A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 483

Max had left, but Alessia remained lost in thought.

She and Max were so alike–both stubbornly silent, bottling things up until they were practically choking on unspoken words. No wonder there were so many

misunderstandings between them; no wonder their relationship had always felt so

awkward.

But before she’d met the Cole family, it was Max who’d raised her. Sharing his temperament was only natural.

If she hadn’t brushed so close to death this time, Max probably would have taken his secrets to the grave. As for her, she never would have said anything so sentimental.

It really does take a brush with death to see some things clearly.

When Cole walked in, he found Alessia staring blankly into space, spooning imaginary food into her mouth.

“Since when did you start eating with your mind?” he teased.

Cole set down the jug of water, took the spoon from her hand, and gently offered her

were so practiced and unhurried, Alessia

“Where’s Max?”

“He left.”

don’t sound

he missed my

spoon hovering midair. “That’s a

another mouthful, then waved her hand,

push. Instead, he started clearing away

Cole fetched two

her back.

Cole bustle around in front of her, Alessia drifted off

relationship with Max had always been different from

10:41

when she was little, Max was the one she’d depended on, the one she’d looked up to. He was quiet, almost cold, but in her eyes,

brought her little treats or toys when he came back from being out, and once a month, he’d take her out for

even. When thunder rumbled outside, he’d pat her back, though he never managed to say

to read and write, reading her fairy tales at night. They couldn’t afford picture books,