Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 296

When family was mentioned, Zoe stood in the dark room, staring through the door frame at Phoebe’s silhouette sitting outside, lost in thought.

She had been with Ryan ever since she was born and had never seen her biological parents. If she had to think of family, Ryan would be the closest thing to it.

Phoebe began to speak, “I used to have family. I had parents, but when I was five, they died in an accident.

“After that, I was often bullied by other kids in the village. Elysia was the only one who protected me; she was different from everyone else.”

As Phoebe talked, a small smile appeared on her lips. “From that time on, I swore to myself that no matter what happened, I would never betray her and would never allow anyone to hurt her

Zoe’s mind conjured up the image of Elysia’s beautiful yet somewhat distant face. She could imagine Elysia stubbornly standing in front of Phoebe, protecting her with a slight frown and a cold expression.

Unfortunately, Zoe had no friends and had never experienced the feeling of being protected by one. Her world had always consisted of just her and Ryan.

Her eyes lowered slightly as she thought, ‘What does it feel like to have a friend? Maybe I’ll never know in this lifetime.

Phoebe continued, “Elysia is incredibly smart and has been gifted since she was a child. Don’t let her cold demeanor fool

you; her heart is softer than anyone’s.

“Once she considers you a friend, you’ll realize just how wonderful she is. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder how someone so sweet could exist in this world.”

Zoe didn’t fully grasp the meaning behind her words but didn’t ask for clarification either.

Suddenly, Phoebe sighed, her voice turning a bit colder. “So, Zoe, how did you manage to go through with killing her?”

She followed that up with a self–deprecating laugh. “I must be going crazy talking to you about this. You’ve been in the shadows, treated as a tool for murder by your boss since you were young. How could you possibly tell right from wrong?”

Zoe’s expression darkened. She thought, ‘She’s right. I’m just a tool for killing. No, not even a tool–I’m more like a puppet on strings.

‘For all these years, I’ve never had my own thoughts or soul. I’m just like a puppet; I do whatever Ryan commands. If Ryan is unhappy, I get beaten. If I’m no longer needed, I’m just tossed aside, as good as dead!

mood a bit grim as she

to kill you, you wouldn’t have made it to today. Besides,

won’t hold back.” Phoebe’s gaze was as calm as a still lake, her tone casual, as if taking a life was as trivial as pulling a

felt no surprise at Phoebe’s words, nor did she show any fear. She had killed before and knew that one day someone

come for her

It seemed like there was nothing in this world worth holding onto. No one wanted her to live, and she couldn’t understand why she should want to

pitiful. You’ve been controlled since you were a

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Chapter 296

parents are.

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sympathy. I’m not that generous. Even if you weren’t the one pulling

just stared at her,

appeared not far away. Hearing the footsteps, Phoebe looked

are you just now coming back?” she exclaimed, rushing

replied, “I went to Royal Bay. Phoebe, we’re moving to a new place

fully on the

stopped, her gaze landing on Zoe.

“I brought her out to have a little spar

Elysia fell silent.

kill her. “So, I had her keep me company and chat. Don’t blame me, Elysia. You came back so late, and I was bored out of my mind.” Elysia didn’t seem to mind. Zoe was powerful; if she could bring her over to their side, that would be perfect. That

sides wouldn’t be easy. With someone like her, winning her heart was the best strategy.

Letting her out for some

turned back into the house, grabbed a rope, and held out her hands, ready for

so long, her wrists were covered in bruises and rope marks. Phoebe saw

today. She wondered, ‘Did Phoebe say something to

Zoe back to the storage room, Phoebe skipped out,

did you say anything special to

really notice? I can’t tell her that I told Zoe to wait, that one day I’ll