A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 219

hapter 219

Ileana jerked her head up, just in time to see two housekeepers standing on the balcony above. One held a basketball, the other a volleyball.

Before she could react, they hurled the balls straight at her. Ileana barely had time to think–she just ran, stumbling across the courtyard in a panic. No matter where she dodged, the housekeepers seemed uncannily practiced; every throw found its mark, thudding against her back or shoulders.

Somewhere along the way, the butler had quietly disappeared, leaving lleana’s shrieks echoing through the misty early morning.

Later, the butler reported in a composed voice, “As you instructed, Miss Tate has received her welcome gift.”

Max twirled a pen between his fingers, tugged lightly at his tie, and let a thin smile flicker across his lips–a smile that never touched his eyes.

“I’m sure she’ll absolutely love it,” he replied, voice calm and unreadable. No one could be certain exactly who he meant by “she.”

Back at the academy, the spring sports meet was in full swing. The class rallied behind their competitors, cheering loudly, and hardly anyone seemed to notice that Ileana had quietly transferred overnight.

Stella claimed first place in both shot put and the 50–meter dash with ease. With both Alessia and Stella–undeniably the stars of the team–victory for their class was a foregone conclusion.

For the third year in a row, their class took home the championship, putting a perfect finishing touch on the final event of their high school

years

The afternoon events were about to begin, with Alessia’s long–distance race up last. “Is your hand alright?” Stella asked.

“I put some ointment on–it’s almost entirely better,” Alessia replied.

“Mr. Dawson’s remedies always work wonders.”

As they chatted, Pierce Quinn appeared, carefully balancing two cups of milkshake. “Stella, Alessia–milkshake!” Pierce had memorized everyone’s favorite flavors and

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treated the whole class. Naturally, since Ileana was nowhere to be seen, he left out of the count.

“Thanks!” the girls chorused, taking their drinks and sipping contentedly.

On a day like this, nothing beat the sweet chill of grape milkshake and the satisfying chew of tapioca pearls.

Stella leaned back lazily on the steps, eyes half–closed. Her father had gone home after watching her morning events, leaving Justin and the Morton brothers sitting. side by side nearby.

“Don’t mention it,” Pierce grinned. “We owe this year’s trophy to you two–you’re the real MVPs!”

Stella and Alessia exchanged a look and laughed.

“Alessia, good luck this afternoon–don’t push yourself too hard. I’m off to hand out

the rest of the drinks.”

Alessia smiled, waved him off, and turned back to Stella.

“It’s strange,” Stella said, her voice softer than usual. “This is our last big event before graduation. Next year, everyone will scatter–some going abroad, some to universities all over the country, some taking over family businesses. Life won’t be this simple anymore.”

“It’s true,” Alessia agreed. “But at least for one more semester, the three of us can finish out school together. We’ll still have time to hang out, just like always.”

Alessia didn’t add anything sentimental. Rather than worrying about what might come, she preferred to savor every moment now, making sure she’d have no regrets.

“Oh, by the way–your Cole has been shooting you the saddest puppy–dog eyes all morning,” Stella teased, nudging Alessia with her elbow.

Alessia only grinned, completely unfazed. “I’ll go make it up to him after the race.”

Stella rolled her eyes. “Wow, listen to you–go make it up to him!”

She must have made too dramatic a face, because Alessia burst out laughing and gave her a playful slap on the arm.