A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 125

“We’ve arrived, young master.” The butler opened the car door, and boy and dog stepped out together. Aside from a few scattered staff, the grand house felt utterly devoid of warmth or life.

“No one’s coming home for dinner tonight?” The boy’s face was babyish, but his tone held a chill far beyond his years.

“Mr. and Mrs. Morton are both attending a gala this evening. But your sister’s upstairs,” Mae replied, setting out his shoes by the door.

“Just bring my dinner up to my room. Rex, come.” York’s voice was flat, betraying nothing. He swapped his shoes, took Rex’s leash, and headed for the stairs.

He was already in a sour mood, and it only got worse when he nearly collided with Ileana coming down from upstairs. Whatever mischief he might’ve plotted on a better day, York wasn’t interested today–he just kept walking, his dog in tow.

“At the very least, I’m still your big sister. Doesn’t that warrant a greeting?” Ileana’s annoyance was plain; York’s indifference stung.

Back at the Morton family estate, Ivan would never have dared treat her like this.

York stopped and let out a derisive laugh. “You want me to call you ‘Miss Morton‘ and pretend you’re on my level?”

Ileana’s face fell. Her brothers had both embarrassed her lately, and she was done putting up with it.

“And Alessia actually deserves that name? Don’t forget–she’s a Morton now!” Anger flashed in Ileana’s eyes. She clenched her fists, fury finally outweighing her wariness. She reached out, but York didn’t notice the threat at all.

“So what? Don’t flatter yourself. Compared to Alessia, what makes you think you

measure up?”

Before York had even finished, a sharp scream shattered the silence of the mansion. A figure tumbled/down the stairs, limbs flailing all the way to the marble

floor below.

Meanwhile, having seen/York off, Alessia caught the city bus to the clinic. The alleyway was as quiet as ever–even on weekends, it never really came alive.

She walked into the backyard, the old wooden door yawning open as usual. Xander was sprawled out in his favorite armchair, opera music playing from the radio. He

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hummed along, eyes half–closed, the very picture of contentment.

“No snacks today?”

“Well, if it isn’t you again! Am I seeing things, or did you actually come by in broad daylight?” Xander sat up, teasing Alessia, though the grin tugging at his lips gave him away.

“Just here to check on my brother,” Alessia shot back, deliberately provoking him.

“Heartless kid.”

“Heartless, am I? Then maybe I’ll just give this to the others.” Alessia dangled a paper bag in front of him.

“What’s that?” Xander’s eyes lit up. Ever since Alessia cleared out his snack stash last time, he’d been craving something sweet.

“My mom sent over some lemon bars–fresh out of the oven.” Alessia opened the box and set out a fork.

Xander wasted no time. He grabbed a piece, took a bite, and closed his eyes in bliss.

“These are fantastic.”

“Don’t eat them all–save some for the others,” Alessia warned.

“Yeah, yeah, I hear you.” Xander waved her off.

“Where are the other two?” Alessia asked, but instead of leaving, she pulled up a chair to sit beside him.

“They’re in the front room.”

“And? How are they doing?”

“Not bad at all. Quick learners, polite, good with people–they’ve got promise.” Xander had already downed three lemon bars in the time it took to compliment

them.

Alessia nodded; it was just as she’d expected.

“Did Cole get back?”

“He did. First thing he did was visit Ms. June.”

Xander set down his fork and let out a heavy sigh.

“The situation… isn’t looking good. But I’m sure you already know that.”

Chapter 125

Alessia pressed her lips together and looked down, silent.

She knew. Cole knew too. But as long as he didn’t speak the words, she wouldn’t force them out. People need something to hope for, after all. They all believed hard work counted for more than miracles, and they’d give every ounce they had to make things right.

But now, she found herself hoping for a miracle all the same.

“Master, here’s the order form for the new supplies. Could you take a look-? Lessie?”