A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 279

Chapter 279

“Did you pack everything? Admission slip, your ID, pens… Did you bring an extra? Don’t lose it.” Brendan fussed over them for the eighth time that morning.

“We’ve got it all, don’t worry,” the two high school seniors replied, a little exasperated but humoring him anyway.

“Eat this to keep your energy up. Just relax–your mom and I know you’ll do great.” Karen rubbed her hands together, having avoided making anything too greasy for breakfast, worried their stomachs might rebel and ruin the day.

For two days straight, Brendan and Karen drove them to school and waited out front to pick them up after each exam.

Finally, the last day ended.

“Lessie, we’re heading out! Happy birthday!” Stella and Queenie made a point of rushing over.

“Thanks, see you tomorrow.” The three had planned for Stella and Queenie to visit Lessie’s family the next day, but before she could finish her sentence, the girls waved and dashed off.

“What’s got them in such a hurry?” Alessia muttered to herself, packing her bag. As she stood up, she ran right into Cole, who’d come looking for her.

“Lessie, I have to run to the office. Something urgent came up. Happy birthday.” Cole ruffled her hair, his tone tinged with apology.

“Is it serious?”

“Just some last–minute paperwork. Larkin Yardley wants me to look over it and sign off.”

Alessia nodded. “Go on, then.”

“I’ll make up your birthday present tomorrow.”

She smiled and nodded again. Truthfully, she’d already received plenty of birthday wishes at midnight.

Everyone seemed a little preoccupied, but Alessia didn’t mind. Stella and Queenie both had family celebrations to attend, and hectic days at the Whitley Group were nothing new.

Clutching her stationery, Alessia made her way out of the exam hall with the crowd.

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09:34

To her surprise, it wasn’t the Mortons waiting for her, but Ethan.

“Hey, big brother!” Alessia waved. Ethan spotted her, walked over, took her bag without a word, and gave her hair a gentle tousle.

“Any plans now that exams are over? Want to go out and celebrate?”

“I haven’t thought about it yet, but tomorrow my two friends are coming over to meet Mom and Dad.”

“I heard. Mom and Dad are swamped at the shop–everyone comes in for comfort food after finals. They asked me to come pick you up.”

“I could’ve walked. It’s not that far.” She paused as they walked down the street. “Aren’t we waiting for Zach?”

“He’s old enough to get himself home. I’m not trekking all the way back just for him.”

Alessia glanced over her shoulder, but Ethan gently turned her head forward. “Watch where you’re going.”

“Aren’t we stopping by the noodle place?”

“Not today. Mom was worried you’d get heatstroke, so she made a cooling fruit compote at home. You can have some before you go out.” Ethan sounded perfectly casual; Alessia didn’t think twice and followed him home.

“I forgot my keys,” Ethan realized, patting his pockets. “Mom called as I left work so I came straight here.”

“Zach has the spare…” Alessia tried the door handle–and the moment she did, confetti cannons erupted and streamers floated down around her.

“Happy birthday, Lessie!” The shout made her jump. Looking up, she saw everyone except Liam—every member of the Morton family was there.

Beyond them, birthday balloons hung from the living room wall. Brendan, beaming, emerged from the kitchen carrying a towering cake with careful hands.

Today was her eighteenth birthday.

Eighteen years ago to the day, by a twist of fate, she’d become Alessia.

And today, at eighteen, Alessia was celebrating her birthday for the very first time, surrounded by the family who had given her a home.

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