Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 316

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+40)

Joel’s question hung in the air as Fabian remained silent, a subtle understanding flashing across Joel’s face. “Mr. Evans, if you already know, then why still go through with the meeting?”

At first, Fabian had not suspected Zane’s involvement. It wasn’t until the meeting time and location were set with Jeremy that Fabian began to find the arrangement suspicious.

The Murphy Family was too prominent in Sivro to be this short–sighted or naive.

Choosing such a moment and such a distant location made no sense unless there was more to it.

The timing was too perfect, coinciding with Elysia’s school dismissal, and the café was far enough to make a simple meeting feel like an inconvenient detour.

The connection, once made, was obvious. Fabian thought it through and immediately understood.

“This is Zane’s gift to me,” Fabian said, his voice dry with a hint of amusement. “Why would I refuse?”

“But Mr. Evans,” Joel persisted, “you said Mr. Murphy doesn’t really want to discuss business. Why would Mr. Hartley go through all this effort? What’s his purpose? And a gift?”

Fabian’s gaze turned distant. “The Murphy Family has much interest in the western district plot and doesn’t want to sell it out. Through the meeting, Zane provided an opportunity. If I go through with this, the outcome could be uncertain.”

Joel, confused by the deeper implication, switched tracks. “But why would Mr. Hartley do all this?”

Fabian didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he lifted his eyes, staring out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Joel’s mind raced. “You mean Ms. Evans?”

“Smart boy.” Fabian lowered his head and continued, “This was a tactic. Zane’s goal was to get me away.”

“So, you didn’t let me pick up Ms. Evans because you already knew Mr. Hartley would be involved?” Joel said.

“Exactly,” Fabian affirmed.

“But aren’t you worried about Ms. Evans being alone with Mr. Hartley?” Joel asked carefully.

Fabian’s tone remained steady. “Why would I be worried? I don’t particularly like Zane, but Elysia does.”

Joel glanced at Fabian in the rearview mirror, contemplating his words. ‘Has Mr. Evans‘ doting on Ms. Evans reached the extent that he is willing to let go of this matter?‘ he thought.

petty,” Fabian continued. “And Elysia is like a bird meant to fly

Evans,” Joel responded

feeling a sense of satisfaction as he eagerly awaited Fabian’s arrival. He was confident that his plan

best. Zane had asked him to hold Fabian up. If they

center, just the drive there would take half a day.

if they had a casual conversation for a while, it would definitely

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so lucky. With a friend like me, what could go wrong?‘

than having Zane express gratitude to him, Jeremy only

alongside Nicole, hand in hand, his excitement made

His eyes lit up when he saw them. “Mr. Hartley, Elysia, please, come in!” he said with

turned toward Elysia, his tone slightly playful. “Elysia, Mr. Hartley has been waiting for you for quite some time. It’s about time

him. I didn’t miss him.” Vincent’s voice rang out

up. “Ah, yes,

his voice rising in

“Go,” Vincent urged.

you,” Faelan said in a low voice before rushing off to

Vincent, sitting on the couch, turned to face her, his expression serious. “Elysia, how long has it

squatted in front of him, her voice softening. “Mr.

her big eyes.

you won’t have

was almost innocent, and she added, “I wanted to come earlier, but Zane told me you were away in Jorlandia for a seminar, so I just

Zane standing quietly behind Elysia. His expression turned

response was calm and matter–of–fact. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t

intervened, a playful smile on her face, “Mr. Hartley, Zane is right. If he hadn’t

hesitated, hearing Elysia’s defense. Though he didn’t like Zane, he couldn’t bring

“Fine. Since Elysia says so,

coffee, but when he overheard the conversation, his smile

expected Zane to be

wonder, “Why is Zane always making Mr. Hartley unhappy? It seems as if Elysia were

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down and sat down. Vincent

Vincent. “Elysia,