A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 281

Right on cue, just as everyone finished eating, the doorbell rang.

“Lessie, could you get the door?”

“Sure,” Alessia replied without hesitation, getting up to answer it.

It was Cole.

“Lessie.”

“All done with work? Have you eaten yet? Mae just made a cake–come in and have a slice,” Alessia said, stepping aside to let him in.

“Did everyone finish eating already?” Cole didn’t step inside, instead asking her in

return.

Alessia nodded, looking a little absent–minded for once. Cole couldn’t help but smile and gently pinched her cheek.

“Come on.”

“Where are we going?” she asked, but obediently slipped on her shoes. Her mind hadn’t caught up, but her body was already moving.

“I’ll return Lessie in a while, Mr. and Mrs. Harris,” Cole called over his shoulder.

“Go ahead,” Karen replied, smiling. Brendan had appeared behind Alessia at some point, and though he wasn’t smiling, he didn’t object.

And just like that, Cole whisked Alessia away.

“Mom, you’re just going to let Cole take Lessie out like that?” Ethan and his brothers strolled over.

“What else? Those two know each other better than anyone. No one understands Alessia like Cole does, and vice versa.”

“Aren’t you worried something might happen?”

Karen just laughed. “Those two are far more sensible and self–controlled than you three ever were. Besides, they’re not kids anymore–they’re both adults. It’s perfectly appropriate. And honestly, isn’t it better that she’s with Cole, someone we know and trust? Tell me, have you seen anyone better looking than that boy?”

Zachary smirked. “Wow, Mom, didn’t know you were so shallow.”

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Karen didn’t even flinch. “How else do you think I agreed to marry your dad?”

At that, Brendan finally cracked a smile and slipped an arm around Karen’s shoulders. “That’s right. Back in my day, your old man was the heartthrob of

campus…”

The moment he started reminiscing, the three brothers scattered.

“Mae, please, sit and have some water. We’ll handle the cleanup.”

“Absolutely, you shouldn’t be cleaning up after guests,” Ethan and Zachary chimed in, heading for the kitchen. That left Karen and Brendan alone, exchanging a

glance.

“Honey…”

“Mae, let’s have some tea,” Karen said, ignoring Brendan and heading for the living

room.

Meanwhile, Cole brought Alessia to the very top floor of a hotel.

The elevator dinged, and as the doors slid open, Queenie and Stella popped out, showering Alessia in a burst of streamers.

“Happy birthday, Lessie!”

Alessia laughed softly, already guessing what was up.

“You two raced over here right after finals just for this?” She glanced around the room. Aside from the hotel’s decor, most of the setup clearly came from her friends.

“Hey, don’t forget about us, Alessia!” Pierce called, and in an instant, classmates emerged from every corner.

“Happy birthday!”

Streamers floated through the air, laughter and cheerful voices filling the space. Alessia smiled, glancing at Cole beside her–only to find he was already looking at her.

Cole took her hand, and, amid the whoops and cheers of their friends, led her to a

seat.

“After today, we’re all heading down separate paths,” Pierce said, never one to let a moment go flat. “Whether by our own choice or because of family plans, I hope we all do well and shine in our own ways!”

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The class cheered in agreement. Someone started pouring drinks, and the party picked up.

“It’s such a shame Lessie’s allergic to alcohol,” Stella remarked with a sigh. “Otherwise, the three of us could finally have that drink together.” But a promise was a promise: now that Alessia was officially an adult, they clinked glasses. anyway–filled with sparkling juice instead of champagne.

Chapter 282

Chapter 282