A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

At the hospital, York sat forlornly in a wheelchair, his hands and feet wrapped in bandages, and a thick gauze pad covering one cheek. He looked every bit the wounded child, pitiful and fragile.

Max had gone to pay the bills and pick up medication, while Alessia was off collecting the test results. The three kids had been left in the hospital’s children’s playroom, waiting for the adults to return.

By now, York’s mood had settled. But when he remembered how both of them had seen him crying earlier, a wave of embarrassment washed over him.

Luckily, Ivan was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and Zane, being as boisterous as ever, didn’t seem to care. Neither of them mentioned York’s tears; instead, they hovered around, fussing over him with concern.

“Once you’re better, I’ll go track that guy down and bring him here so you can give him a proper beatdown! I’ll get revenge for you!” Zane thumped his chest with all the bravado of a loyal sidekick, looking so righteous that York couldn’t help but laugh at his outrageous suggestion.

“Yeah, right. Maybe try reading a law book first,” York shot back, rolling his eyes. He was mischievous, sure, but he wasn’t about to break the law–even if, at their age, the consequences would be pretty minor.

The truth was, Tammie had dared to push him simply because she was mean–and because she knew the rules wouldn’t really touch her. That’s why she’d done it so brazenly.

Zane pouted, clearly unwilling to let the matter drop just like that.

usually did, but

softened when he spoke to Ivan, a patience he didn’t

nodded, forcing a smile, but

York

Ivan’s voice was sharp–firmer than York had ever heard. The sudden seriousness

said if you don’t take care of yourself, you

glistened, rimmed with red. York

muttered, tugging on Ivan’s sleeve in surrender–a

to be the one getting comforted,

while? I’ll take care of you,” Ivan offered, as if it was the most

you going to take care of me? In the end, we’ll just end up bothering your mom,” York replied. He was young, but he

was fine to stay over for a night or two, but this was a broken bone–a month

like when Ivan was sick with a fever and York had stubbornly insisted on visiting every day, keeping him company and cheering him up, Ivan wanted to help

just want to mess around,” York shot back, his patience for Zane wearing