A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Tammie was shouting that he wanted to go back, but it was no longer up to him–there was no turning back now.

Alessia gave Cole a pat on the shoulder. He understood immediately and silently watched Hamilton, while Alessia made her way in the direction where York and Ivan had disappeared.

At that moment, York and Ivan were huddled beneath the stairs. The cramped space, with its solid wall at their backs, gave Ivan a sliver of comfort.

“Ivan, are you okay?” York asked, his voice gentle and tentative.

Ivan curled up tighter, head buried between his knees, but he still managed a small shake of his head.

He’d thought he’d already moved past it, but the truth was, the pain had seeped deep into his bones.

Years of verbal abuse–and sometimes worse–had left Ivan instinctively terrified of any threat or sudden movement. Any time someone raised a hand or a voice, his mind would involuntarily replay those old scenes of being bullied.

And Ivan was sensitive by nature. Most of the time, he couldn’t control his own reaction, no matter how hard he tried.

He knew, rationally, that no real harm would come to him now. But still, he couldn’t stop trembling. Couldn’t stop being afraid.

“Don’t cry, okay?” York said gruffly. He wasn’t used to comforting anyone–nobody had ever needed him to.

Ivan didn’t answer.

at a loss. He plopped down next to Ivan with

even that big–why did you try to rush in like that? I’ve had some training, you know. That runt couldn’t lay a finger on me, and besides, Alessia was there, she wouldn’t just stand by and

but Ivan stayed silent, his

just stay behind me, alright? Those skinny arms and legs of yours

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Chapter 335

if that happened, how would

softly, sounding for all the world like a worried

York…” Ivan’s voice was barely audible, but it

you too. Besides Alessia, you’re the first one who ever jumped in to protect me,” York mumbled, cheeks burning, grateful Ivan’s

hurt you are gone. Nobody’s going to bully you anymore, so you don’t have to be afraid.” York mimicked the way Alessia used to comfort him, placing his hand on Ivan’s head

up, blinking back tears, and suddenly broke into a smile, his eyes crinkling

cheeks flushed red again, and he quickly

he could bicker with Zane all day long, but with Ivan–well,