A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Everything else is fine, but I never imagined… Lessie would actually cry.”

Everyone except Zachary knew Alessia was faking her tears. Six rolled his eyes, unsure whether to call Zachary hopelessly naïve or just too pure–hearted.

“If Alessia’s crying, it means things aren’t that serious. She’s sharp–she knows exactly when to put on which face. Honestly, if you ever see her not crying when she should, that’s when you know there’s real trouble.”

That was just how she was–when it came to her own problems, she acted like nothing could touch her. The sky could come crashing down and she’d just smile at you, unbothered. But if someone she cared about was in trouble, she’d be the first to leap into action, all nerves and urgency.

The room fell quiet for a moment, the tension thick in the air. Six couldn’t stand the solemn mood and waved it away with a dismissive hand.

“All right, enough of that. Problem’s solved, so let’s eat. I’m starving here.”

“It’s pretty late, too. Mr. Dawson, let’s just grab something quick, and I’ll drive you home afterward.” Ethan opened the car door, ushering everyone inside.

Meanwhile, Carlson was at the hospital with the Chesters. He’d originally planned to leave the couple on the curb, but they insisted on tagging along.

all

to–they wanted to play the victims in front of their mother, hoping her soft heart would persuade

youngest son. Now that Carlson was doing well, she worried even more that Chester might go hungry, always reminding Carlson to look after

where you can.

years, and Carlson didn’t want to be remembered as an ungrateful son. So he humored her wishes. A few more years, he thought, and when she passed, they’d all go their separate ways. Maybe he’d give Chester and his wife one last sum to get

they’d stir up new trouble, thinking they could coast

old woman woke up, the Chesters burst into

08:02

we’ve been! Oh finally, you’re back…” They knelt by her bedside, their voices trembling with emotion that somehow felt a little too performative, almost like they were mourning

voice was weak, her movements slow as she tried to reach out and touch her youngest

gently held her hand down, making sure she

you feeling

shook her

pulled up a chair beside the bed. Chester,

student!” Chester wiped his face with the back of his hand,