A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Fortunately, Vera had always been a responsible child–she never gave her mother much trouble and had just been accepted to the best high school in town. Given their family’s situation, the school even agreed to waive her tuition fees.

Naturally, Carla and Vera were overjoyed. They made plans: as soon as Carla got her paycheck, she’d take Vera into the city to buy her a new dress. After all, ever since her husband lost his job, neither of them had set foot in the city, and Vera’s clothes were all out of

style–hand–me–downs from three years ago.

Teenagers grow quickly, and Vera’s sleeves and pant legs were noticeably short. Thankfully, she wore her school uniform most days, so no one really noticed.

Their conversation was cut short when her father stumbled in, reeking of alcohol, a half–empty bottle swinging in his hand. The mood in the room shifted instantly. Carla and Vera fell silent, slipping into the kitchen to bring out the dinner they’d already prepared.

“Go pay back the neighbor for the booze later,” her father demanded, his voice harsh and entitled. He banged on the table and kicked the chair next to him, making Vera jump.

“Where’s my glass? Go get my glass!”

Vera pressed her lips together, said nothing, and went back into the kitchen. When she returned, she was holding his whiskey glass.

air was suffocating. Her father kept pouring himself drink after drink, and the lightness from earlier was gone–replaced by

before she finally exhaled shakily,

looking at?” he snapped, slamming

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Chapter 387

began, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with quiet pleading. “We’ll need money for her expenses–tuition, books, everything. Could you please

hurled his plate to the floor, shattering it, and

job at the factory, like the neighbor’s daughter! Cary’s girl’s been working for months–she brings home real money every month! What good is it raising

his finger jabbing at Vera’s face as he unleashed his

what, the Lane boy seems decent. You two should start seeing each other. When you’re old enough, get married. His dad came by the other day, asked about an arrangement–he said they’d give us ten grand as a dowry if you marry in. School

only fifteen!” Vera’s voice trembled with disbelief. She couldn’t

he barked,

you!” he turned on Carla now, sneering. “Think you’re so high and mighty now that you bring home a paycheck? Who knows what’s really going on between you and your boss at the factory? Maybe I’m raising someone else’s kid and