Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 317

Faelan felt a pang of dissatisfaction. “Mr. Hartley, when I first entered the competition, you didn’t tell me anything like this”

Vincent shot Faelan a sideways glance, his tone harsh. “How long had you been learning from me back then? If you couldn’t even place in the competition, I’d be embarrassed to say you were my student.”

Faclan was left speechless, unsure how to respond.

But Vincent wasn’t done yet. This time, his tone softened slightly. “Besides, Elysia is a girl. As a guy, the pressure you face is definitely much heavier.”

Another blow to my ego, Faelan thought to himself, Just because I’m not a girl?

Vincent didn’t seem to care about Faelan’s thoughts. His eyes shifted toward Elysia as he continued speaking, “Elysia, the preliminary round is set for early January, The semi–finals will be in early February,

“Go ahead and find a piece of artwork to submit. Have Faclan submit it for you, Once the prelims are over, you can start preparing for the semi–finals.”

“Got it, Mr. Hartley,” Elysia replied.

“It’s okay. Just treat it like a game. It doesn’t matter if you win an award or not,” Vincent said, his tone light.

Elysia was stunned for a moment, her thoughts racing. ‘If I enter this competition, I definitely want to place well. No matter what, I can’t embarrass Mr. Hartley.

As they walked out of Iskoria Villa, Faelan walked them to the gate, a smile plastered on his face. “In previous years, I was the only one competing, which made it feel like I was fighting alone. Elysia, this year, we’re both entering. It’s going to be much more lively.”

“Faelan, don’t worry. I’ll work hard. From now on, this won’t just be your fight. It will be both of ours,” Elysia said confidently.

Zane froze for a moment, his mind whirling. ‘Does Elysia even realize what she just said? When did she and Faelan get so close? Now they’re going to fight side by side?‘

Zane furrowed his brow, his gaze shifting to Faelan, suddenly feeling a surge of irritation toward him.

Faelan, completely oblivious to Zane’s changing expression, chuckled. “Elysia, you’re right. You’re incredibly talented. I believe you’ll definitely do well in this competition.”

“You too, Faelan,” Elysia said warmly.

“Elysia is indeed smart,” Zane said, glancing at Elysia. His voice softened, a hint of fondness evident, but when his eyes flicked toward Faelan, his mood noticeably soured.

His tone turned low, and an unmistakable pressure seemed to radiate from him. “Faelan, you can go now. We’re leaving.”

moment, Faelan sensed something was off. His smile faltered, his thoughts racing. ‘Did I upset Mr. Hartley? What

was no time to think about it. Faelan quickly spoke up. “Mr. Hartley,

chance to respond, Faelan had

still confused. ‘What’s

grim expression. The words caught in her throat. He seemed to be strange

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car, Zane said curtly as he opened the passenger door. Elysia, still full of questions, slid into the seat. She remained lost in thought, trying to make sense of the strange

Zane started fastening her seatbelt that she snapped back

40

relaxed a little

are both acting strange. Did Faelan say

a word, he resumed, fastening the seatbelt properly. Once done, he leaned over, his arm resting

voice became unusually intense. “Who

started, her voice faltering as she met Zane’s deep, mesmerizing gaze. Her heart raced, and she couldn’t help but feel a tightening in her chest.

in his eyes, leaned in slightly, reducing

“Zane,” she murmured.

Zane’s lips curled into a subtle smile as he whispered in her ear, his

sent a shiver down Elysia’s spine. Without thinking, she

flushed face with increasing

away.

to Faelan?” Zane asked, his tone filled with

the pieces clicked together. She finally understood the source of Zane’s

It doesn’t seem like a big deal, right?‘

voice cut through

Elysia said, trying to dismiss the tension.

doesn’t matter, but-” Zane’s gaze darkened as he looked directly at her. He enunciated each word carefully. “You can only be close to me. No other men should get too

realizing what had been bothering him. The seriousness

stared at him with

hand on her head, his voice softening. “Elysia, when are you

this comment from him more than once, frowned. “I’m an

young,” Zane replied, his voice gentle but