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!

a bit grim as she looked at

you, you wouldn’t have made it to today. Besides, Elysia hasn’t said anything about killing you, and I

have to take your life, I 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

she show any fear. She had killed before and knew that one

for her life

in this world worth holding onto. No one wanted her to live, and she couldn’t understand why

pitiful. You’ve been controlled since you were a child, and

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Chapter 296

parents are.

86%

won’t earn you my sympathy. I’m not that generous. Even if you weren’t the one pulling the strings, you’re still tied to all of this.”

at her, silent.

Hearing the footsteps, Phoebe looked up and her expression brightened instantly when she saw Elysia.

you just now coming back?” she exclaimed, rushing to Elysia’s side and

Royal Bay. Phoebe, we’re moving to

fully on the

ask more, Elysia suddenly stopped, her gaze landing

brought her out to have

Elysia fell silent.

now. She’s afraid to fight me, scared that I might accidentally 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

be easy. With someone like her, winning her heart was

fine. Letting her out for

a rope, and held

were covered in bruises and rope marks. Phoebe saw this

felt that something was off about Zoe today. She wondered,

sending Zoe back to the storage room, Phoebe skipped out, linking her arm with Elysia’s.

you say anything special to Zoe

that I told Zoe to wait, that one day I’ll take her life.