A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 384

Chapter 384

Once she’d steadied herself, Vera returned to her desk and threw herself into work, eyes scanning every line as she triple–checked for mistakes. Only when she was certain everything was perfect did she print the revised documents, organize them neatly, and walk back to Alessia’s office, knocking softly on the door.

“Boss, here’s the updated version. Could you take a look?”

Alessia nodded, taking the papers from her and flipping through them. The office was so quiet that the sound of turning pages seemed unusually loud.

Vera’s heart was pounding. She swallowed hard, picking nervously at her fingers, terrified Alessia might spot a single error.

“No issues. We’ll go with this.” Alessia signed at the bottom and handed the contract back.

“Alright, I’ll get started then.”

“Wait.”

Relief flooded Vera, and she reached for the documents, ready to leave, but Alessia’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Is there something else?”

“I don’t pry into my employees‘ private lives. But this has started to affect your work. So, I’m giving you two options. One, you can leave the company.”

Vera’s eyes widened as she looked up sharply.

“No, please, I promise I’ll get myself together. I won’t let it happen again, 1-”

Alessia raised a hand, silencing her before she could finish.

“Two, you tell me what you need. If it’s reasonable, I’ll approve paid

leave.”

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Chapter 384

Vera was so caught off guard by the sudden shift that her mind blanked for a moment. It took her a few seconds to process what had just been

said.

“Paid leave? But I already used up all my vacation days last week…”

“That’s why I said ‘if it’s reasonable.‘ Think of it as a reward for landing that partnership for us recently.” Alessia tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, her tone casual–not lofty or patronizing, but more like an equal exchange.

And Vera knew full well it was just an excuse.

After all, she’d already received a nice bonus for closing that deal–enough to cover her mom’s surgery–expenses. Any extra “reward” was just Alessia’s way of helping without making it obvious.

“Thank… thank you, boss.”

Vera wasn’t the type to cry, but lately the weight on her shoulders had grown unbearable. She was fresh out of college, juggling a demanding job with mounting family troubles, and it all felt like a boulder pressing the air from her lungs.

If she lost her job, it would be the final straw. Alessia’s offer, even if small, let her breathe just a little easier.

“No need to thank me yet. If your reason isn’t valid, I won’t approve it,” Alessia said, her expression unreadable, unruffled by the tears brimming in Vera’s eyes.

“I understand. But honestly, just hearing you say that means the world to me.” Vera wiped away a tear, forcing a smile.

“It’s embarrassing, really. My family’s problems… well, they’re not exactly something I’m proud of.”

Alessia nodded toward the chair across from her, inviting Vera to sit. She didn’t hesitate, settling into the seat.

Taking a shaky breath, Vera gathered her courage, as if just speaking the words would drain her of all she had left.

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Chapter 384

“I took time off last week to go back home. My neighbor called and said something happened to my mom.” Her voice trembled, her fingers shaking–anger and fear tangled together.

“When I got there, she was already in the hospital. Covered in bruises, her head wrapped in bandages. The doctor said she’d recover, mostly: But… she’ll spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.”

“Your father did this?” Alessia’s question was calm–not shocked, not pitying. She might as well have been asking if Vera had eaten lunch.

“Yes.”

Just one word, but it took everything Vera had to say it. She clutched her skirt, head bowed, shame flooding her for having a father like that.

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