A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 78

York stuck out his lower lip in a pout and gave the coffee table a sulky little kick, “What, do you like them because their house is falling apart? Because they’re broke?”

Alessia’s brows knitted; she was just about to scold him when the front door swung open. Their heads turned, but Ivan merely glanced their way, headed to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water, and then slipped quietly back into his room.

He didn’t say a single word. Didn’t even spare them an extra look.

“Alessia! Who is that guy?!” York snapped out of his funk and exploded.

Alessia’s face changed; she immediately clapped a hand over his mouth and, despite his squirming, dragged him toward the door.

“All right, you two troublemakers, your little sister’s waiting for you at home. Don’t keep the whole house up–off you go.” As Alessia spoke, Max followed them out, hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Alessia, who is he?! You’re only allowed to have one little brother–me! You hear me?” York’s muffled protests came through Alessia’s hand as she hustled him

away.

“Behave!” Alessia snapped.

“I’ll pick you up after school tomorrow,” Max said, his calm voice a stark contrast to York’s noisy fussing.

Alessia didn’t answer, just shut the door behind them. With the two finally gone, she let out a long sigh of relief. If she hadn’t gotten rid of them, things would have turned chaotic in no time.

Stretching, Alessia was about to wash up when she realized three pairs of eyes were fixed on her.

“The Tate brothers–my ex–big brother and ex–little brother,” she explained flatly.

“Ex–brother… ex–little brother…” Zachary echoed the terms, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

“It’s obvious they care about you. They just don’t know how to show it,” Karen said gently, trying to soothe her.

Alessia’s lips twitched, but there wasn’t much of a smile.

“Come here, Lessie. Sit with us.” Brendan patted the sofa.

Alessia knew what Brendan was about to say, but she went and sat down anyway

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. And you don’t have to be afraid Max will do anything to you–he might be a little unhinged, but he knows his limits.”

“Lessie, I’m not worried they’ll do something to us. It’s just… they made some good points.”

“What good points?” Alessia’s eyes narrowed.

“You know how things are around here. Thanks to you, it’s slowly getting better, but let’s be honest–even then, we’re still holding you back. That Tate kid–he’s young, decisive, clearly cares about you. He came all the way over here tonight just for you. Honestly, you’d probably be better off with them than with us.”

“So you’re trying to kick me out?” Alessia arched an eyebrow.

“Of course not! I said it before: this will always be your home. But if you have a better option, as your family, we’d never hold you back.”

“Then let’s drop it. It’s late. You all should get some rest.”

“Lessie…” Brendan called softly.

But Alessia didn’t look back. Brendan exchanged a worried glance with the others, anxiety heavy in his eyes.

“Dad, Lessie knows what she’s doing. Don’t worry so much,” Karen whispered.

Brendan just sighed, letting the words hang in the air.

Meanwhile, York sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, sulking in silence. Rex was curled up quietly in the back, not making a sound.

“How can she have another little brother!” York finally blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer–he was still just a kid, after all.

“Why not? She’s got three older brothers too, you know,” Max replied, which was rare for him.

York lifted his chubby little hands, holding up three fingers on his left and one on his right, then looked at Max with a hint of sympathy. “Guess you got the short end of the stick.”