A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Lessie.” Cole’s gaze found Alessia immediately, and without a second thought, he took her backpack from her shoulder.

“What brings you here so early? I thought you had the morning off. Isn’t there a Whitley Group executive meeting on Mondays? Don’t you have to lead it?”

Just as Cole knew Alessia’s class schedule by heart, Alessia kept track of Cole’s calendar with equal precision.

“Lessie, we’re heading out,” Esme Godfrey called, flashing Alessia a knowing, teasing grin, her friends clustered behind her.

Alessia was used to their banter. The three of them were single, and their teasing came with the territory–she understood.

“Alright, can you bring my books to class later this afternoon?”

“No problem,” Mia Linden replied, waving her off. “Just buy us coffee next time.” The trio left with the easy confidence of people who had nothing to worry about.

Once they were gone, Alessia turned her attention back to Cole.

“This is for you.” Cole freed one hand and fished a bracelet from his pocket. He gently took Alessia’s wrist and slipped it onto her.

The dark wooden beads contrasted beautifully with her pale, delicate skin.

and studied the bracelet, obviously pleased, though she didn’t quite understand why Cole had given her this out of the

to get this for me?” Alessia asked. She’d heard from Stella about a chapel outside the city, a’place people visited to pray for

nodded, then pressed a reverent kiss to the back of Alessia’s hand, the one now adorned with

made you go all the way out there? It’s not exactly nearby… Did you get any sleep last night?” Alessia cupped his face, concern flickering in her eyes as

car. No driving while exhausted, I

08:02

on lately. I thought you could use a little extra

his parents, he’d started to

he believed hard enough, someone up there would listen and look out for the

should go together

Cole always agreed to Alessia’s suggestions

for you, too.” Alessia held up her arm

any piece of jewelry she

The Thorne Group and The Winston Group are throwing an engagement party. Are you going?” With Whitley Group and Thorne Group doing business together,

Thorne and Sienna

wasn’t surprised the two families were joining forces. After the engagement with the Tates fell through, it was only