A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Right on time, Alessia waited outside the building.

She hadn’t felt nervous at first, but after the way her friends had teased her earlier, a flutter of anxiety crept in.

Luckily, she didn’t have much time to overthink–Cole’s car pulled up at the curb moments later.

Cole owned several cars, usually opting for a discreet sedan when he was out and about. But today, he’d chosen to make a statement: a limited–edition sports car gleamed in the evening sun.

As far as she could remember, Cole had barely driven this car more than twice since buying it.

She stood aside, waiting for him to park.

“Why’d you decide to bring out-”

“You look even more beautiful today than you did yesterday.” Cole’s ears burned red as he rubbed behind them, looking bashful.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Alessia’s cheeks warmed too.

“Thanks.” Her tone was softer than yesterday, missing the breezy nonchalance she’d had when first agreeing to this date–she even forgot the question she’d meant to ask him.

They got into the car, same seats, same people, but somehow everything felt different now.

“So, where to?” Alessia broke the odd, charged silence.

“Let’s hit the amusement park first. Afterward, we can grab dinner, catch a movie, and maybe take a walk. How’s that sound?”

raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips, and

afternoon like any ordinary couple, hopping from one ride to the next until the sun began to set and bathed the world in gold. Only then did they duck into a

his phone before scanning the

want?”

1/3

09:35

Chapter 285

shook her head. Cole didn’t press

well that, whenever one couldn’t decide, the other would simply choose for them. No matter what, it was never the wrong

brought over an oversized drink with two straws sticking out

shot him a

this online,” Cole admitted, rubbing his nose, clearly a little

say a word, just watched him as she took a sip from one of

thirsty?”

really,” he

you say so.” She nodded, her voice tinged with playful

we do after

have meticulously planned every step of the evening. But tonight, he kept checking

you’re hungry,

finish, Alessia reached over and picked up his phone. Even though it was locked, as soon as her face came into view, it unlocked

“Even-”

“Oooh,” Alessia drawled.