A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 432

“You should have told me you were coming. I would’ve come down to meet you.”

“It’s fine,” Joyce replied.

“That dress really suits you–you have great taste, you know.” Fortune’s compliment was so direct that Joyce was momentarily at a loss for words. Only then did Fortune seem to notice Alessia.

“Oh, Miss Morton! I didn’t expect to see you back. What an honor.” Fortune extended a hand, but Alessia didn’t take it.

She glanced at Joyce, who looked uneasy, turning her head slightly to avoid Alessia’s gaze.

“I have to say, I didn’t expect you to be hosting tonight,” Alessia remarked, her tone laced with meaning.

Fortune withdrew her hand, showing no hint of embarrassment. “Well, now that you’re here, why not make the most of it? It’d be rude to just leave, don’t you think? We’re all young–whatever happened before, that was my fault. I hope you’ll let it go.”

Just then, a waiter passed by. Fortune snapped her fingers, took a tall glass from the tray, and handed it to Alessia. There’s a saying: no one hits a smiling face. Alessia accepted the glass with an ambiguous smile, saying nothing.

to thank you. If it weren’t for you, I’d never have had a chance

an awkward smile, taking the glass Fortune offered, clearly

as the host, I should be looking after you. Something’s come up and I need to step out for

Chapter 434

you both. For now, enjoy yourselves. Here, take this chip–if you win, it’s yours. If you lose, I’ll cover

on the shoulder, offered Alessia another apologetic smile,

hung her head, clutching her dress like

on,” Alessia said quietly. “Didn’t I already tell you?

throng, but toward a quieter corner, choosing a seat away from the

conversation, but Alessia sat apart, as if untouched by the chaos–a lone lily blooming in the shadows, strikingly beautiful yet impossible to approach. She casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear; every small movement drew the eye, her presence quietly commanding the whole

she stood, even among her own privileged peers, she was the

noticed.

Joyce followed.

she’d play second fiddle, be the contrast that made Alessia shine brighter–but so what? Most people here didn’t even deserve

just as Alessia

table between them. Neither spoke. The silence was so