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.

the way he usually did, but York could sense something was

You don’t have to worry, okay?” York’s tone softened when he spoke to

a smile, but it looked stiff and

and show you a little dance!” York teased, starting to

sharp–firmer than York had ever heard.

don’t take care of yourself, you

red. York

mad,” York muttered, tugging on Ivan’s

reversed. York was supposed to be the one getting comforted, yet here he was, trying to

you come stay at my place for a while? I’ll take care of you,” Ivan offered, as if it was the most natural thing

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

fine to stay over for a night or two, but this was a broken bone–a month at least. He’d feel bad imposing

you company, tell you what you missed at school,” lyan insisted. Just like when Ivan was sick with a fever and York had stubbornly insisted on visiting every day, keeping him company and cheering

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