Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 316

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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.

is not a problem. I’m not so petty,” Fabian continued. “And Elysia is like a bird meant to fly freely. I don’t

Joel responded quietly.

a sense of satisfaction as he eagerly awaited Fabian’s arrival. He was

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

away from the city center, just the drive there

a while, it would definitely be evening by the time they

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like me, what could go wrong?‘ Jeremy grinned

rather than having Zane express gratitude to him, Jeremy only hoped that Zane could help bring him and

in hand, his excitement made his

the door was answered by Faclan. His eyes lit up when he saw them. “Mr. Hartley, Elysia, please, come in!” he said with a welcoming smile.

slightly playful. “Elysia, Mr. Hartley has been

don’t listen to him. I didn’t miss

sobered up. “Ah, yes,

Zane, his voice rising in

“Go,” Vincent urged.

really has been waiting for you,” Faelan said in a low voice

to face her, his expression serious. “Elysia, how long has

tone made Elysia smile warmly as she squatted in front of him, her voice softening. “Mr. Hartley, the

her big

frown deepened, though his voice remained light. “If I don’t push you, you won’t have any sense of urgency. I’m starting to

I forget, Mr. Hartley?” Elysia’s voice was almost innocent, and she added, “I wanted to come earlier, but Zane told me you were away in Jorlandia for a

quietly behind Elysia. His expression turned even less friendly. “What are you doing

and matter–of–fact. “If it weren’t

smile on her face, “Mr. Hartley, Zane is right. If he hadn’t come to pick me up, I wouldn’t

he couldn’t bring himself to stay mad at him with Elysia standing up for him.

his tone. “Fine. Since Elysia says

Faelan returned with a tray of coffee, but when he overheard the conversation, his

expected Zane to be

unhappy? It seems as if

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down and sat down. Vincent helped Elysia up. “Elysia, sit beside

sat next to Vincent. “Elysia, listen to me,” he began.