A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 428

“I guess I won’t be able to make it, then.” Every free afternoon had already been neatly scheduled by Vera. “Let me see if I can rearrange things…”

“No, no, don’t trouble yourself.” Joyce waved her hands quickly. “It’s just a company tour. You should focus on your own work–it’s more important.”

Alessia looked puzzled but didn’t push for details. Seeing Joyce about to leave, she turned away too, but the next second, Joyce paused again.

“But, there’s this party coming up. Would you go with me? I’m not sure exactly when yet–just that it’s in the evening. It’s a party for young people. I’ve never been to one before, and honestly, I’m a little nervous.”

Alessia raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “Do I need a dress for it?”

“It’s just a casual get–together. Nothing too fancy.”

“Alright. Just let me know a day ahead, and I’ll be there.”

“Okay.” Joyce nodded, but Alessia’s promise didn’t seem to make her any happier.

Once in bed, with the dorm lights switched off, Joyce found herself unable to sleep. She tossed and turned, the creaking of her mattress drawing a groan from Mia.

“Sorry,” Joyce whispered, trying to lie still. Her phone buzzed several times in a row; she hurried to silence it.

It was a message from Fortune. He’d sent several photos–shots of her bustling back and forth at the auditorium, taken without her noticing. She was surprised, almost delighted, seeing herself from someone else’s perspective for the first time. She scrolled through them, pausing at one where she stood to ask a question to a guest.

In that photo, her chin was held high, looking calm and confident. Only she knew that, at that moment, her palms had been slick with sweat and her heart had pounded so hard she thought it might burst from her chest.

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“Thank you,” she typed.

“You’re still awake?”

She’d barely hit send before Fortune replied.

“I’m about to sleep. Why are you still up?”

“Just finished transferring the photos the president requested. I figured I should send them to you right away. So, how did I do? Not bad, right?”

For some reason, Joyce imagined Fortune scratching his head, looking at her expectantly.

“Oh, by the way–have you decided about the party? Are you coming?” He attached a hopeful emoji.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, the phone’s glow casting shifting shadows over her face as her thoughts tangled.

The screen dimmed. She snapped back to herself, turned the phone on again, and finally replied: “I’ll come.”

“That’s great! Are you coming alone? No need to dress up–just something comfortable. It’s mostly my friends, and I really wanted to introduce you. If you feel out of place, just let me know. I’ll stick with you

the whole time.”

His words felt genuine, as if he truly wanted her there. As if he was inviting her into his world…

“It’s fine. I asked Lessie, and she said to tell her a day in advance–she’ll come with me.”

“Alessia? Did you mention me to her?”

Joyce bit her lip and typed: “No.”

“Well, that’s fine. At least you’ll have someone with you. That makes me feel better.”

“Okay. I’m going to sleep now,” Joyce replied.

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“Alright. Good night, sweet dreams.” He added a heart at the end.

Joyce wondered if that was just his habit, or if that little heart was meant only for her.

On her end, Joyce drifted into a restless sleep, tangled in worries and thoughts. Elsewhere, Fortune removed his glasses, his eyes unreadable.

He smiled faintly, closed his laptop, and for a moment, it seemed like everything was unfolding exactly as he planned.

Chapter 429