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.

this? Where are Esme

went to their club meetings. The invitation–there are two copies. One’s for you, with your name on it.”

1/3

09.08

Chapter 429

glanced at the card: no host listed, just the purpose, venue,

and nodded toward the dress

Joyce nodded.

It’ll look great

slid the

smiled–a knowing, wordless

owns it now, own it. Walk in

envied Alessia’s

price. She always put herself first, giving

matter how nice a thing was, it

me at all, but about all these things

yours, it’s up to you to decide what it’s worth,” Alessia said, tapping her finger on the table, her meaning

long, the day of the party

campus,