A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 489

September 13th – Clear skies

Mood: Awful

The chubby kid next door tried to bribe me with a “snack mega–pack” if I’d hand over my little sister. I told him to get lost.

Max snapped his journal shut and glanced over at little Alessia, already fast asleep.

How could she sleep so soundly when he was this upset?

A strange itch prickled at his fingers. Unable to resist, he walked over to Alessia’s bed and gave her cheek a gentle pinch.

Her face was still full of baby fat–plump and soft, perfect for squishing.

Max couldn’t help himself, pinching again and again until, inevitably, he

disturbed her.

Their eyes met. Max quickly wiped the smile off his face and pulled his hand away.

At first, Alessia looked startled. But as soon as she recognized him, she relaxed, her eyes fluttering as if she might drift right back to sleep.

Max found himself slipping into old habits–patting her back, just like he used to when

out a silent

little monster–call me ‘big brother‘ only when there’s candy in it for you,” he muttered, giving her cheek one last squeeze.

to start elementary school. Yvonne and Scott’s business

their son off to boarding school. Rumor had it he was bound

their daughter, Yvonne and Scott seemed far

some fancy boarding school. He had only one little sister–if he wasn’t around, who would

just a kid. He didn’t get

as he’d feared, his sister started growing up while he was gone. When kids picked on her, she didn’t need her big brother to fight her battles anymore–she could take care

used to; she no longer curled up at his side, clutching

smart–picked things up after being shown only once. She could read picture books all by

but feel proud. She really

there was an ache

even need him

moved into a much larger house, and Max’s visits home became less frequent. As if desperate for attention, he found himself provoking her on purpose, just

Then Cole showed up.

running out to greet him, hands on hips,

the first time, he realized how cold a big house could

spend all her time alone

have anyone to