A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 280

“Lessie, happy birthday! Come on, make a wish and blow out the candles!” Brendan’s grin looked a little goofy in the soft candlelight.

Obedient as ever, Alessia closed her eyes and made a wish.

She’d never really believed in these sorts of things, but after everything she’d been through, all she truly wanted was for the people she loved to be safe and healthy. As for Cole–she hoped he could be just a little happier than everyone else.

As soon as the candles flickered out, Ivan burst into applause, his eyes shining with excitement, practically acting as if he were the guest of honor himself.

“Thank you, Mom and Dad.”

“Mae made the cake,” her father said.

Alessia followed their gaze and finally spotted Mae standing quietly behind Zachary. Mae was so petite that, with Zachary blocking her, Alessia hadn’t even noticed her until now.

“Mae, I’ve troubled you so much all this time,” Alessia said sincerely.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really,” Mae replied, rubbing her hands nervously on her skirt, a shy smile on her face.

Karen said, wrapping an arm around Alessia. “I cooked a

toward the dining room.

career,” Karen added as they walked. “He told me

new song, but between her and Cole preparing for their finals, she’d left everything else to the others. She hadn’t

to start, isn’t it?” Zachary said, glancing at the clock before

the TV.

placing pieces in

the couch. Just as she sat, the game ended and Liam appeared on screen, introducing his

show

7/2

09:34

ago, my birth sister came home. Of course, that was right when our family lost everything. We couldn’t give her the life

fans in the

is beautiful–and kind of a badass. Sometimes, I feel more like the clueless little brother around

laughed, their cheers

her ears had already turned bright red. Ethan noticed and ruffled her hair,