A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 161

Alessia stepped off the bus, her backpack slung over one shoulder, and started the familiar walk home alone. What had once been a maze of unfamiliar streets had become so routine that she could have found her way with her eyes closed.

Dusk had settled in, and the streetlights flickered to life, bathing the sidewalk in a soft, amber glow. As Alessia rounded the corner, she spotted a familiar figure standing under the nearest lamp.

“Lessie, time for dinner,” Zachary called, waving her over.

As she drew closer, Alessia noticed the dark bruise marring Zachary’s cheek.

“What happened to your face?”

He shook his head, silent, and Alessia frowned but decided not to push further.

“Did you work things out?” she asked quietly.

“Pretty much,” Zachary replied.

“If you need to talk anything over tomorrow, I’ll wait for you in the Crestview High classroom. I was planning to hit the library and look over some practice problems anyway.”

“Have you eaten?” he asked.

“No, my parents just got home too, so it’s perfect timing.”

They chatted about nothing in particular, as if the recent drama had never happened.

Before she knew it, the weekend arrived. The Mortons were busy with the final preparations before their grand opening, Ethan and his friends were chasing their dreams, and Alessia, after finishing breakfast, was getting ready to take Ivan out for a walk.

She opened the front door and was immediately greeted by a familiar sight–one boy, one dog.

“Alessia! You’re sneaking Ivan out to play without me again!” York’s eyes went wide, full of mock outrage and wounded pride.

Alessia’s face remained perfectly calm as she shut the door behind her. “What are you doing here again?”

“This time, I told the housekeeper I was coming,” York declared, straightening up as

Chapter 161

if he deserved a medal.

Alessia’s lips curled in a small smile. She reached out and ruffled his hair. “Good job.”

She hadn’t expected to praise him, and York’s cheeks flushed red, though he tried to keep up his usual bravado.

“Hmph! When I set my mind to something, I always get it done.”

But then his eyes darted to Ivan, who was clutching a paper bag and holding Alessia’s hand. York’s expression fell.

“So, where are you two sneaking off to without me?”

“Returning a book,” Ivan piped up unexpectedly, catching Alessia off guard. York, on the other hand, looked a little embarrassed.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh, this is for you.”

York handed the bag to Ivan, suddenly shy–so different from his usual cocky self.

Ivan looked up at Alessia, uncertain. She nodded and let go of his hand so he could take the bag.

He peeked inside. It was a brand–new book, still wrapped. The same title York had ripped apart during their argument.

After their fight, Karen had asked Ivan about what happened. He’d shown her the torn book, and Karen had bought a replacement, telling him to apologize properly when he saw Eddie that weekend.

Ivan honestly hadn’t expected York to remember–York always acted like nothing bothered him. But there he was, turning up first thing Saturday morning just to

deliver a new copy.

“Thank you,” Ivan said softly, not mentioning that Karen had already bought him

one.

“It was my fault,” York mumbled, his ears turning red. “I’m not the kind of guy who pretends nothing happened when I mess up.”

“What did you do?” Alessia glanced at the bag, and York immediately shrank back.

“Grown–ups shouldn’t butt into kids‘ business,” he shot back, stepping protectively in front of Ivan–even though he was barely taller.

Alessia sized them up, comparing their heights, and let out a snort. Her amusement

512

Chapter 161

couldn’t have been more obvious.

“I’m going to get taller!” York insisted, face flushed.

“You’d better drink plenty of milk, or you’ll never make it to six–two. Trust me, no girl’s going to notice you otherwise.”