A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 241

“Mom, you really don’t have to go to all that trouble. I’ll just grab my things and head out–there’s still a lot I need to take care of.”

Seeing how flustered Karen was, Alessia managed a small smile and gently pressed her hand down to calm her.

“How’s everything at home lately?”

“Everything’s fine, really,” Karen reassured her, rubbing Alessia’s arm like she used to when Alessia was little.

“Your brothers have both been busy, and Ivan’s definitely been much more cheerful these days. Zachary mentioned the clinic’s closed for now, but he still goes by every day to see if he can help. He just wants to keep busy.”

“Mom, could you pass on a message to Mason for me? Ask him to keep an eye on my mentor. I really can’t make it over there myself right now.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll text him right away, and I’ll remind him again when he comes home tonight.”

“If there’s anything you’re craving, just let me know. I’ll make it for you and bring it over. You stay by that child’s side, okay? Get through this rough patch, and things will get better, I promise.”

Alessia nodded. As she turned to leave, Ivan must have sensed something–he came rushing out, nearly tripping over himself in his hurry.

“Sis… Sister,” he stammered.

She realized it was the first time Ivan had ever called her that.

Alessia stopped, ruffled his hair, and crouched down in front of him so they were eye–level.

“Have you been behaving yourself lately?”

Ivan nodded, clutching her hand as if afraid she’d vanish again.

“Since you’ve been gone,–” Ivan blurted, but Alessia hadn’t even finished her sentence before he cut her off, panic in his eyes.

“How long… before you come back?” he asked, voice trembling with hurt.

Alessia pinched his cheek gently, trying to coax a smile out of him. “When the first snow falls, I should be back home.”

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Chapter 241

It was strange–this place she’d only ever thought of as a pit stop had somehow become her anchor without her even realizing it.

“I won’t be able to take you to Eddie’s on weekends for a while, but I’ve asked him to pick you up every Sunday. Just make sure you listen to him, okay? And if you don’t feel like going alone, you can ask York to come with you. I’ve already put his number in your watch–just call him if you need him.”

“I… If I miss you, can I call you?” Ivan’s voice wavered, his eyes glistening. He didn’t know when the snow would come, but he knew his only sister was leaving.

“Of course you can. Anytime you miss me, just call. I’ll always pick up.”

“All right, Ivan, say goodbye to your sister. She’ll be back before you know it,” Karen said, trying to sound cheerful even as she held Ivan back when he tried to follow

Alessia.

“Take care of yourself, okay? We’re all here. Your room will always be waiting for you,” Karen added gently.

Alessia’s nose stung as she tried not to tear up, her thoughts drifting to Jade again. She nodded, waved goodbye, but didn’t dare look back.

She just wanted to get back to Cole as quickly as possible. She had a new home now, new people to love. But no matter how many houses Cole had, no matter how new or big, none of them would ever have his parents in them again.

She pushed open the door, only to be swept up in a fierce hug that nearly knocked

the wind out of her.

She didn’t struggle–instead, she wrapped her free arm around Cole and patted his back, trying to soothe his anxiety.

“I’m right here, Cole.”

“I thought you’d left,” he whispered into her shoulder, his voice trembling.

“I just ran home to grab a few things. I’m not going anywhere.”

He let out a muffled “okay,” and after a moment finally released her, automatically reaching for her bag.

“Didn’t Dailey tell you I stepped out?”

“I think she went out to get groceries. I didn’t see anyone when I woke up.”

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