A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Hamilton was bound to come up empty–handed–after all, Max was already on his way to the office with Alessia.

“You knew all along he’d block us from getting in, didn’t you?”

“Hamilton’s all about pride. He’d sooner pay someone to fake a painting just to save face than let anyone see he’s run out of inspiration. Yesterday was a blow to his ego; naturally, he’ll try to regain his dignity somewhere else.”

Clearly, Max had seen it coming from the start.

“So why bother showing up just to be turned away at the door?”

“If someone gives up an honest face–to–face conversation for the sake of pride, only to end up with a much bigger humiliation–tell me, who do you think is going to lose their cool?”

Alessia caught on, a knowing look in her eyes. “You really are as devious

as ever.”

“Pride is the most useless thing in the world–and yet, it’s the one thing those at the top can never let go of.”

As Alessia nodded thoughtfully, Max couldn’t help but chuckle and ruffle

her hair.

“Learn from me,” he said, his tone playfully affectionate.

but didn’t

into Bacchus. Linden, who was just heading out on

off at your brother’s track meet and bringing your sister in for a tour? Max, have

two weeks!”

Bacchus spotted Max with Alessia, he

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11:02

Chapter

assistant’s hands, stormed over, and grabbed Max by the

be dramatic,” Max replied calmly,

principal at Berlington Elementary, and York–Alessia’s brother–was a student there. The old man always had a soft spot for Alessia, so Bacchus knowing the details wasn’t

got you out in

a whole batch because of a tiny flaw.” Bacchus jerked his chin toward the documents he’d just handed off,

I have to go check the factory myself.” He spread his hands, shooting Alessia a look that was half

his gaze and pretended not to

quality was what made their partnership work. Any disagreements were strictly about the project, never

rush, stick

Are we expecting

half an hour–Hamilton will