Ileana wore a custom ivory dress, her long hair falling loosely around her shoulders. Her eyes were slightly red at the corners, giving her a fragile, delicate look.


    If it had been anyone else in her position, the ss might have rushed to take her side, directing their resentment toward Alessia. After all, Alessia had spent years living as the heiress, while the real daughter had who knows what kind of life before returning to the Tate family. It was easy to imagine yourself in Ileana’s shoes and feel indignant on her behalf.


    But when Ileana finished speaking, the ssroom remained silent.


    Ileana lowered her head, biting her lip and clutching the hem of her dress. From the outside, she looked for all the world like a lost, helpless waif. Yet the strange hush lingered, heavy and unbroken.


    Suddenly, the quiet was shattered by the sharp sound of pping.


    All eyes turned to Alessia. She smiled, her gaze locked unflinchingly on Ileana standing at the front.


    There was an undercurrent between them, but outwardly, both wore calm masks.


    “Oh, I didn’t realize you were here too, sister. Please take care of me in the future,” Ileana said, as if only now noticing Alessia.


    Alessia arched an eyebrow, pretending to ponder for a moment before speaking with mock confusion.


    “I have three older brothers and a younger brother. But… I don’t recall ever having a


    sister.”


    Ileana froze, her face stiffening. She ducked her head, and when she looked up again, her eyes brimmed with tears. Wrapping her hands together, she seemed utterly lost and pitiable.


    Behind Alessia, Pierce struggled to hold back augh and gave her a discreet thumbs–up.


    Everyone in the room came from good families and had seen all kinds of people. Ileana’s little performance didn’t fool them; if anything, they found it mildly entertaining. No one bothered to call her out.


    Who was the real daughter, and who was the imposter? It didn’t really matter. What


    14:40


    Chapter <b>52 </b>


    mattered was whether a person had any value. Alessia might not be a Tate by blood, but if Ileana wasn’t, she was nothing at all.


    These kids were sharp–onement, a single gesture, even a look, and they could. read each other like open books. Someone like Ileana didn’t even require much effort to figure out.


    They respected Alessia, but not because of the Tate name. Everyone knew the real heirs were the two Tate brothers. Even if Alessia was part of the family, <i>so </i>what? What mattered was her own capability and strength–far more important than pedigree.


    They were all convinced Alessia would seed at whatever she chose. That made this the perfect time to get in her good graces. If Ileana thought that just bing the “Tate heiress” would make everyone fawn over her, then their families truly had


    fallen low.


    “Alright, that’s enough introductions. Find a seat,” the homeroom teacher said, sensing the tension and quickly waving Ileana to her desk.


    “Thank you, sir,” Ileana replied, voice trembling just enough to reinforce her image as the delicate victim.


    Alessia saw right through her. Ileana was simply trying to create a rift, making it look like Alessia had stolen her privileged life and was now oppressing her—all in


    the hopes of winning sympathy and


    What Alessia didn’t understand was where all Ileana’s hostility came from. Since Ileana hade back to the Tate family, Alessia had gone along with everything withoutint. Was it really just about those gifts and that million–dor


    check?


    The Morton family had once been prominent, and their children were well–raised; none of the others acted like this. So why was Ileana so… disappointing?


    Alessia didn’t bother to dwell on it. Ileana wasn’t worth the trouble. If she wanted to keep up this act, Alessia would let her.