A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 251

“Happy New Year, Brendan.”

The door swung open, and Cole Whitley stepped inside, arms full of bags and boxes. Gone was his usual suit; today, he wore a simple, clean hoodie that gave him a boyish charm. It was the one Karen and Alessia Morton had picked out for him on a recent shopping trip–Karen had thought it would suit him.

It wasn’t from any fancy brand, but when Cole received it, he’d been momentarily taken aback, running his fingers over the fabric for a long while.

“There you are! Happy New Year!” Brendan Morton clapped him on the shoulder, grinning.

Brendan was also wearing new clothes Alessia had bought for him. He’d even dyed his hair and looked far younger than he had half a year ago–his face was healthy and bright, with no sign of the weary gloom he’d once carried.

“Why’d you bring so much? Aren’t those heavy?” Brendan reached out and took a few of the gift bags from Cole.

“They’re not heavy, just some little things–and some painting supplies for Ivan. Where’s Karen?” Cole asked, swapping his shoes for a pair of house slippers.

“Karen’s in the kitchen cooking your favorites. Lessie and Ivan went downstairs to grab some soy sauce.”

“Brendan, can you wash these veggies for me?” Karen’s voice called from the

kitchen.

“Cole’s here!” Brendan shouted in reply.

A moment later, Karen poked her head out.

“Cole, you made it! Take a seat, dinner will be ready soon.”

“Let me help, Mrs. Morton.” Cole rolled up his sleeves, ready to head into the

kitchen.

“No need, dear. Let your uncle handle it.”

“Mom, Cole’s a great cook–let him show off a little,” Alessia chimed in, suddenly appearing with a bottle of soy sauce in one hand, and Ivan’s hand in the other.

She was wearing the red hoodie Karen had bought her. She handed the soy sauce to Cole and nudged him gently toward the kitchen.

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“You kids…” Karen shook her head at Cole, but she was really talking about Alessia. Cole just smiled and slipped on an apron from the wall. Alessia tied the strings behind his back, the gesture so natural it almost went unnoticed.

Both parents watched the scene unfold. Karen’s face beamed with satisfaction, while Brendan’s expression was a tangle of pride and wistfulness.

“Dad, want to play a round of chess?” Alessia asked, finishing with the apron.

“Yes, yes! I’d love that.” Brendan’s eyes lit up.

“Someone call Ethan and find out when he’s getting back–and see if Zachary’s picked up Mae yet,” Karen said, waving a spoon as she bustled about, busier now than she ever was in her restaurant.

Outside, snow blanketed the ground, but inside, the house was alive with warmth and laughter. Everyone was here, save for Liam Morton.

“Dinner’s ready!” Brendan announced, carrying out the last dish–a steaming soup. Ethan followed, setting out the plates and silverware.

At some point, Karen and Cole had both slipped out of the kitchen–Karen was chatting happily with Mae, while Cole sat quietly beside Alessia, letting her play with the drawstrings on his hoodie.

With everyone gathered around the table, the house no longer felt cramped as it once did. Mae looked a bit shy at first, but as the meal wore on, she relaxed and

even smiled.

On TV, a host was interviewing backstage at some event. Suddenly, the camera cut to Liam seated in front of a mirror, putting on makeup.

“There’s my brother!” Ivan shouted, pointing at the screen. The adults burst into laughter, Alessia ruffled Ivan’s hair, and Cole placed a piece of chicken on both their plates.

After dinner, Cole and Alessia told Brendan and the others they were heading out to

visit Xander Dawson at the clinic.

Knowing how close the two were to Xander, Zachary Morton didn’t insist on joining them. Instead, he said he’d bring a gift to visit their mentor the next day.

“Wait a second, Cole, Lessie!” Karen called as they were about to leave.

Obediently, they let go of the doorknob and stood aside, watching as Karen hurried off to her room, only to rush back out moments later.

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Chapter 252

Chapter 252