Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 294

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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

go without a fight?

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

stay and clean up,” Zane said

to Elysia with a hopeful smile. “Elysia, want to come to my room?

furrowed. “Elysia’s tired. If you

room? I have so many cool things to show her!” Alice persisted.

go alone,”

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Thu, 13 Mar

Chapter 294

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Elysia to stay

of herself for figuring it out, Alice headed upstairs, leaving Zane

the dishes into the dishwasher, she leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, and gave Zane a teasing

don’t know about me,” Zane replied, his eyes

Elysia to handle. She quickly looked away, her eyes scanning the kitchen.

hands are meant to be protected, not used for

chuckled softly. “Whoever marries you someday is going to

onto hers, his expression serious. “Maybe,” he said, his voice low and deliberate.

me?‘ she thought, her mind racing. She quickly looked away, her cheeks

respond, instead focusing on Zane’s figure as he moved around the kitchen. ‘It’s hard to believe someone so commanding in the business world

kitchen, inspecting the space like a supervisor on a tour. She glanced at the countertops, the stove, and the neatly arranged utensils. But when she turned around, Zane was right behind

side of her, effectively trapping her in his arms. “So, how’s the inspection going, boss?” he asked, his voice

slightly, creating some distance between them. “It’s going well. Keep up the good work,” she replied, trying to

for my efforts?” Zane teased,

pulse quickening. Before she could process his words, Zane suddenly scooped her up and placed her on the