A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 445

Cole’s driving was smooth and steady. By the time they arrived, Penny had just finished adjusting her dress.

“These next couple days, I don’t care if you feel stuffed, you better keep that figure for me. Every time you try this dress, you drop five pounds! Honestly, were you sent by the universe to torment me?”

Alessia had a tricky metabolism; if she so much as slowed down, her weight would melt off in no time. This was already the third fitting. Penny had been burning the midnight oil to finish the bridesmaid dresses, and every time Alessia’s measurements changed, she’d have to alter the dress again. Even with her usual patience, lack of sleep was starting to make Penny a little snappish.

Alessia knew Penny had barely slept these days, so she didn’t dare argue. She managed a sheepish smile and promised to keep her weight steady. “Alright, go try it on.” Penny unhooked the dress and handed it over.

As Alessia disappeared into the dressing room, Cole made himself comfortable on the small sofa just outside. He’d already tried on his suit—it fit perfectly, as usual–so he was done in no time.

Penny shot him a look but chose her own high stool rather than the sofa.

A staff member drew back the curtain, and Alessia stepped out.

Penny nodded in approval. Cole straightened up, his eyes brightening.

The bridesmaids‘ dresses were supposed to be understated–no stealing the bride’s thunder–but Alessia’s looks made subtlety a lost cause. Even with no makeup or jewelry, she drew every eye the instant she appeared.

“This is it. The fit’s perfect now,” Alessia said, letting Cole help her off the platform. She adjusted the dress in front of the mirror.

“You look beautiful,” Cole said, planting a kiss at the corner of her smile.

Her eyes lit up, her whole face glowing with happiness.

Chapter 445

“Alright, enough of that–honestly, in broad daylight? Have a little shame, will you?” Penny rolled her eyes at them.

“If you two are done, get going. Don’t just stand around cluttering up my workspace.” She began shooing them out, apparently forgetting that Alessia was a part owner of the shop.

“You’re not coming with us?” Alessia asked. Penny was one of the

bridesmaids, too.

“I’d rather not risk a sugar spike. I’ll drive over myself in a bit.”

Alessia could tell Penny was teasing about their public display, so she just raised an eyebrow at Cole, a sly look in her eyes that made his heart melt. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close and kiss her again, but managed to restrain himself.

“So, about that thing I asked you to take care of-” Cole started.

“I’m on it, don’t rush me,” Penny cut him off, sounding a little exasperated. “What are you two whispering about?” Alessia looked at them, but didn’t

press.

“I asked her to design a suit for me–need it for an event coming up,” Cole explained. Most of his suits were custom made, and he’d ordered from A&P before, so Alessia didn’t question it further.

After saying goodbye to Penny, Cole drove Alessia to the Laines‘ house. The front yard was decked out with ribbons and balloons. Several housekeepers bustled around, arms full of trays and decorations; the whole place was alive with activity.

Cole didn’t go in. He walked Alessia to the door, claimed a goodbye kiss, then drove off, satisfied, toward the Keane estate.

The butler clearly recognized Alessia. He greeted her warmly and led her into the house.

Inside, the energy was just as hectic as in the garden–people rushing everywhere, the air buzzing with anticipation.

Chapter 445

“Oh, Lessie! You’re here!”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Laine.”

Xavier Laine was dressed in a deep maroon dinner jacket, the color bringing out the warmth in his complexion. His face lit up with a broad grin, deepening the lines at the corners of his eyes.

“You all have worked so hard lately. I’ll make sure you’re all properly rewarded–call it a token of thanks, and a little good luck for what’s

ahead.”