A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Early the next morning, Queenie and Stella arrived at Alessia’s door, gifts in hand.

Alessia was already waiting for them downstairs, making sure every detail was perfect despite their long friendship.

The Mortons, having heard in advance that the girls would be visiting, treated the occasion with the same care. They had tidied up the house, bought fresh fruit and arranged it on a platter, and waited expectantly for their guests.

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Morton!” The girls beamed as they presented their gifts.

One was fair–skinned and pretty, with the sweet, wholesome look of the girl next door. The other had a stylish pixie cut and a sun–kissed complexion, lively and spirited. With their contrasting personalities, they were the kind of girls who drew attention wherever they went.

“Welcome, welcome! Come on in!” Karen’s delight was obvious; apart from Cole, this was Alessia’s first time bringing friends over.

“My mom picked these out yesterday–brand new slippers, just for you,” Alessia said with a grin, setting two pairs of slippers at their feet.

Once everyone had finally settled in, Stella smiled a little sheepishly. “We’ve been meaning to visit you for ages, but kept putting it off. Sorry for the delay.”

Brendan grinned. “I remember you–you’re the one who rides motorcycles, right? No need to apologize. You’re always welcome here.”

the day, I loved bikes too,” he added. “It’s rare to

friendly banter quickly

handing it over. “For you to enjoy when you have some time to relax. Good

a little embarrassed. “I’m not sure I’m at

clearly inherited her looks from you. I bet when you two go out, people

was infectious. In no time, she had both adults laughing, and Alessia exchanged a knowing glance with Queenie. They’d always

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Chapter 283

getting along with

she handed over a small box. “This is something I designed myself. Since you both spend so much time working at the diner, I made a pair of matching rings into necklaces–easy to

surprised. “You designed

that jewelry brand my brother modeled for? Queenie was

put on an exaggerated tone. “So talented at such a young age! Kids these days are

as Karen opened the box. Both adults

thought we’d be trendy enough to have matching jewelry,” Karen said, her cheeks flushed. Brendan, grinning, was already fastening the necklace