A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Ivan, what’s up?”

Ivan Morton rarely called her–most of the time, he just texted. For a

moment, Alessia wondered if something was wrong.

“Alessia, I’m here too!” York Tate shouted in the background, absentmindedly petting Rex.

By now, Alessia was used to finding York at the Morton house; he seemed to spend more time there than at his own family’s place.

“Are you not coming home this weekend?” Ivan’s voice was soft and gentle, the kind that made you unconsciously lower your own. Unlike York, who always sounded like the world owed him something–so much so that she often wanted to smack him.

“Is something wrong?” she asked. She’d just visited last weekend and even brought back some of Karen’s homemade pastries for her

roommate.

“I miss you.” Maybe it was the influence of those two rascals, but Ivan had become much better at saying what was on his mind.

“I can’t make it this weekend, but how about I take you to that art exhibit

next week?”

“Okay.” Ivan sounded a little disappointed, but the thought of going to the exhibit with Alessia cheered him up.

go too!”

even like art.

moved closer to Ivan, grabbing his wrist–the one with the watch–as if

single call from your teacher.” Since York had listed Alessia’s

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Chapter 396

homeroom

pouted but didn’t

asked, noticing Cole

snacks.

holding its sports day next Friday. Do you have time to come watch?” There was a tentative

in a silent question. He nodded, stepping aside obediently, balancing a bottle of Coke, a tub of popcorn, and her crossbody bag draped over his shoulder. “Yeah! The teacher picked me to stand at the front. Zane’s holding the sign because he’s tall, but York and I will be right behind him.” Ivan, sitting on the couch, swung his legs and his eyes sparkled—he

lounged beside him, feigning indifference, but his ears practically

Alessia thought about her schedule–she had

Ivan’s voice trailed off, the hope fading from his eyes. He glanced at his watch,

didn’t whine or throw

sports day. The details were blurry now, but the sting of disappointment was

there, don’t worry. I promise. I’ll