she held all the cards. What did it matter if she made him wait? He had no

over, her designer bag swinging from her arm. A waiter hurried to pull out her chair,

Max turned his

sharp features and effortless elegance exactly as she’d hoped. Of course, Sienna had reviewed his background before agreeing to this meeting.

looks–were hard

on paper, Max was exactly