A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 174

Brendan frowned, then sank back into his seat. Alessia had a point–everything needs to happen step by step. With so many students at the school, tossing Ivan into such a completely unfamiliar environment, especially when he hardly speaks, could easily lead to the same issues he’d faced in kindergarten.

It was good that Ivan was finally willing to take this step, but if they pushed him too hard and things got worse, all their progress would be for nothing.

“So, Lessie, what are you suggesting?” Karen’s voice trembled with worry.

“I’d like to enroll Ivan at Berlington Elementary.”

“Berlington Elementary?” Brendan repeated, surprise coloring his tone.

Berlington Elementary was just like the academy Alessia herself had attended–a top–tier, prestigious school for the children of aristocrats. The curriculum was leagues ahead of ordinary schools, designed to foster well–rounded students. Horseback riding and archery were just the beginning; there were also courses in design, engineering, and more. The school had dedicated planners and psychologists, and its philosophy centered on joyful learning, never putting undue pressure on the students.

“Berlington tailors each student’s curriculum based on a talent assessment. For kids like Ivan, who have unique gifts, it’s a much better fit than an ordinary school.”

“I get what you’re saying, Lessie. There’s no doubt Berlington is a fantastic school,” Brendan said, “but… the real issue isn’t us being unwilling to send Ivan–it’s that, given our family’s circumstances, the school simply wouldn’t accept him.”

Alessia tilted her head, a confident smile lighting up her face.

“That’s why I said–leave it to me.”

“You have a way?” Brendan asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

Alessia nodded. The principal and director of Berlington happened to have a medical emergency while hiking some time ago–and by chance, she’d been there.

“He has a special internal referral program. If a student passes the talent assessment, and they’re recommended through this pathway, tuition and fees are fully waived. I happen to have a referral spot; honestly, I’d almost forgotten about it. Now it won’t go to waste.”

Karen pressed a trembling hand to her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears as her

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heart twisted painfully. Her own daughter had never enjoyed a moment of the family’s former glory. Instead, she’d returned only to share in their hardship and–without complaint–had done everything she could to help them all.

The truth was, Alessia didn’t have to do any of this. She could have lived just fine on her own, without being weighed down by her family’s troubles. But she never said a word–just kept giving them a sense of security and endless warmth.

Wherever she went, Alessia was the kind of child people wanted to cherish and protect. Yet as parents, they’d let her suffer for the sake of someone who didn’t deserve it.

Karen’s heart ached with regret. How could she have been so blind?

She walked over and pulled Alessia into a tight embrace.

The sudden gesture startled Alessia.

“Wha… what’s wrong?” Alessia stammered, a little lost. When she heard Karen’s muffled sobs, her hands hovered uncertainly in the air before she awkwardly patted her mother’s back.

“It’s nothing, really–just need to send an email,” Alessia said, trying to brush it off, thinking Karen was simply overwhelmed with relief about Ivan’s situation.

“I’m so sorry, Lessie. I’m sorry… I let you down, I made you suffer… I’m so, so sorry…” Karen repeated, her voice thick with remorse.

Alessia glanced over at Brendan, who just gave her a gentle, reassuring smile and shook his head. Alessia understood–Karen was talking about what happened at dinner that night.

She smiled faintly and kept patting her mother’s back.

“It did hurt a little,” she admitted softly, “but it’s all right now.”

Because she could finally feel it–she was truly loved.