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.

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

Evans,” Joel responded quietly.

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

promised, he would do his best. Zane had asked him to hold Fabian up. If they chose to have the talk in the city center, Fabian would have to leave soon.

city center, just

then if they had a casual conversation for a while, it would definitely be evening by the time they were done.

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

Jeremy only hoped

in hand, his

and the door was answered by Faclan. His eyes lit up when

inside, Faelan’s gaze turned toward Elysia, his tone slightly playful. “Elysia, Mr. Hartley has been waiting for you for quite some

to him. I didn’t miss him.” Vincent’s

“Ah, yes, I misspoke. Sorry.”

flashed Elysia a knowing wink before turning back to Zane, his voice rising in pitch. “Mr. Hartley, I’ll go

“Go,” Vincent urged.

really has been waiting for you,” Faelan said in a low voice before rushing off to prepare

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

warmly as she squatted in front of him, her

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 suspect you’ve forgotten

was almost innocent, and she added, “I wanted to come earlier, but Zane

quietly behind Elysia. His expression

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 have

Zane, he couldn’t bring himself to stay mad at him with Elysia standing

Elysia says so, I won’t hold it

coffee, but when

expected Zane to be dismissed yet

Mr. Hartley unhappy? It seems as if Elysia were Mr. Hartley’s own

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Vincent helped Elysia up. “Elysia, sit

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