Before Zachary could say a word , Alessia landed a quick kick to Pierce's shin . It wasn't hard , but the message was clear : back off . Pierce looked wounded , though he hadn't really said anything wrong . Besides , the rivalry between them and Crestview High was old news - trading jabs when they crossed paths was practically tradition . He couldn't even go buy breakfast without getting mocked by someone from Crestview . Annoyed but unable to protest , Pierce sulked in silence , his face full of complaint . " This is my second brother , " Alessia announced . Pierce's eyes went wide as he glanced between the two of them . " Wait … so it's true ? " Alessia ignored him and turned to Zachary instead . " I'm heading in . " " Alright , I'll wait for you at the gate after school . No rush - take your time ," Zachary replied . She nodded and shot Pierce a look , then the two of them made their way toward the school . The crowd dispersed ; the morning buzz faded as everyone drifted back to their routines . As soon as they stepped onto campus , Pierce couldn't hold it in any longer . " So that whole family reunion thing was real ? " " You got an invitation too ? " " Not exactly . I just happened to spot a stack of invitations when the butler was sorting them yesterday . But I don't even know Ileana - I figured it must be some distant branch of the Tate family from the middle of nowhere , so I didn't bother . When I saw everyone chatting about it online this morning , I wanted to ask you - what's going on ? " " What do you think ? " Alessia grinned , not a hint of sadness on her face . " The real deal's back . Time for the imposter to step aside . " " Hey , that's not- " " Alessia - no , wait , Alessia ! " A girl came striding over , cutting Pierce off mid - sentence . Alessia waved in greeting . " News travels fast , huh ? " 13:50 " In this crowd ? One family sneezes , and the whole town catches a cold . Penny Sullivan bumped fists with her . " Don't forget to give me that dress after school . " I'm being kicked out and you're still worried about clothes ? " Alessia looked exasperated . " Since when were you this obsessed with money ? " Penny gave her a look that said , You can't be serious . " So you're not staying with the Tates - big deal . It's not like you're starving . Besides , isn't now the time to make some cash ? The money you get selling your stuff goes straight into your pocket . Should I pity you ? Please , pity me instead , you crafty fox . " Pierce , listening in , couldn't help but laugh . Penny shot him a glare , and he zipped his lips in a hurry . " Alright , alright . I knew you'd ask , so I set aside one just like it . I'll leave it in your locker later . " " Did you look at the design sketches I sent ? " " The modern cheongsam - style dress is nice . I'll send you my notes on the other designs tonight . " Penny nodded and left without another word , slipping away as if they were just classmates who barely knew each other and had exchanged greetings out of necessity . Pierce smirked . " So you two are just ' dead to each other ' kind of friends , huh ? " Alessia rolled her eyes . " With English like that , you think diplomat ? " you could pass for a Pierce tossed his red hair with mock swagger . " International level , baby . " She burst out laughing and clapped him on the shoulder . " Come on . I'm not risking a tardy slip for your sake . " " By the way , I heard the Mortons moved away after they went bankrupt ― owed a bunch of money , not doing so well . Are you okay living there ? Cole's really letting you rough it ? If you don't want to take Cole's help , you can crash at my place . I'll even hire you a housekeeper and a driver . Trust me , life would be way sweeter than at the Tates or the Mortons . " Chapter 50