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.

talking to her,

are you

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Saw you and figured you could help me back to the

made Joyce laugh despite

talks down to you, you just stand there

Joyce’s nature–always looking to keep the peace, quick to apologize or back down before things

off, not with the

their other two friends kept trying to talk sense into her, even if all they got

what she said wasn’t wrong.” Joyce forced a

of old money?

a puppy now?” Joyce

you want to.” Alessia’s eyes were filled with helpless affection; she wanted Joyce to see herself clearly, but

I wish I could be as confident as you, but I just… I’m not there yet. I don’t have that

nerve.”

turned quiet, and the mood grew

least don’t let anyone else see it,” Alessia said, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Joyce

never see the sky. Every time you look up, the view is different–rosy dawn, starry night–it’s

her lips together, unsure how she