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?”

a smile tugging at her

the afternoon like any ordinary couple, hopping from one ride to the next until the sun began to set and bathed the world in

at his phone before scanning the QR code on

you want?”

1/3

09:35

Chapter 285

shook her head. Cole

simply choose for them. No matter what, it was never the wrong pick. This silent understanding

the waiter brought over an oversized drink with two straws sticking

shot him

admitted, rubbing his nose, clearly a

watched him as she took a sip from one of the straws. Cole swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he

thirsty?” Alessia

not really,” he

so.” She nodded, her voice

what should we do

step of the evening. But tonight, he kept checking his phone before

you’re hungry,

though it was locked, as soon as her face came into view, it

“Even-”

“Oooh,” Alessia drawled.