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.

just woke up. Any stress

The three of them walked to the end of

something I can help with? I’m

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

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

at him, Chester

action

that Chester wouldn’t cooperate–now he was running, practically

going on?” A woman’s voice called out timidly. She’d come out of the room after hearing the commotion, her heart pounding as she stared at the kettle on the

blown up!” Carlson snorted. He could see it all too clearly: they’d already paid to make this go away, but now, at

went back into the hospital room, leaving the woman standing lost in the hallway. She stood there, uncertain, before running toward the

old woman’s words were drowsy–anesthesia still fogging her

time, I

was silent for a long time–so long that Carlson thought she’d fallen asleep. Then, at last, she let out

burden… But this time, let him pay

Carlson said nothing.