Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 294

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423)

Alice stared at Zane in disbelief. ‘He’s actually smiling after being ignored?‘ she thought, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. ‘Is he losing his mind? But he doesn’t seem crazy. Ugh, whatever. I shouldn’t meddle in grown–up stuff; she thought.

Alice popped a piece of braised beef into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. ‘Fine. Aside from being sneaky, Zane’s actually not that bad. He can cook, he’s presentable, and… well, he’s not bad–looking. He’s definitely good enough for Elysia, she thought.

Elysia, meanwhile, noticed Zane’s lingering gaze and tilted her head slightly, ‘What’s he smiling about?‘ she wondered, her curiosity piqued. She took another bite of the food, savoring the flavors. “Zane’s cooking is really good. I guess he’s been doing this for a while.

As she ate, a small plate appeared in front of her, filled with peeled shrimp. The scene felt oddly familiar.

‘Nicole treated me to a meal once, and Zane did the same thing–peeling shrimp for me. Ever since I met him, meals have become so much easier,‘ she mused.

She glanced up at Zane, who was focused on his task, his expression serious. “Eat up. I know you like these,” he said, his voice soft but firm.

Elysia felt her heart skip a beat. “There’s something about him,’ she thought, her cheeks warming. ‘Even the simplest gestures from him seem to have this effect on me. He’s captivating‘

Over the years, she hadn’t met many men who caught her attention, but Zane was different. At first, she’d only noticed how handsome he was. Now, there was something more–something deeper that she couldn’t quite put into words.

Alice, on the other hand, was staring at Zane in shock. ‘Zane being this thoughtful? I’ve never seen this side of him before. This is a first! But am I third–wheeling here?‘ she thought.

She was about to suggest giving them some alone time when Elysia slid the plate of shrimp toward her. Alice blinked in surprise. “Elysia?”

“Eat up,” Elysia said with a gentle smile.

Alice nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. ‘Even if Zane doesn’t care about me, at least Elysia does. She doesn’t think I’m in the way, she thought.

After finishing the meal, Alice stretched and yawned, grabbing her backpack from the couch. She was about to head upstairs to her room when she turned back to Zane. “I’m going to my room to do homework,” she announced.

replied

‘Wait, he’s okay with it? Since when does he let me go without a fight? Isn’t he worried I’ll just slack

my room,” she repeated, pointing upstairs for emphasis.

can stay and clean up,” Zane said without looking up.

to Elysia with a hopeful smile. “Elysia, want

If you have questions, I’ll help

if I just show Elysia around my room? I have so many cool

can go alone,” Zane

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Chapter 294

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earlier because he wanted Elysia to stay where he could

it out, Alice headed upstairs, leaving Zane and Elysia

against the doorway, arms crossed, and gave Zane a

about me,” Zane replied, his

for Elysia to handle. She quickly looked away, her eyes scanning the kitchen. “Do you need

girl’s hands are meant to be protected, not used for chores,” Zane said, his tone light but firm.

“Whoever marries you someday is

his voice low and deliberate. “But

heart skipped a beat. ‘Is he talking about me?‘ she thought, her mind racing. She quickly looked away,

on Zane’s figure as he moved around the kitchen. ‘It’s hard to believe someone so commanding in the business world has this domestic side to him,’ she thought.

glanced at the

in slightly, his hands resting on the counter on either side of her, effectively trapping her in his arms. “So, how’s the inspection going,

slightly, creating some distance between them. “It’s going well.

rewards for my efforts?” Zane teased,

his words, Zane suddenly scooped her up and placed her on the kitchen counter. “Zane!” Elysia exclaimed, her eyes wide with