A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“You little rascal!” Brendan pretended to be angry, but he couldn’t hold the act for more than a second before bursting into laughter.

Laughter echoed through the house, mixing with thoughtful advice and offhand jokes. The room buzzed with warmth and energy–everyone looking forward, hopeful for the future.

In the middle of it all, a ringtone chimed from the living room. Alessia recognized it as her own and excused herself from the table to answer.

It was York.

She glanced at the clock. Right on time for dinner.

“Hey, kid-”

“Alessia, sob… I don’t want to go abroad, please, take me with you, please…” York’s voice cracked through the phone, choked with tears, words tumbling out between hiccups about not wanting to leave the country.

“Where are you right now?” Alessia’s brow furrowed.

“I’m at the hos–Max-” York’s words broke off as Max snatched the phone away.

“Hello?” Alessia called out twice before the other end finally answered, slow and steady. “Yeah?”

“Max, what’s going on? And York–where are you both?”

“It’s nothing serious. I’ll call you back later.”

“Max!”

about to call back when

and saw Ethan handing her

condition remains

shock. She pointed toward

drive. They’re probably at the hospital right now,” Ethan said

She was halfway out the door

12

09:57

Chapter 314

doubled back to grab something from her

the situation to the

group.

don’t rush. Remember, safety first. Once you get Alessia there, stay put–see if there’s anything you can help with.

at every instruction,

checking in at the front desk, they hurried upstairs, only to find

out. Ethan shielded Alessia as they were swept along with the crowd. Only when they broke free did

you here,” Ethan said softly, ruffling her

walked off on

didn’t find Max or York.

their last meeting–when Alessia had left the

Yvonne said first,