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.

problem. I’m not so petty,” Fabian continued. “And Elysia is like a

Joel responded

he eagerly awaited Fabian’s arrival. He was confident that his plan would work to perfection.

to hold Fabian up. If they chose to have

far away from the city center, just the drive

a while, it would definitely be evening by

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With a friend like me, what could go wrong?‘ Jeremy grinned

gratitude to him, Jeremy only hoped that Zane could help

strolling alongside Nicole, hand in hand, his excitement

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

tone slightly playful. “Elysia, Mr. Hartley has been waiting for you for quite some

to him. I didn’t miss him.”

quickly sobered up. “Ah, yes, I misspoke.

knowing wink before turning back to Zane, his voice rising in pitch.

“Go,” Vincent urged.

in a low voice before rushing off to

to face her, his expression serious. “Elysia, how long has it been since you last visited me?”

in front of him, her voice softening. “Mr. Hartley, the moment I had free

blinked her big

“If I don’t push you, you won’t have any

“I wanted to come earlier, but Zane

Elysia. His expression turned even less friendly.

calm and matter–of–fact. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t see Elysia.”

to snap back, Elysia intervened, a playful smile on her face, “Mr. Hartley, Zane is right.

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

his tone. “Fine. Since Elysia says so, I won’t hold

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

to be dismissed

wonder, “Why is Zane always making Mr. Hartley unhappy? It seems as if Elysia were Mr. Hartley’s own biological granddaughter.

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cups down and sat down. Vincent helped Elysia

to Vincent. “Elysia, listen to me,” he