A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Cole’s driving was smooth and steady. By the time they arrived, Penny had just finished adjusting her dress.

“These next couple days, I don’t care if you feel stuffed, you better keep that figure for me. Every time you try this dress, you drop five pounds! Honestly, were you sent by the universe to torment me?”

Alessia had a tricky metabolism; if she so much as slowed down, her weight would melt off in no time. This was already the third fitting. Penny had been burning the midnight oil to finish the bridesmaid dresses, and every time Alessia’s measurements changed, she’d have to alter the dress again. Even with her usual patience, lack of sleep was starting to make Penny a little snappish.

Alessia knew Penny had barely slept these days, so she didn’t dare argue. She managed a sheepish smile and promised to keep her weight steady. “Alright, go try it on.” Penny unhooked the dress and handed it over.

As Alessia disappeared into the dressing room, Cole made himself comfortable on the small sofa just outside. He’d already tried on his suit—it fit perfectly, as usual–so he was done in no time.

Penny shot him a look but chose her own high stool rather than the sofa.

A staff member drew back the curtain, and Alessia stepped out.

Penny nodded in approval. Cole straightened up, his eyes brightening.

The bridesmaids‘ dresses were supposed to be understated–no stealing the bride’s thunder–but Alessia’s looks made subtlety a lost cause. Even with no makeup or jewelry, she drew every eye the instant she appeared.

fit’s perfect now,” Alessia said, letting Cole help her off the platform.

Cole said, planting a kiss at the corner

up, her

Chapter 445

Have a little shame, will you?” Penny

you two are done, get going. Don’t just stand around cluttering up my workspace.” She began shooing

coming with us?” Alessia

bridesmaids, too.

rather not risk a sugar spike. I’ll

could tell Penny was teasing about their public display, so she just raised an eyebrow at Cole, a sly look in her eyes that made

about that thing I asked you to take care of-”

little exasperated. “What are you two whispering about?” Alessia

press.

asked her to design a suit for me–need it for an event coming up,” Cole explained. Most of his suits were custom made, and

drove Alessia to the Laines‘ house. The front yard was decked out with ribbons and balloons. Several housekeepers bustled around, arms full of trays and decorations;