A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“How about we grab some bubble tea later? My treat. There’s a new place that opened up–people from the club say it’s really good.” Esme hugged her books as the four of them left class, ready to drop their stuff and head out for a meal.

“I’ll treat you guys to noodles from that place behind campus then. Got paid for my part–time gig, finally.” Mia waved her phone with a grin.

“I… uh, I…”

“You? You’ll just help me keep these two bosses happy,” Alessia nudged Joyce’s arm with a laugh. “We can grab some candied fruit or something for them as a palate cleanser after.”

The four girls chatted and joked, their conversation as ordinary and easy as any group of friends at college.

Then a black car pulled up, and a man in a tailored suit stepped out.

The group stopped short. Alessia recognized him immediately–the Quincy family’s

butler.

“Lessie, who’s that?” Esme whispered. The others eyed him warily.

“Don’t worry,” Alessia replied, stepping away from her friends.

the butler said respectfully, “Mr. Quincy invites you

people out of the blue, huh?” Alessia let out a dry chuckle, noticing the curious stares from people around them. “Showing up without

summons.”

on how you choose to see it, Miss Morton.” The

Better to deal with this all at once than keep getting interrupted every other day. Besides, curiosity tugged at her–she wanted to see what cards the old man

over and handed her books to Esme. “I’ve got to run an errand. Won’t be joining

We’ll eat together next time–the restaurant’s not going

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we can order bubble

it’s okay? The guy looks…

in an hour and have him pick me up at Quincy Manor.” Cole had left

that no matter what, she’d have an escape. If the road ahead was a minefield, she’d still step forward as long as

Take care,

to pick up Alessia before, but never with this kind of

she got in the car, her friends dashed back to the dorm

at the unfamiliar landscape and imposing manor as the car pulled up. The butler got out and opened her door; she waited, unmoving, until he did. If he was