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.

If it weren’t for you, I’d never have had a chance to clear the air with Miss

awkward smile, taking

sorry–I know you two are new here, and as the host, I should be looking after you. Something’s come up and I need

Chapter 434

me–lowe you both. For now, enjoy yourselves. Here, take this chip–if you win,

shoulder, offered Alessia another apologetic smile, and slipped

her head, clutching her dress like a child

you? We’re here now, so let’s just

off–not into the throng, but toward a quieter corner, choosing a seat

laughter and 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

for the spotlight–no matter where she

noticed.

Joyce followed.

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

her back, just as Alessia had told her, and sat

between them. Neither spoke. The silence was