A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 453

After what felt like an endless series of transfers-buses, then a rickety tuk-tuk, then another van-they finally made it to their destination.

Alessia was grateful she hadn’t let herself go during her four years at university. She wiped the sweat from her brow and glanced at her companions, most of whom were struggling to catch their breath. Seeing there was still half a mountain trail left to climb, she offered a silent three-second moment of sympathy for them.

She’d known the place was remote, but not this remote.

They’d switched vehicles three or four times, bumping along country roads and squeezing into tiny cabs, and just when it seemed they’d finally arrived, someone announced they still had to hike uphill.

Most of the group had grown up pampered in the city, unused to this kind of hardship. The initial excitement had already worn thin, replaced by weary resignation before they’d even reached the halfway point.

“Come on, everyone, just a little further and we can finally rest,” their advisor called out. He was clearly exhausted too, but tried his best to sound encouraging.

At this point, turning back wasn’t an option. Everyone just gritted their teeth and pressed on.

“Sir, I think someone’s coming down!” Alessia’s voice drew everyone’s

attention.

on the narrow mountain path, a gaggle of

way forward, the children darted past them with the sure-footed agility of mountain goats, making the city-dwellers

of an eye, they

question, a thin man in his fifties

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Chapter 453

them.

“Mr. Chase, I presume?”

you must be Mayor

advisor quickly stepped forward, and the two

putting everyone a little at ease. The group, suddenly bashful, waved

gathered behind him,

in unison, curiosity shining in

shy demeanor reminded her of her own first meeting with Ivan

Alessia offered a friendly wave. To her surprise, the girl darted right up to

I help