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

front of their mother, hoping her soft heart would persuade him to give them

go hungry, always reminding Carlson to look after his little brother. It always came back to family, she’d

where you can.

son. So he humored her wishes. A few more years, he thought, and when she passed, they’d all go their separate ways.

thinking they could coast by on having Eddie. Each time, Carlson had to clean up their mess, and his patience for family was wearing

moment the old woman

08:02

knelt by her bedside, their voices trembling with emotion that

movements slow as she tried to reach out

her hand down, making

feeling any

shook

more and pulled up a chair beside

do you know how you got hurt? It was all because of some student!” Chester wiped his