A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 441

Alessia had never cared about her family’s background, nor did she ever use it to flaunt herself or put others down. She’d built her reputation through sheer determination and hard work, earning the respect–and sometimes the fear–of everyone around her.

That’s exactly why she despised people who looked down on others just because they came from a privileged family.

She rarely spoke so bluntly, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t. If someone wanted to play hardball, Alessia had no qualms about using their weaknesses against them.

“You wouldn’t want me to have a little chat with your parents, would you?” There was no mistaking the threat in Alessia’s words.

Helena had used her family status to mock others–well, Alessia had no problem using her own to shut her down. Respect, after all, went both ways; some people just didn’t deserve it.

Helena gritted her teeth, shooting a venomous glare at Joyce, who was half–hidden behind Alessia.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered.

Alessia wasn’t about to let her off so easily.

“About your parents‘ latest business deal—”

“I’m sorry!” Helena blurted, picking at her nails and raising her voice so there could be no doubt about her apology.

Satisfied, Alessia nodded and turned to Joyce, who silently returned the

gesture.

Before Joyce even realized Alessia was talking to

what are you doing

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you could help

made Joyce laugh despite

someone talks down to you, you just stand there and take

quick to apologize or back down before

it wasn’t something Joyce could just switch off, not with the kind of family

into her, even if all they got for their trouble was another

said wasn’t wrong.” Joyce forced a smile,

I smell of old

I a puppy now?” Joyce swatted Alessia on

you want to.” Alessia’s eyes were filled with helpless affection; she wanted Joyce to see herself clearly, but didn’t know how to make her

be as confident as you,

nerve.”

quiet, and the mood

anyone else see it,” Alessia said, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Joyce

you look up, the view is

lips together, unsure how she even made