love and power 140_THE FAKE HEIRESS GUIDE TO LOVE AND POWER

“I know it wasn’t you.” Alessia ruffled his hair. “But I need you to tell me what 

 happened.” 

 York pressed his lips together, sulking. “Would’ve been easier if I had pushed her myself.”

 Alessia gave his cheek a gentle pinch. “Come on, let’s talk in my room.”

 She patted Rex, and the dog jumped off the couch instantly. York dragged his feet, but eventually stood up.

 They walked down the hall, Alessia leading the way and York trailing behind. Just as she was about to close the bedroom door, Ivan and Rex appeared in the doorway, both sporting the same pleading expression.

 With a resigned sigh, Alessia let them in.

 Now three kids and a dog sat cross–legged on the floor. Ivan settled beside Alessia, while Rex dutifully curled up behind York, acting as a furry pillow for his young master.

 “Alright, tell me what happened.”

 “That woman’s nasty as theye,” York grumbled. “Always pretending to be some helpless victim, all tears and drama. When she couldn’t win an argument with me earlier, she tried to shove me down the stairs. But Rex barked just in time and startled her. She panicked, slipped, and tumbled down herself.”

 “Are you hurt?” Alessia’s brows knitted. She hadn’t expected Ileana to go off the

 rails like that.

 “I’m fine.” York hung his head, trying to hide the hurt in his voice.

 He muttered so quietly it was hard to catch the words, but Alessia could tell how upset he was. With Ileana always ying the victim and York’s usual troublemaking, it was no wonder everyone jumped to conclusions.

 “If you didn’t push her, what are you so afraid of? Normally you’re all bluster when you pull your pranks.” Alessia patted his head, her tone light and teasing.

 “I’m not afraid of anything!” York shouted suddenly, making Ivan jump and grab onto Alessia’s sleeve.,

 Without looking back, Alessia reached over and gently patted Ivan’s head tofort him.

 13.28 

 “I just… I’m just mad, okay? Why does everyone always me me? belleves me.” York’s voice dropped to a whisper.

 “There wasn’t any security footage?” 

 “The camera was blocked by the handrail,” York said, sounding thoroughly frustrated.

 He could still picture everyone ring at him, not even stopping to ask what actually happened. They all swarmed around that wailing woman, soothing her, fussing over her, while he was left standing there alone.

 He’d even asked if they could check the camera footage, but no one

 listened–everyone just rushed her off to the hospital. Only Mae stayed behind to go with him.

 She’d tried to pull a dirty trick and ended up with nothing but a broken ego–why couldn’t she have just stayed down there? The more York thought about it, the angrier he became. Back at Merovia Manor, no one would have dared treat him like this! He’d have had them all fired–everyst one of them!

 “Serves her right, trying to set someone up and backfiring! Damn Ileana.”

 Alessia let him vent, not correcting his choice of words, but Ivan suddenly clutched Alessia’s sleeve tighter, as if something inside him had snapped.

 “What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

 “She’s bad!” Ivan blurted out.

 Alessia blinked in surprise. “Who’s bad? York?”

 +

 York looked at Ivan in disbelief, about to protest, but Ivan grew even more agitated.

 “She’s bad!”

 Alessia thought for a moment. “You mean Ileana?”

 She made sure to say the name clearly, so Ivan would know exactly whom she

 meant.

 Ivan’s eyes went wide, and he nodded emphatically

 “Did she do something to you?” Alessia lowered her voice, coaxing him to cor York immediately caught on and fell silent, waiting for Ivan to speak. <ol><li>je. </li></ol>

 But Ivan’s demeanor changed in a sh. Panic overtook him. He mped a hand

 13:38 

 over his mouth, scooted backward, and curled himself into a ‘ughi ball

 tigni le

 corner. 

 ***

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love and power 140