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.

said respectfully, “Mr. Quincy invites you to Quincy Manor for

to invite people out of the blue, huh?” Alessia let out a dry chuckle, noticing the curious stares

summons.”

to see it, Miss Morton.” The butler’s years of service showed

getting interrupted every

got to run an errand. Won’t be

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

1/2

09 59

we can order bubble tea when you’re

you sure it’s okay? The

Manor.” Cole

always like this–never reckless, never timid. She had a way of covering her bases so 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

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

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

Alessia gazed out 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