A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 167

Upstairs, Alessia’s hand hovered in the air for a moment before she finally gave up on knocking. She pushed the door open quietly and slipped inside.

The door closed behind her with a soft click.

Cole looked up, his eyes rimmed red, a look of hurt on his face. He resembled a forlorn golden retriever–abandoned yet heartbreakingly endearing.

Without a word, Alessia crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him. Cole pulled her close, his embrace tight and unyielding, as if he never wanted to let go.

Just like two years ago, Alessia gently patted his back, again and again, offering silent comfort and support. In that moment, no words could compare to the reassurance of a warm embrace.

No one knew how long they stayed like that before Alessia finally sat down beside him. Their hands remained tightly clasped, as if, for now, the rest of the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them.

“Mr. Dawson talked to you, didn’t he?” Cole’s voice was rough, barely above a whisper.

Alessia squeezed his hand tighter. “He did.”

“Am I being selfish?” Cole’s voice trembled. “I know Mom’s suffering, but I just keep thinking about myself.”

“I know.” I know every thought, every pain you can’t put into words.

“Mr. Dawson said he has a way to wake her up, but after that… there’s nothing anyone can do. When Dad passed, he didn’t say a word. So I thought… maybe I could at least talk to Mom one last time…”

Whether they tried every treatment or not, Jade’s life was slipping away. Cole knew it, but he couldn’t help wishing she could stay with him a little longer. And yet he was scared–scared she’d go without leaving a single word behind, just like his

father had.

“There’s still time.”

Their fingers intertwined, both pretending not to notice that “time” meant less than three months.

That evening, the three of them sat together in the villa for a long while, an oppressive silence hanging over them.

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Chapter 167

As dusk settled outside, Cole called the driver to take Xander home. He and Alessia stood at the door, watching until the car disappeared down the drive.

“Come on, I’ll take you home,” Cole said softly, draping an arm around Alessia’s shoulders and giving her hair a gentle ruffle.

“I need to swing by Eddie’s first–York and Ivan are waiting for me.”

“Alright. Wait just a sec.” Cole ran upstairs and returned with a jacket draped over

his arm.

“Here–put this on. It’s getting cold at night.” He wrapped his coat around her shoulders.

Alessia didn’t protest; instead, she tugged the jacket closer, letting its warmth settle around her.

“Everything quiet between the Mortons and the Tates lately?” Cole asked as they stepped outside.

“Pretty much. School’s track and field meet kicks off next month, though. Are you coming?”

“Of course. Pierce told me you signed up for three events–let me guess, he talked you into it again? If you don’t want to, just skip it. Don’t let him drive you crazy.”

“It’s my last year. I’ll let him have his way. I won first prize in the design competition, too. Penny and Pierce want to use my design for the class jersey.”

“A&P’s looking to expand, right? Perfect time to show off your work–a little free advertising.”

“That’s what I thought. Pierce is going to sign the contract in a few days as our representative.”

“Better have Vera show her face at the signing. If Pierce finds out you’re running the show, the whole school will know in three days–and you’ll be stuck dealing with the gossip.”

Cole finally managed a small smile, as if picturing Alessia’s exasperated, slightly flustered expression as she tried to handle all the chaos with her signature cool

composure.

“That’s the plan. Penny can handle the rest.” Alessia paused, then continued, “The Sullivans really can’t see what’s right in front of them. They’re banking on their eldest son, who’s hopeless, and ignoring the one with real ability.”

“Not everyone has our Lessie’s eye for talent,” Cole teased, ruffling her hair again,

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his voice full of affection.