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.

formalities. Considering we’re friends, just call me Zane,”

not that close,”

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

remained calm as ever. He pulled out a chair and sat down right across from Elysia.

into Elysia’s bowl. Her brothers‘

meal. Elysia has us to take care of her,” Javier said, his voice

trouble you, Javier. I’m used to it,” Zane replied,

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Chapter 354

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

don’t you? I’m guessing you’ve had your fair share of girlfriends,

life has been a joke. No

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

a small smile. “This sly old fox. He’s definitely hinting that I should come to him for

toward her? Does he really think he

no need for thanks. I’ve been more

from Elysia that the house in

was too far from school, so she moved in with me for convenience,” Zane replied.

Name your price, and I’d like to buy the house from

an eyebrow, puzzled. “Mr. Evans, I don’t think

“You know

confusion crossed Zane’s

stay there permanently. So, is he trying to help me out?

knowing smile. ‘Of course, Fabian’s cautious. He’s probably trying to avoid owing me too much. Buying the house would settle things without making me too personally involved with

had picked up tonight, it seemed like Fabian’s attitude toward him had shifted. He wasn’t as guarded as before, which Zane thought

Fabian’s offer to buy the house had

couldn’t believe what they were

a house in Royal Bay meant Zane would see Elysia every

uneasy. They were worried Zane might steal Elysia

make sense of it. She wondered, ‘Isn’t Fabian against me being with Zane?

didn’t

their own thoughts. Well, everyone except Phoebe–she was