A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 80

“Max?” Ileana’s voice halted him just as he was about to walk away.

He turned, his expression unreadable as he looked at her.

Hope flickered in Ileana’s eyes, “Yes, Max. I didn’t get a chance to say hello at the party–I was a bit overwhelmed. This is our first time meeting. I’m your sister. Ileana.” She offered her hand, the gesture timid but sincere.

Max made no move to take it. Her hand hovered awkwardly in the air before she withdrew it, embarrassed.

“Let’s drop the whole ‘brother and sister‘ act, shall we?” Max’s tone was cold, almost mocking. “The Tate family isn’t exactly famous for family values.” His words were blunt, cutting straight through any pretense. Ileana froze, then slowly lowered her hand.

“Is that just your view, or is only one person in this house allowed to call you ‘brother‘?”

He met her gaze, his eyes full of disdain. “Who knows?” Max’s mouth curled into a smirk. “Maybe none of you.”

“Is that why you all sabotaged the reunion party tonight? Was it for Alessia’s sake, to make a point?” Ileana’s voice trembled as she finally let her frustration spill out.

“Was it my fault I was taken away as a baby? All I ever wanted was to find

my real parents–how is that wrong? She got seventeen years of the life that was supposed to be mine. Now I’m just taking back what belongs to me! I’m your family, not her!”

“Family?” Max stepped closer and tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. “You took the Tate name easily enough, didn’t you? Left behind the people who raised you for seventeen years just to come here and play the part of the perfect daughter. Spare us all the melodrama–it’s nauseating.”

His voice was low and chilling, every word curling around her like smoke.

“If you want to keep your place as the Tate family’s ‘princess, you’d better behave. Don’t go reaching for things that aren’t yours–like Alessia’s room.”

Ileana’s face darkened. “All I wanted was a walk–in closet,” she muttered.

“There are plenty of rooms in this house. Your little schemes are hardly subtle.”

Max let go of her, took out a handkerchief, and wiped his fingers before tossing the cloth at her feet with open disdain.

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Chapter 80

“You really think Alessia is coming back?” Ileana snapped, abandoning any pretense of family affection.

yot is none

“Whether she does or of your concern,” Max replied coolly. “But believe me, I have a hundred ways to get you out of this house. Got it? If you understand, you’ll behave yourself.” With that, he strode away, not sparing her another glance.

As he disappeared down the stairs, York’s gaze met Ileana’s, sharp and unfriendly. The next second, Rex lunged at her, making her gasp and stumble backward, landing hard on the floor.

“Hah, coward. Pathetic.” York tugged Rex’s leash, and the dog obediently followed, not forgetting to bare his teeth at Ileana as he left.

Only when everyone was gone did Ileana slowly pull herself up using the banister. Her hair hung loose, her face clouded with anger, knuckles white as she gripped the railing. She looked like a ghost, clawing her way back from hell.

Mae, the housekeeper, hurried up the stairs and paused when she saw Ileana’s wild–eyed glare.

“Miss…”

“Where the hell have you been?” Ileana snapped.

“I–I was just helping the boys settle into their rooms,” Mae stammered.

Ileana shot her a venomous look. “Are you blind? Didn’t you see the broken glass? Do I have to teach you how to do your job?”

“I’ll clean it up right away. Please be careful, miss.” Mae reached out to steady her, but Ileana jerked away violently.

“Don’t touch me. Who do you think you are?”

Mae’s face flushed with embarrassment and she awkwardly wiped her hands on

her apron.

Without another glance, Ileana stalked back into her room and slammed the door.

Mae stood in the hallway, sighing softly as she bent to pick up the shattered pieces. It was clear: tonight would be anything but peaceful.

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