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.

Hartley, you’ve got it wrong. We’re not that close,” Fabian said, his voice

felt unusually tense. Neither of the two said anything, but

a chair and

casually picked up his 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 weren’t even there.

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

trouble you, Javier. I’m used

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Chapter 354

in annoyance. If it weren’t for

you really know how to talk, don’t you? I’m guessing you’ve had your fair share of girlfriends, Holden teased.

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

Fabian cut in, “Mr. Hartley, I really appreciate you looking after Elysia while she was in Sivro. If you ever need anything

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

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

for thanks. I’ve been more than

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

far from school, so she moved in with me for convenience,” Zane

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

“Mr. Evans, I don’t think I understand. What exactly do you

calm but firm. “You

locked eyes. A look of mild confusion crossed Zane’s face before

he trying to help me out?

curled into a knowing smile. ‘Of course, Fabian’s cautious. He’s probably trying to avoid owing me too much. Buying the house would

him had shifted.

the table exchanged shocked looks. Fabian’s offer to

what they were

a house in Royal Bay meant Zane would see Elysia

made them uneasy. They were worried Zane

stunned. She glanced at Fabian, trying to make sense of it. She

confused, she didn’t

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