She was quietly sobbing , the picture of someone who'd just suffered the world's greatest injustice . In any ordinary family , everyone would be fussing over her , trying to soothe her hurt feelings , desperate to make up for all the years she'd supposedly missed out on . But this was the Tate family . The Tates ' faces were utterly unmoved as Ileana Morton put on her little one - woman show . Not a flicker of sympathy , not a word of comfort . After seventeen years living among the Tates , Alessia's temperament had inevitably picked up some of their coldness . Watching Ileana's delicate , pitiful act , Alessia found her interest fading fast . In fact , after a long journey , the faint sound of those sniffles was starting to get on her nerves . " Dad . Mom . " Alessia withdrew her gaze . " Sit down , " Scott Tate said . Alessia obeyed , slipping into a chair just as Mae appeared with a tray , setting down a cup of tea in front of her . Alessia took a delicate sip . The fragrance of black tea bloomed on her tongue , soothing her nerves and smoothing some of the tension from her shoulders . " This must be … my sister , right ? " Ileana finally dropped the act when no one paid her any attention . In an instant , she switched tactics : shoulders slumping , lashes fluttering with wounded innocence . She was quick to play the underdog , eyes wide and mournful , a posture designed to elicit sympathy , to make others want to stand up for her . Unfortunately , her performance was so painfully obvious that none of the three Tates responded . For a moment , the air in the room seemed to freeze . Alessia almost laughed . As she set her cup down , she glanced at Ileana with a raised brow . Where Alessia was strikingly elegant and beautiful , Ileana had inherited Yvonne Sullivan's softer features . She was attractive in her own right , but when the two stood side by side , the difference was obvious . The jealousy in Ileana's eyes was impossible to miss . Alessia's lips curled in a faint , knowing smile . She had a decent sense of Ileana's personality already - just as the background reports had suggested . Hopefully , she'd show a little more sense when 1/2 15-35 dealing with the Tate brothers . " This is the information on your biological parents . " Scott slid a folder across the table . That was the Tate family for you - no warmth , no pretense . They valued time , because time meant money , and sentiment solved nothing . Alessia picked up the folder , slender fingers flipping through the pages with unhurried grace . From the moment she'd entered the house , everything about her spoke of poise . After all , she'd been raised by the Tates . If she and Ileana stood on either side of Scott , no one would ever guess that Ileana was the Tates ' real daughter . The first few pages covered her parents ' basic information . Alessia skimmed them , and her earlier suspicions grew even more certain . No wonder they've suddenly come looking for me now , she thought , but said nothing aloud . Instead , she casually turned the page . Her hand paused when she saw the photograph . She let out a long breath . " Well , looks like I'll have to rethink my strategy . " She was already considering her next move , but Ileana , watching her , misunderstood the sigh - assuming Alessia was overwhelmed with sadness about her future . Ileana lowered her head , hiding the smile tugging at her lips . When she looked up again , her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears . " Alessia - my adoptive parents aren't well - off . Please don't be too upset . " " There's no need to call me your sister . It sounds strange ." Alessia didn't bother to put on a show for the Tates - she didn't care , and neither did they . " S - sorry . " Ileana fidgeted with the hem of her skirt , her voice trembling as if she were the most wronged person in the world . " I know you've lived a privileged life , and it'll be hard to adjust when you go back … Dad , if Alessia wants to stay , just let her . I know I'm your daughter , but she's grown up with you . She'll miss you too ." Ileana tilted her face up at Scott , her gaze shimmering with practiced vulnerability - the perfect portrait of self - sacrifice , as if she'd gladly bleed if it meant sparing him a single inconvenience . Alessia raised an eyebrow and took another sip of tea . Unfortunately , it had gone cold , and the taste was ruined . She set the cup down ; Mae immediately stepped forward and replaced it with a fresh one . 2/3 15.25 wo Scott ignored Ileana's clumsy effort at manipulation , and Alessia had no intention of playing along either . " So , what are your plans ? " Scott asked , watching as Alessia closed the folder . " Everyone to their proper place , " Alessia replied , taking a sip of her tea to hide the smile tugging at her lips . 3/3