Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 354

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Not long after, everything was prepped and ready to go. It was time for Elysia to take charge of the kitchen. She tied on her apron and got to work, starting the base for the seafood stew.

She poured olive oil into a large pot and heated it over medium heat. Then, she added onions, carrots, and celery, stirring until the onions became translucent.

Once the spices were added, she gave it a quick stir, and the delicious aroma filled the entire house.

The smell was so tempting that everyone straightened up, took a deep breath, and instinctively swallowed, their mouths watering.

Just as she was about to bring everything to the table, the doorbell rang. Phoebe quickly rushed to answer it, but when she

saw who was standing outside, she froze.

‘What’s Zane doing here?‘ she thought, confused.

She forced a polite smile. “Mr. Hartley, what brings you here?”

“There’s someone who invited me over for dinner,” Zane replied.

“Dinner?” Phoebe peeked inside, clearly doubtful. She stepped aside and gestured for him to come in. “Mr. Hartley, please, come in.”

After all, Zane was the owner of the house. Phoebe was living under his roof, so she had to show respect.

She also figured maybe Elysia had asked him to come.

When Elysia saw Zane standing there, she froze, her hand still holding a fork in midair. ‘What is he doing here? Will my brothers pick a fight with him?‘ she thought.

She glanced over at her brothers sitting nearby, wondering if she should say something. Before she could, Fabian’s voice broke the silence. “He’s my guest,” Fabian said, his tone casual.

Everyone at the table exchanged shocked looks, not understanding why Fabian had invited Zane.

Elysia was also surprised. ‘Didn’t Fabian and Zane have problems with each other? Why would he invite him to dinner?” she wondered.

“Mr. Hartley, please have a seat,” Fabian said.

no need for all the formalities. Considering we’re friends, just call me Zane,” Zane replied

wrong. We’re not that close,” Fabian said, his voice cool.

instantly. Despite the stew in front of them, the atmosphere felt unusually tense. Neither of the two said anything, but the tension was thick enough to

a chair and sat down right

casually picked up his fork and dropped a piece of food into Elysia’s bowl. Her brothers‘ faces darkened. They

maybe you should focus on your own meal. Elysia has us to take care of her,” Javier said,

Javier. I’m used to it,”

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Chapter 354

If it weren’t for Elysia, he’d have kicked

you? I’m guessing you’ve had

me. My love life has been a joke. No girlfriends to speak of, Zane

tense. Just as Elysia was about to speak, Fabian cut in, “Mr. Hartley, I really appreciate you looking after Elysia while she was in Sivro. If you ever need anything business–related, don’t hesitate

twitched into a small smile. “This sly old fox. He’s definitely hinting that I should come to him for help in business but nothing else. Does he

Elysia, wondering, ‘Is he worried that I might have other intentions toward her?

there’s no need for thanks. I’ve been more than happy to help.

paused for a long moment before answering. “I heard from Elysia that

from school, so she moved in with

this? Name your price, and I’d like

“Mr. Evans, I don’t

firm. “You

mild confusion crossed Zane’s face before his eyes shifted to Elysia, his eyebrow slightly

house, Elysia could stay there permanently. So, is he trying to help me out? Is this his way of repaying me for taking

He’s probably trying to avoid owing me too much. Buying the house would settle things without making me too

tonight, it seemed like Fabian’s attitude toward him had shifted. He

the table exchanged shocked looks. Fabian’s offer to buy the house had caught

couldn’t believe what they were

house in Royal Bay meant Zane would see Elysia every

were worried Zane might steal Elysia

was also stunned. She glanced at Fabian, trying to make sense of it. She wondered, ‘Isn’t Fabian

she didn’t

own thoughts. Well, everyone except Phoebe–she was the only one who