A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 86

“Didn’t you say you didn’t like chocolate? Said it was too bitter?”

“I don’t care, I want it! But it has to be the kind imported from Europe–not the cheap

stuff.”

Zachary let out a sigh, but nodded anyway. Thinking back, scenes like this had happened more times than he could count. But Ileana was the only girl in the Morton family, and following the idea that daughters should be raised with a generous hand, the Mortons had always given her whatever she wanted.

At the time, no one thought there was anything wrong with that. Sometimes they’d remind Ileana not to compare herself with others, but whenever she pouted and pleaded, the lectures would dissolve into indulgence.

Up through elementary school, Ileana’s demands were mostly harmless–just a bit of pouting or wheedling for small things. It wasn’t until she started high school that everything seemed to change.

She grew tired of taking the bus to school every day.

“I don’t care, I want a driver! The bus smells so gross, a hundred sweaty people crammed together–I feel sick! Please, Mom, Dad, you love me the most. Just hire a driver for me, please?”

“But your brothers took the bus too, you know.” The Mortons weren’t exactly short on money, but they were never extravagant either. From the start, they believed their kids should get themselves to and from school, so they wouldn’t grow up spoiled.

“But it’s really uncomfortable! Besides, my brothers are boys. I’m a girl–how is it the same?” Ileana clung to Karen’s arm, her voice coaxing and sweet.

“If it’s really such a problem, maybe we should hire a driver for Ileana,” Zachary chimed in from the side. “High school means more running around, and it’s getting hot out. Those buses are packed and stuffy–Ileana’s not used to it, that’s all. We boys can handle it, but it’s harder for her.”

“She’s always been delicate. It’s not like we can’t afford it–just hire someone for her,” Liam added, giving his basketball a couple of bounces before tossing it toward the hoop.

“All right, let’s get her a driver,” Brendan said, ending the discussion.

Back then, the family business was still doing well. Hiring a driver wasn’t a big

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expense, and they couldn’t bear to see their daughter uncomfortable. But once Ileana had her way, her requests quickly escalated: brand–name clothes, designer handbags.

“It’s only a few thousand dollars. Just buy it for me, please?”

“Three thousand dollars, Ileana? I know girls your age like to dress up, but is one dress really worth that much?”

“But I really love it! It’s not like we can’t afford it. Please, Mom?” Ileana wheedled, just as she always did. But this time, Karen didn’t cave so quickly.

“Ileana, it’s not that I won’t spend the money. But think about it. That purse you begged for last time was five thousand, your shoes were over a thousand, and with everything else, you’ve spent nearly ten thousand dollars in the last few months. How many times have you even used those things?”

Karen’s voice was gentle, without a trace of severity, but Ileana’s expression still changed. She pulled her hand away, eyes filling with tears, her voice trembling.

“Are you going to buy it or not? Didn’t you always say daughters should have the best? Now I just want one dress and you’re making excuses. You’re just playing favorites because I’m not a boy!”

“What’s going on in here?” Brendan had just gotten home from work and walked straight into the commotion.

“Dad, I just wanted a dress, but Mom won’t let me have it. When Liam wanted extra tutoring that cost thousands, Mom didn’t even hesitate. I’m only asking for one dress!”

“I… That’s not…” Karen struggled for words.

“All right, all right. It’s just a dress. If Ileana wants it, buy it. It’s not like the family can’t afford it.”

With her arsenal of sweet talk, tantrums, and stubbornness, Ileana managed to get her way every single time.

Chapter 87