A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 397

The day of the sports festival arrived sooner than expected, and Alessia was the only one from the Morton family who attended.

It wasn’t that the others didn’t want to come; the school had simply limited each child to one or two guests. With kids from other schools also competing, too many people would only increase the risk of chaos or accidents.

When Alessia and Cole brought Ivan to the gymnasium, they ran into Max and York at the entrance.

“Alessia!”

Hearing her name, Alessia turned just in time to see York barreling toward her. Thankfully, she worked out regularly–her reflexes were quick and her arms strong–so she caught York without missing a beat, steady on her feet.

“You’re here early,” Max remarked, strolling over with an easy gait.

He gave Cole a sidelong glance. Cole just offered a quick smile and a nod, his version of a greeting.

Max turned his attention back to Alessia. “Didn’t expect to see you at the sports festival.”

“Surprised, are you?” Alessia arched an eyebrow, her meaning plain.

She was about to say more, but York was already tugging at her sleeve, clearly unable to contain his excitement. “Come on, Alessia! Let me show you our classroom, Ivan’s drawing is up on the wall–it looks amazing!” He sounded so proud, as if he’d drawn it himself.

“And what about you?” Alessia teased, ruffling York’s hair.

“My… um, mine…” York frowned, searching for the right words but coming up short.

“I had the speech contest,” Ivan piped up, his voice soft but clear. “York

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won the gold medal and the certificate, and he took them home. My drawing’s up because each class picked one student, and when I won, the teacher asked if it could go on display.”

“That’s right!” York grinned, his earlier embarrassment forgotten.

Alessia couldn’t help but smile as the two boys, one on each side, pulled her along. They toured the classroom, then wandered off to explore the rest of the school.

Meanwhile, Cole and Max found themselves trailing behind, quietly watching the trio ahead of them.

“Didn’t expect Mr. Whitley to show up in the middle of a major project,” Max commented, pointedly. The two men had been collaborating on a business deal lately, and this was their busiest season.

“Not everyone’s got Mr. Tate’s nerves of steel,” Cole replied smoothly. “If you’re not hovering over the factory, you must be pretty confident about the quality control.”

“I wouldn’t want to disappoint you, Mr. Whitley. Then again, next time, we’ll see just how sincere you are about working together,” Max shot back, his smile unwavering but his words edged.

Their exchange was civil on the surface, but every line carried a subtle

barb.

“What are you two whispering about back there?” Alessia called over her shoulder, eyeing them with suspicion. “Since when are you guys such good friends?”

“Nothing much. Are you done with the tour?” Cole recovered first, stepping forward.

“Yeah. Why don’t you two check out the seats at the field? I’ll take these two to meet up with their class.”

“I’ll come with you,” Cole offered quickly. “Mr. Tate, would you mind finding our seats?”

But Max didn’t take the hint. “York’s my little brother, after all. I should be

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the one to take him to the teacher. Mr. Whitley, being the only outsider here, you should go find the seats.”

The tension between them was palpable; for a second, it looked as if sparks might actually fly.

“Oh, come on. Both of you, seriously?” Alessia rolled her eyes at their childishness. She gave Cole a gentle push toward Max, then grabbed the boys‘ hands and marched off in the opposite direction, determined to keep the peace–and her sanity.