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.

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

We’re not that close,”

unusually tense. Neither

expression remained calm as ever. He pulled out a chair and sat

fork and dropped a piece of food into Elysia’s bowl. Her brothers‘ faces darkened. They were clearly irritated that Zane was acting like they

on your own meal. Elysia has us to take care of her,” Javier

you, Javier. I’m used to it,”

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Chapter 354

weren’t for Elysia, he’d have kicked Zane out by now.

know how to talk, don’t you? I’m guessing you’ve had your fair share of

you’re messing with me. My love life has been a joke. No

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

definitely hinting that I should come to him for

might have other intentions toward her? Does he really think he can

for thanks. I’ve been more than happy to help.

paused for a long moment before answering. “I heard from Elysia that the house in Royal Bay is under your

too far from school, so she moved in with

your price, and I’d like to buy the house from you.”

puzzled. “Mr. Evans, I don’t think I understand. What exactly do you mean?”

voice remained calm but firm. “You know exactly what I mean.”

two men locked eyes. A look of mild confusion crossed Zane’s face before his eyes shifted to Elysia, his

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

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

attitude toward him had shifted. He wasn’t as guarded as before, which Zane

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

couldn’t believe what

Royal Bay meant Zane would see Elysia every

worried Zane might steal Elysia

to make sense of it. She wondered,

confused, she didn’t say

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