A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

On weekends, York sometimes stayed over at their house. The couple had even prepared a guest room just for him, but it had never really been used–York always ended up bunking with Ivan instead.

The bed was big enough, and the boys got along so well that the adults. saw no reason to object. Still, the guest room remained, just in case.

“Don’t be fooled by how often York comes around. When something’s actually wrong, he keeps it to himself. The better you treat him, the less. likely he is to trouble you,” Alessia commented, her fondness clear. Having watched York grow up, she understood him even better than she realized.

“What trouble? He’s still just a kid. His parents aren’t here, and his

brother’s always away on business trips…” Karen’s brow furrowed tighter with concern.

York wasn’t just the lively, sweet–talking little brother her daughter adored; he’d also helped Ivan countless times. In Karen’s heart, York was already family. Whenever she bought Ivan new clothes, she’d always pick out something for York too. When she baked a new dessert, her first thought wasn’t to call Ivan over to try it–it was to have Ivan invite York, so they could taste it together.

“If I’m being honest, York’s probably spent more time at our house than at his own. So why, when he needs help, does he keep away? I just can’t understand it.”

“I already asked Mom,” Ivan chimed in quietly. “He won’t come. He doesn’t want to bother you. So I said I’d go look after him. Is that okay?”

Karen knelt down, smoothing Ivan’s hair with a grateful smile.

“Ivan, I’m so glad you care about him. But you’re still a child yourself–there’s a lot you just can’t do alone. Why don’t we invite York here, so we can all take care of him together, okay?”

but gently pointed him toward a better

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puffed out his cheeks, the disappointment

playful glint in her eyes. “I’ll call York. myself. And if he still

childish determination in her voice drew laughter

and planting a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll go pick up some pork knuckles at the market, make him something hearty when you bring him

used to the

dialed York’s number

“Alessia?”

“Hey, York, it’s Karen.”

York’s voice shrank to a

hurt your foot. I bet it hurts a lot, huh?” Karen’s

at his feet, suddenly feeling

a rare softness, as if he wasn’t quite sure how to

you know. And I’ve been working on some new recipes lately. Why don’t you stay with us for a while and help me. taste–test them? Ivan just nods when he eats–he’s