A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Mom, I just… I have no idea what’s really going on here. What if that person is actually the reason you passed out? And I went and thanked them like an idiot–what then? I did all this for you, Mom!”

Carlson listened in silence.

“There’s a card on my nightstand. It’s got about twenty grand on it–take it.” The old woman’s voice was flat, as if she’d seen it all before.

Chester’s face lit up, his eyes gleaming. He couldn’t suppress the grin creeping across his lips.

“Mom, I knew you always took care of me best.”

Carlson had long since grown used to his mother’s inexplicable favoritism toward his younger brother. He would have brushed it off as usual, but this time she hadn’t even asked him for help with the money. That, he found a little surprising.

“Just in case, I think I’ll have the doctor come by and check on you again.” He stood and, as he opened the door, found two police officers waiting outside.

Without a word, Carlson stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him.

“Is Chester here?” one of the officers asked.

Any stress could be bad

nodded, understanding. The three of them walked to the end of the corridor, out

help

didn’t seem seriously hurt at the time, there was no prosecution. But we’ve just received a report: the victim suffered a brain hemorrhage and died suddenly. The doctors say it was because of a head injury from the accident that went untreated. Now the family wants to press charges. We need to bring Chester in for a

there was a sharp clatter–the three of them turned to see a kettle rolling slowly across the floor, and Chester

at him, Chester didn’t hesitate–he

into action and

pulsing in his temple. It wasn’t bad enough that Chester

timidly. She’d come out of the room after hearing the commotion, her

you get for trying to get a free ride–now it’s all blown up!” Carlson snorted. He could see it all too clearly: they’d already paid to make this go away, but now, at

the hospital room, leaving the woman standing lost in the hallway. She stood

woman’s words were drowsy–anesthesia

I can’t

quiet, broken only by the steady beeping of machines. The old woman was silent for a long time–so

this time,

Carlson said nothing.