A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“After everything that happened with Lessie, we realized we can’t just sit back and let life pass us by anymore.”

Karen nodded in agreement, while Alessia looked a little confused.

“Ever since The Morton Group went under, I’ve been bitter about it, but there wasn’t much I could do. I kept telling myself I’d start over, but when your whole world’s in pieces, you don’t even know where to begin. I just didn’t have the energy or resources I had when I was younger. Eventually, reality hit me hard. I tried finding a regular job, thought I could just live an ordinary life, but doors kept closing on me wherever I went.”

Those first months after the bankruptcy were the darkest days of Brendan’s life. He’d dreamed of making a comeback, but the fire and funds were gone. The setbacks piled up, and the idea of starting over seemed impossible. If it hadn’t been for his family’s support and encouragement, he might have given up altogether.

“Then Lessiè came along, and slowly, things started turning around. The house felt warmer, life got a little easier… Your mom’s cooking and Lessie’s shop kept us afloat. I finally had something to do, even if it was just helping your mom out at the restaurant and taking some of the weight off her shoulders. But sometimes! wondered–maybe I’m the most useless one in the family after all.”

“Dad…” Ethan and the others stared at him, surprised to hear him talk this way.

Brendan just waved them off with a small smile. “I know you don’t see me like that. I’m just overthinking it. Honestly, I’ve made peace with the idea of running the little diner with your mom for the rest of our days. Watching you kids grow into your own people has made us proud,”

contract in her hand. Her other hand squeezed Brendan’s

after what happened to Lessie, it hit us–our own family

by a while ago–wanted to partner up. We turned him down

card from his pocket and

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Chapter 313

eccentric. He only backs things he personally likes, but he’s got a hand in

on him, so that part’s

for branding, merchandise, all that. If we’re going to scale up,

Brendan said. “I reached out to an old friend who runs

might have lost The Morton Group, but Brendan’s instincts and experience as a founder were still sharp. Years of entrepreneurship meant he knew how to cover all