A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“What trouble? You kids these days only care about work–so busy you forget to eat, and when you finally do, you only care about looking sharp, never about staying warm. The seasons are changing, you know. I put some broth in there for you. Make sure you have something hot, understand?”

Karen, a mother of several children, could never help herself once she started fussing. Her voice brimmed with affection.

Max didn’t seem annoyed at all. He nodded and agreed to everything she

said.

“Since Leo’s staying with us for a while, why don’t you come over for dinner after work if you’re free? I’ll make your favorites. Actually, it works out perfectly today–let’s go together.”

“Maybe next time. I still have things to take care of today.” Max’s tone softened a little. It was still somewhat stiff, but at least it wasn’t as biting

or cold as when he spoke to others.

Karen looked disappointed. “How about Sunday, then? You don’t work weekends, do you?”

Max glanced over at Alessia, who only shrugged, making it abundantly clear she wasn’t going to help him escape this time–and was maybe even enjoying the show.

He let out a barely audible sigh. “Alright.”

“We’ll head out now, then, You’d better come on Sunday. Don’t worry about Leo–I’ll take good care of him, and Ivan will keep him company.”

Max nodded and watched them head to the car.

Max!” York called, as Max lifted him into the back

putting a hand on York’s head and giving

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11:01

Chapter 408

didn’t talk

heat up your food before you eat.”

poked his head

place.

you miss your brother, you

too.”

right into York’s

miss him,” York mumbled,

didn’t call him out–he just squeezed York’s hand, and

gone, and the place already felt empty. He could almost see the scenes from earlier–one person and one dog playing noisily in the corner–so vivid in his mind’s eye that he had

up that corner,” he

the

changed his mind suddenly, for reasons he couldn’t quite

housekeeper nodded,

like me to heat up your