A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Ahem, ahem.” Joyce cleared her throat softly, cheeks tinged pink as she glanced at the two still tangled together.

It was only then that Alessia remembered Joyce was even in the room.

Not that it fazed her–unlike Joyce, Alessia wasn’t so easily embarrassed. She slid calmly out of Cole’s arms, smoothing her hair.

“How’s it looking upstairs?”

“The police are already on the case. They’re escorting everyone to the station for questioning, and I’m guessing it won’t be long before they sweep this area too,” Joyce reported, keeping her voice low…

“You… You’ve been playing me from the start?”

Fortune’s jaw clenched so hard his teeth nearly cracked. Pain radiated from his arm, draining the fight out of him. He lay sprawled on the floor, writhing like some pathetic parasite.

“That’s right. From the very beginning.” Alessia’s gaze was icy as she stared down at him, drawing out her words for emphasis.

“Joyce, you!” Fortune tried to bark out more, but Alessia pressed her heel

hard into his back.

knocked out of him, and

about me?” Joyce planted her hands on her hips, trying–without much success–to look fierce. “Why would I betray the friend

even the sternest pose. No matter how she tried,

ruffling Joyce’s hair with a fond

was my party from the start?” Fortune

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Chapter 440

nodded, a small, self–assured smile curving her lips–a look that

If anything, he’d played right into their hands, making it easier for them to get

to go back to the moment after Joyce

planned to leave after dropping Joyce off and doing a little shopping. But

It was

just walk away. She headed for the sports field next door, figuring she’d wait for Joyce

change its spots. You can slather on all the designer makeup you want, wear whatever labels you like, but you

sharp–able to sniff out desperation

respond. Alessia’s sudden arrival was a lifeline; she could