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.

Zane replied

when does he let me go without a fight? Isn’t he

I’m really going to my room,” she repeated, pointing

to go, you can stay and clean up,”

Alice quickly backtracked, but then she turned to Elysia with a hopeful smile. “Elysia,

you have questions, I’ll

room? I have so many

alone,”

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Chapter 294

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it now. Zane didn’t want me to go to my room earlier because he wanted Elysia to stay where he

figuring it out, Alice headed upstairs, leaving Zane

loaded the dishes into the dishwasher, she leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, and gave Zane a teasing smile. “I didn’t know you were such

replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You’ll find out more in

warm, almost too much for Elysia to handle. She quickly looked away, her eyes scanning the kitchen. “Do you need any help?”

meant to be protected, not used for chores,” Zane said, his

softly. “Whoever marries you someday

low and deliberate. “But I don’t

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

he moved around the kitchen. ‘It’s hard to believe someone so commanding in the business

the countertops, the stove, and the neatly arranged utensils. But when she turned

her, effectively trapping her in his arms. “So, how’s the

well. Keep up

my efforts?” Zane teased, his eyes

is he implying?‘ she wondered, her pulse quickening. Before she could process his words, Zane suddenly scooped