A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 408

“What trouble? You kids these days only care about work–so busy you forget to eat, and when you finally do, you only care about looking sharp, never about staying warm. The seasons are changing, you know. I put some broth in there for you. Make sure you have something hot, understand?”

Karen, a mother of several children, could never help herself once she started fussing. Her voice brimmed with affection.

Max didn’t seem annoyed at all. He nodded and agreed to everything she

said.

“Since Leo’s staying with us for a while, why don’t you come over for dinner after work if you’re free? I’ll make your favorites. Actually, it works out perfectly today–let’s go together.”

“Maybe next time. I still have things to take care of today.” Max’s tone softened a little. It was still somewhat stiff, but at least it wasn’t as biting

or cold as when he spoke to others.

Karen looked disappointed. “How about Sunday, then? You don’t work weekends, do you?”

Max glanced over at Alessia, who only shrugged, making it abundantly clear she wasn’t going to help him escape this time–and was maybe even enjoying the show.

He let out a barely audible sigh. “Alright.”

“We’ll head out now, then, You’d better come on Sunday. Don’t worry about Leo–I’ll take good care of him, and Ivan will keep him company.”

Max nodded and watched them head to the car.

“See you, Max!” York called, as Max lifted him into the back seat.

“Don’t make trouble for Karen,” Max said, putting a hand on York’s head and giving his hair an awkward, clumsy ruffle.

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“Got it.” For once, York didn’t talk back; he simply nodded, unusually well–behaved.

“See you! Remember to heat up your food before you eat.” Alessia waved at Max before climbing into the car herself.

Max stood there watching until the car disappeared down the drive, then finally turned and headed inside. York poked his head out the window, but Alessia quickly warned him to sit back, and the window locks clicked into

place.

Ivan reached over and patted York’s hand. “Don’t worry. If you miss your brother, you can always call him. He’ll be joining us for dinner on Sunday,

too.”

He spoke quietly, right into York’s ear.

“I don’t miss him,” York mumbled, not very convincingly.

Ivan didn’t call him out–he just squeezed York’s hand, and that was enough.

Back at the villa, Max returned home. It was strange: just one person gone, and the place already felt empty. He could almost see the scenes from earlier–one person and one dog playing noisily in the corner–so vivid in his mind’s eye that he had to blink to clear them away. When he opened his eyes, there was nothing left.

“Have someone tidy up that corner,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” the housekeeper replied.

“Actually, leave it for now,” Max changed his mind suddenly, for reasons he couldn’t quite explain,

The housekeeper nodded, asking no questions.

“Would you like me to heat up your dinner?”

At that, Max finally looked down at the bag he was still holding.

“Yes. And send the pastries up to my study.”

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“Of course.”

The housekeeper took the bag and left, while Max headed upstairs.

The villa felt so quiet it was almost as if no one lived there at all. Meanwhile, the Morton family home was lively as ever.

York, carefree as always, had already teamed up with Ivan for some game. The only thing dampening his spirits was that Zane–who had somehow convinced his parents–had been dropped off by their driver to stay the night as well.

Karen loved kids, so she left the three boys in the playroom together and went off to the kitchen to help Brendan. Poor Alessia, though, was left between the three of them, listening to their endless tales and tattling about each other’s embarrassing moments at school.

Alessia herself had no idea what it was about her that made the three boys cling so tightly, refusing to let her leave.

It was exhausting, but Alessia listened patiently, not once showing the slightest trace of annoyance.

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