A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 280

Chapter 280

“Lessie, happy birthday! Come on, make a wish and blow out the candles!” Brendan’s grin looked a little goofy in the soft candlelight.

Obedient as ever, Alessia closed her eyes and made a wish.

She’d never really believed in these sorts of things, but after everything she’d been through, all she truly wanted was for the people she loved to be safe and healthy. As for Cole–she hoped he could be just a little happier than everyone else.

As soon as the candles flickered out, Ivan burst into applause, his eyes shining with excitement, practically acting as if he were the guest of honor himself.

“Thank you, Mom and Dad.”

“Mae made the cake,” her father said.

Alessia followed their gaze and finally spotted Mae standing quietly behind Zachary. Mae was so petite that, with Zachary blocking her, Alessia hadn’t even noticed her until now.

“Mae, I’ve troubled you so much all this time,” Alessia said sincerely.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really,” Mae replied, rubbing her hands nervously on her skirt, a shy smile on her face.

“Come inside, come inside,” Karen said, wrapping an arm around Alessia. “I cooked a whole table full of your favorites.” The others gathered around, ushering her

toward the dining room.

“Your third brother’s pretty busy now that he’s launched his career,” Karen added as they walked. “He told me he had a show tonight, performing a new song, and he made me promise you’d watch it.”

Alessia was puzzled. Lillian had mentioned something about Liam working on a new song, but between her and Cole preparing for their finals, she’d left everything else to the others. She hadn’t heard anything about the song itself until now.

“It’s about to start, isn’t it?” Zachary said, glancing at the clock before switching on

the TV.

Brendan sliced the cake, carefully placing pieces in front of everyone.

Ivan tugged Alessia down beside him on the couch. Just as she sat, the game ended and Liam appeared on screen, introducing his new single.

show

7/2

09:34

“Today marks the end of finals season, and it’s also my little sister’s birthday,” Liam began. “Six months ago, my birth sister came home. Of course, that was right when our family lost everything. We couldn’t give her the life she deserved.”

He let out a self–deprecating laugh, while his fans in the audience shouted his name, cheering him on.

“My sister is beautiful–and kind of a badass. Sometimes, I feel more like the clueless little brother around her. I owe so much of what I’ve achieved to her.”

The audience laughed, their cheers undiminished.

Alessia smiled, trying to look composed, but her ears had already turned bright red. Ethan noticed and ruffled her hair, grinning fondly.

In that moment, Alessia wasn’t the founder of A&P or A&C Entertainment. She was simply a girl, surrounded by the love of her family.

“So, this song is for my sister,” Liam continued. “It’s the first song I’ve truly written on my own–and the lead single for my debut album. I want to dedicate it to you now. Lessie, happy birthday. And thank you for choosing to be part of our family.”

The music started, lively and catchy, with not a hint of melancholy. The upbeat melody made everyone want to sway along, and soon smiles spread around the room–a song that simply radiated happiness.

It was exactly how Alessia felt.

She realized, looking back, that she’d never really understood what happiness meant. Every day with the Tate family had felt suffocating; only with the Whitleys had she been able to truly breathe.

But now, for the first time, she felt the genuine warmth of a real home.

And honestly, she didn’t mind it one bit.

As the song ended and the interview continued on the screen, Karen called everyone to the table, urging them to eat as if she had something important up her sleeve.

212