A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Alessia gave York a gentle pat on the shoulder–a subtle reminder that sometimes, only children can get away with bending the rules.

York was quick to catch her meaning. Without hesitation, he grabbed Ivan’s hand and, taking long strides, led him straight up onto the stage.

Ivan, a little stunned by the sudden attention, simply let himself be pulled along. The rest of the crowd watched the scene unfold with warm smiles, amused by the boys‘ camaraderie.

Onstage, Ivan looked out of place and nervous, but York took the microphone Eddie handed him without missing a beat.

“Hello, everyone. I’m not Ivan–I’m York,” he announced with a grin.

The two boys, both fair and charming, were already winning hearts. And after the rather tense atmosphere Tammie had created earlier, their presence was a welcome relief.

“The real Ivan is right here next to me,” York continued, nudging his friend forward. “He’s an artist–sensitive souls, you know how it is.”

His words drew laughter from the audience, helping to break the tension and ease the nerves in the room.

child could say without offending anyone. To those

hearts.

held the microphone to Ivan’s lips. Ivan instinctively clung to the hem of York’s

the applause, and everyone joined in, their faces bright with

gentle. “Can you tell us

heart, so I used red and black to show pain and pressure. But there’s a touch of yellow on the heart, because

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around the hand was painted in dark, swirling colors, creating a sense of distortion and unease. Only near the heart was there

by the desire to protect what mattered, it fought silently and stubbornly against

Reeves, usually so reserved, was clapping enthusiastically, admiration shining

make,” Dale Reeves

he said. “He has a depth and sensitivity rare for someone his age. For my