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.

stayed quiet, the way he usually did, but York could sense

to worry, okay?” York’s tone softened when he spoke to Ivan, a patience he

nodded, forcing a smile, but it looked stiff

I’ll get up and show you a little dance!” York teased, starting to rise, only for

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

doctor said if you don’t take care of yourself, you could end up with a lasting injury! This isn’t

rimmed with red. York couldn’t stand seeing

Don’t be mad,” York muttered, tugging on Ivan’s sleeve in surrender–a rare moment of compliance

the one getting comforted, yet here he

place for a while? I’ll take care of you,” Ivan offered, as

have a nanny at home, and anyway, how exactly are you going to take care of me? In the end, we’ll just end up bothering your mom,” York replied. He was

or two, but this was a broken bone–a

and York had stubbornly insisted

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