A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

The very next day, Fortune texted Joyce the time and place for the event–along with a sleek, understated dress that matched Joyce’s artistic vibe perfectly.

A girl from the neighboring dorm delivered the package, teasing Joyce before she left. By the time Joyce made it downstairs, Fortune had already vanished.

“Why did you send a dress too?” Joyce messaged him.

“It just seemed like it would suit you.”

“I really can’t accept this. When are you free? I’ll bring it back to you.”

“But…I was hoping you’d wear it when you meet my friends,” Fortune replied, his voice slightly plaintive in the voice message.

Before Joyce could respond, another message came through.

“And honestly, you’re the only person I could give it to. I already cut the tags off, so I can’t return it.”

Joyce sighed, staring at the dress lying quietly in the box next to the elegant, minimalist invitation. She couldn’t help but feel she’d stumbled into a world she didn’t quite belong in.

“Oh, you’re here? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have spent half the day digging for my key.” Alessia pushed open the door, pausing when she saw Joyce. “You’re finished for the day?”

“Yeah.” Alessia dropped her bag and keys on the table before turning to Joyce.

Where are Esme

invitation–there are two copies. One’s for you, with your name on it.” Joyce handed Alessia one

1/3

09.08

Chapter 429

the card: no host listed, just the purpose, venue, and start

nodded toward the

Joyce nodded.

It’ll look

slid the box toward

smiled–a

when someone wears them. If you’re the one who owns it now, own it. Walk in

envied Alessia’s

it came to things, Alessia never seemed to care about their price. She always put herself first,

Joyce thought. No matter how nice a thing

me at all, but about all these things that deserved

it’s worth,” Alessia said, tapping

the day

the venue was far from campus,