A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“I guess I won’t be able to make it, then.” Every free afternoon had already been neatly scheduled by Vera. “Let me see if I can rearrange things…”

“No, no, don’t trouble yourself.” Joyce waved her hands quickly. “It’s just a company tour. You should focus on your own work–it’s more important.”

Alessia looked puzzled but didn’t push for details. Seeing Joyce about to leave, she turned away too, but the next second, Joyce paused again.

“But, there’s this party coming up. Would you go with me? I’m not sure exactly when yet–just that it’s in the evening. It’s a party for young people. I’ve never been to one before, and honestly, I’m a little nervous.”

Alessia raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “Do I need a dress for it?”

“It’s just a casual get–together. Nothing too fancy.”

“Alright. Just let me know a day ahead, and I’ll be there.”

“Okay.” Joyce nodded, but Alessia’s promise didn’t seem to make her any happier.

Once in bed, with the dorm lights switched off, Joyce found herself unable to sleep. She tossed and turned, the creaking of her mattress drawing a groan from Mia.

“Sorry,” Joyce whispered, trying to lie still. Her phone buzzed several times in a row; she hurried to silence it.

It was a message from Fortune. He’d sent several photos–shots of her bustling back and forth at the auditorium, taken without her noticing. She was surprised, almost delighted, seeing herself from someone else’s perspective for the first time. She scrolled through them, pausing at one where she stood to ask a question to a guest.

looking calm and confident. Only she knew that, at that moment, her palms had been slick with sweat and her heart had pounded so hard she thought it might burst from

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09:08

Chapter 428

“Thank you,” she typed.

“You’re still awake?”

barely hit send before

to sleep. Why

I figured I should send them to you right away. So, how did

Fortune scratching his head, looking at her

party? Are you coming?” He attached a

the keyboard, the phone’s glow casting shifting shadows over her face as her thoughts

herself, turned the phone on again, and finally replied:

alone? No need to dress up–just something comfortable. It’s mostly my friends, and I really wanted to introduce you. If you feel out

the whole time.”

as if he truly wanted her there. As if he was inviting her

I asked Lessie, and she said to tell

Did you mention me to