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

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

more that Chester might go hungry, always reminding Carlson to look after his little brother. It always came back to family, she’d say–no matter how

where you can.

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

they could coast by on having

old woman woke

08:02

knelt by her bedside, their voices trembling

was weak, her movements slow as she tried to reach out and touch her youngest son, the IV line

down, making

you feeling

shook her

and pulled up a chair beside the bed. Chester, ever the schemer, saw

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