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.

need for all the formalities. Considering we’re friends, just call me

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

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 cut with a

pulled out a chair and sat down

bowl. Her brothers‘ faces darkened. They were clearly irritated that Zane

focus on your own meal. Elysia has us to take care of her,” Javier said, his voice tight with

I’m used to it,” Zane replied,

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Chapter 354

brows furrowed in annoyance. If it weren’t for Elysia, he’d

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

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

you looking after Elysia while she was in Sivro. If you ever

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

I might have other intentions toward her? Does he really think he can stop me from whatever I

Evans, there’s no need for thanks. I’ve

Elysia that the house in Royal Bay

place was too far from school, so

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

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

remained calm but firm. “You know exactly

A look of mild confusion crossed Zane’s face before his

is he trying to help me out? Is

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,

table exchanged shocked looks. Fabian’s offer to buy

believe what they were

house in Royal Bay meant Zane would

They were worried Zane might steal

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

didn’t

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