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,

to look after his little brother. It always came back to family, she’d say–no matter how successful you get, you

where you can.

as an ungrateful son. So he humored her wishes. A few more years, he thought,

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

expected, the moment the old woman woke up, the

08:02

Oh finally, you’re back…” They knelt by her bedside, their voices trembling with emotion that somehow felt a little too performative, almost

old woman’s voice was weak, her movements slow as she tried to reach out and touch her youngest son, the IV

gently held her hand down, making sure she didn’t pull the

feeling any

slowly shook her

chair

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