A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 440

“Ahem, ahem.” Joyce cleared her throat softly, cheeks tinged pink as she glanced at the two still tangled together.

It was only then that Alessia remembered Joyce was even in the room.

Not that it fazed her–unlike Joyce, Alessia wasn’t so easily embarrassed. She slid calmly out of Cole’s arms, smoothing her hair.

“How’s it looking upstairs?”

“The police are already on the case. They’re escorting everyone to the station for questioning, and I’m guessing it won’t be long before they sweep this area too,” Joyce reported, keeping her voice low…

“You… You’ve been playing me from the start?”

Fortune’s jaw clenched so hard his teeth nearly cracked. Pain radiated from his arm, draining the fight out of him. He lay sprawled on the floor, writhing like some pathetic parasite.

“That’s right. From the very beginning.” Alessia’s gaze was icy as she stared down at him, drawing out her words for emphasis.

“Joyce, you!” Fortune tried to bark out more, but Alessia pressed her heel

hard into his back.

He grunted, breath knocked out of him, and shut up fast.

“Me? What about me?” Joyce planted her hands on her hips, trying–without much success–to look fierce. “Why would I betray the friend who’s looked out for me since our first day at college, just for some manipulative, gaslighting cheater who spins empty promises?”

She tried to glare, but her gentle nature softened even the sternest pose. No matter how she tried, she just looked sweet and easy to read.

Alessia couldn’t help but chuckle, ruffling Joyce’s hair with a fond smile.

“You knew it was my party from the start?” Fortune croaked, his face mottled red with humiliation.

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Alessia watched him struggle, one eyebrow arching. She nodded, a small, self–assured smile curving her lips–a look that said she had everything under control.

From the very start, Fortune hadn’t been the one pulling the strings. If anything, he’d played right into their hands, making it easier for them to get rid of this ticking time bomb before he could do any more damage.

But to understand how it all began, you had to go back to the moment after Joyce finished her meeting.

Alessia had planned to leave after dropping Joyce off and doing a little shopping. But something felt off. Joyce was usually upbeat and

determined, always pushing forward with her goals. It was rare to see her so withdrawn.

After a moment of indecision, Alessia decided she couldn’t just walk away. She headed for the sports field next door, figuring she’d wait for Joyce and check in once she came out.

Alessia arrived right on time–just in time to catch Helena berating Joyce. “A leopard can’t change its spots. You can slather on all the designer makeup you want, wear whatever labels you like, but you still reek of desperation. Don’t get dazzled by bright lights, Joyce. Some people will do anything to claw their way up.”

“Well, I never knew Miss Rivers had a nose that sharp–able to sniff out desperation from across the room,” Alessia drawled.

Joyce stood there, pale and speechless, unsure how to respond. Alessia’s sudden arrival was a lifeline; she could finally breathe again.

“Lessie,” she whispered, her relief palpable–a harbor in a storm.

Alessia patted her head, placing herself firmly between Joyce and Helena.

“A…Alessia?” Helena stammered, clearly not expecting her to appear. She took two awkward steps back, her expression flickering between

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indignation and fear. Leave and she looked weak; stay and she risked Alessia’s wrath.

“Miss Rivers, don’t look down on the path you’ve walked to get here,” Alessia said with a cold smile. “With your family’s standing, you wouldn’t even make it onto the guest list at the lowest–level parties in this circle. Or do I need to spell it out even clearer for you?”

Her lips smiled, but her eyes were cold as steel. The chill in her gaze made the hairs on the back of Helena’s neck stand up.

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