A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 438

“If I say no, what then? Why would I choose some powerless bastard over someone who actually stands to inherit everything?”

The word “bastard” hit Fortune like a slap. His face hardened instantly. Of all things, his birth was the one subject he hated most.

Why? Why did those so–called ‘legitimate heirs‘ get everything handed to them, even if they were useless dead weight? Why did someone like him–capable, ambitious–get pushed aside, laughed at, scorned, just because of that one word? Why?

“You’re a fraud too, aren’t you, Alessia?” Fortune’s voice cracked with desperation, searching her for some kind of kinship, some shared pain.

“You spent all those years as the golden girl, just to be booted out the Tate family the moment the truth came out. You know how it works in their world–bloodline is everything. They don’t care what you can do, just whether you have the right pedigree and a name that fits their family tree.”

Fortune stood up and strode toward her, looming over Alessia.

She looked up, understanding at last why he’d sought her out.

“You and me–we’re cut from the same cloth. You think Cole cares about you? You think he doesn’t want something in return? The second he’s wrung all the use out of you, he’ll toss you aside. He’s rich

kind of guy everyone wants. Do you honestly believe he’d actually settle for a

slithered out, slow and deliberate, like a snake baring venomous fangs just beneath a

seized her chin, forcing her

a hotel room with another man–what do you think the tabloids will

1/2

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Chapter 438

to

held her eyes, voice

walk away with his reputation shining while you’re left humiliated. Promise me nothing happens tonight–or I swear,

trick in the book. Didn’t think

it’s old–it works. People have always cared more about

Fortune. It’s like

if Alessia truly didn’t care about her reputation, or if she was just putting on a brave face