Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 281

Henry couldn’t hide his smile, and his voice was full of joy. He’d been the butler for years, and the tension between Olliver and Elena had always worried him. Thankfully, their relationship was finally improving, giving him a glimmer of hope.

After Henry left, the cleaning staff also cleared out, leaving only a few people in the living room. The atmosphere grew

tense.

Olliver clasped his hands together, looking like he wanted to say something. He opened his mouth but still didn’t speak.

Elena watched him, feeling a mix of emotions. The father she remembered was a stern man of few words, rarely showing that side of himself.

Just as she was about to say something to lighten the mood, a female voice, tinged with sobs, echoed through the living room. “Elena!”

Everyone turned to see a tired–looking woman standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her hair was messy, her face pale, and she wore a shawl draped over her slender frame.

Elena’s eyes showed a hint of surprise when she saw Lydia, her mother. It had been a year since she last saw Lydia, who used to have a pretty and refined face. She hadn’t expected Lydia to look so much older in just one year.

A pang hit Elena, and without hesitation, she quickly moved forward to support Lydia.

Just then, a maid caught up and, seeing Elena, spoke excitedly, “Ms. Shelton, is it really you? Have you really come back?”

Tears started to fall as she spoke, “Just now, Mrs. Shelton heard you were back and rushed out without even changing her clothes. We’ve been so worried, but now that you’re here to comfort her, she’ll definitely get better soon.”

Elena focused on the last sentence and looked at the maid, asking, “Is Mom sick?”

“You didn’t know?”

“Alright, don’t talk

of turn, the maid bowed

was just a quick look before she turned away, sensing

too focused

hand. Feeling the warmth of those teardrops, Lydia’s heart tightened as she looked at Elena

it made Lydia’s heart ache. Lydia often wished Elena didn’t have to be so strong and could cry when upset, instead of always holding it

better would it have been if she hadn’t been born into

wipe Elena’s

those words, Elena’s tears flowed even harder, dropping one after another. She bit her lip, trying hard to control them. But the tears seemed determined to defy her; the more she tried, the

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heart was

crying like a child. In

mature.

very anxious. She reached out to gently pat Elena’s back, wanted to comfort her, but found words

made his heart ache to see her tears. He wondered, ‘If I remember correctly, this is the first time I’ve seen Elena

was a child, she wouldn’t shed a tear even

to stand up, Elysia and Ava, beside him, got up and walked over

gently patted Elena’s back, and although she hadn’t said anything, Elena looked up at

wipe away Elena’s tears. “Who says you can’t cry? Even when you cry, Elena, you’re still

joking. I must look awful now.”

and put her arm around her. She continued, her voice gentle, “Let’s just sit down for now; Mrs. Shelton probably shouldn’t stand for too long.”

when she was sitting on the couch earlier. Lydia looked frail and out of breath–like she’d been in bed for a long