A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Joyce’s cheeks flushed an even deeper red. It was the first time anyone had ever truly praised her.

At first, she had felt a little uneasy–Alessia was from a wealthy family, after all, and Joyce couldn’t help but wonder if her kindness was just pity. But deep down, she Knew Alessia wasn’t that kind of person.

Still, their backgrounds were worlds apart. Joyce was only human; she’d seen the worst sides of people, and sometimes, dark little thoughts crept in.

“If… if you don’t mind, my family grows a lot of fruit back home. I could bring you some next time.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Alessia always looked people straight in the eye when she spoke. Joyce used to shy away from her gaze, but now, as she met those clear, beautiful eyes, she found herself briefly hypnotized.

“Me too! I want some!” Esme and Mia chimed in, crowding around with excitement.

“Okay, I actually brought a little this time. I’ll… I’ll share some with you all later.” Honestly, her dad had told her to bring the fruit to share with her roommates, but she’d been too shy, afraid they wouldn’t like it.

But just as Alessia had said, everyone’s circumstances are different. It felt so much better to admit things openly and honestly than to force herself to fit in.

The two weeks of orientation training flew by. After surviving what felt like boot camp for the hopelessly unfit, only Alessia and Joyce seemed to have any energy left; Mia and Esme looked like they were one step from the grave.

up! I already

the two girls mumbled, still

up?” Alessia entered

out of bed, eyes half–shut, stumbling toward the sink. Esme, meanwhile,

what kind of school starts classes the day after orientation ends? Would it kill

accept your fate,” Joyce teased. She’d really come out of

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Chapter 296

voice was still soft and

something else,” Mia said, toothbrush in hand, speech muffled. “One of you is the campus princess, the other looks like she could blow away in the wind–how are you

with a shy smile. “Working under the summer sun is normal for

I was little. I’m used to it,” Alessia

shook her head in

though they’d slept in, Esme was quick. The four of

Mia said, nudging Alessia and waggling her