A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

It wasn’t that Zachary was refusing to act—he just knew there was no need. If they caused a scene now, it would only put them at a disadvantage.

He understood what Alessia was thinking. Gently, he ruffled her hair, silently reassuring her.

As the two whispered to each other, the couple across from them exchanged a glance, calculation flickering in their eyes. The man clutched his head, groaning dramatically as if he were in terrible pain. The woman cradled his head in her lap, then suddenly began to wail.

Her performance was worthy of a grieving widow.

“What’s wrong with you people? First you refuse to pay, then you attack us! Where’s your conscience? You’d better compensate us–look what you’ve done to my husband! He’s hurt, I know it!”

“Quiet!” Alessia’s temples throbbed. She brushed Zachary’s hand away and strode toward the woman, step by step.

The woman shrank back, a flicker of panic in her eyes.

“Wh–what are you doing? There are plenty of people here, you—you…”

Alessia crouched down in front of her, meeting her gaze. The woman averted her

eyes, inching away.

turns out

a subtle tug

at the

as pitiful as me? Look at this, everyone! This young lady’s threatening me, a poor woman just trying to get by! She’s got her fancy clothes and good food, while we can barely survive–and now

“Oh, that’s heartbreaking”

And then look

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Chapter 34

they’re just trying to extort money,

say the old man’s ribs were broken?

saints either. The young man was just trying to help, and now this? Who would dare lend a

pay something? It’s pocket change to them–just look at how they’re dressed. If that couple wasn’t desperate, would

in, their voices overlapping in a

their breath, snapping pictures one after another, the flashes popping like it was a

Alessia behind him, shielding