A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“That’s impossible–it was just an accident,” Sienna kept repeating to herself, a desperate mantra against rising panic.

“Everyone, please remain calm. It’s likely just an issue with the power system. I’ve already sent staff to investigate. I’m confident the electricity will be restored soon. Please stay in your seats and avoid moving around unnecessarily to prevent any accidents.”

Fortune stepped forward, taking the microphone with practiced ease, his presence restoring a semblance of order to the chaotic hall.

“Get a hold of yourself!” he hissed, pulling the mic away and gripping Sienna’s trembling hand.

“It was Alessia and her team! I know it was them!” Sienna’s face had gone pale. None of this was supposed to happen–if anyone should be panicking right now, it ought to be them, not her. She was the one who was supposed to be angry, not on the verge of falling apart.

“It doesn’t matter whether it was them or not. If you lose your cool now, this ent launch is finished!” Fortune growled in her ear, his voice a low, urgent warning.

To the audience, though, it looked like nothing more than a caring fiancé gently steadying his nervous bride–sweet, even touching, in the dim light.

“I’ll go see what’s going on. You stay here and keep everyone calm. Not even a backup plan–what a bunch of idiots,” Fortune muttered darkly, tossing those words over his shoulder as he stalked off.

Sienna took a shaky breath, steadied herself, and flicked the microphone switch back on. She forced a serene smile–even if the glow from her laptop cast her features in an eerie, almost haunting light.

“Please remain calm, everyone. The staff is already working to resolve the issue, and I’m confident the power will be back shortly. Perhaps this little hiccup will make tonight’s exhibition all the more memorable for us all.”

her hand resting lightly on her knee, watched with a hint of surprise. For someone as quick–tempered as Sienna, the way she’d managed to pull herself together so fast was honestly impressive. The last time, during the competition, Sienna had been accused of

1/3

08:03 1

Chapter

herself, half–expecting Sienna to lose it

thought made her

knows what he’s

win over someone as shrewd as Patriarch Thorne? That takes skill,” Alessia replied, her tone thoughtful. And his crisis management was on point, too–she

locked in a tense standoff

only authorized personnel are

why is it only Hall Two that’s

be patient,” the staff member

long will it

we can to fix came the standard line. Fortune’s patience was

give us a

fully booked. We can’t move your event. However, we’ll refund your rental fee in full for today. We’re