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

got it wrong. We’re not that close,” Fabian

unusually tense. Neither of the

He pulled out a chair and sat down right across from Elysia.

brothers‘ faces darkened. They were clearly

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

you, Javier. I’m used

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Chapter 354

in annoyance. If it weren’t for Elysia,

Hartley, you really know how to talk, don’t you? I’m

been a joke. No girlfriends to speak of, Zane

appreciate you looking after Elysia while she was in Sivro. If you ever need anything business–related, don’t hesitate

that I should come to him for help in business but nothing else. Does he think I won’t

glanced at Elysia, wondering, ‘Is he worried that I might have other intentions toward her? Does he really think he can stop me from whatever I plan to

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

“I heard from Elysia that the house in Royal Bay is under your name?”

was too far from school, so she

“Mr. Hartley, how about this? Name your price, and I’d like to buy

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

remained calm but firm. “You know exactly what

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

So, is he trying to help me out? Is

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 his sister,‘ he thought.

it seemed like Fabian’s attitude toward him had shifted. He wasn’t

looks. Fabian’s offer to buy the house had caught them completely

what they

in Royal Bay meant Zane would

worried Zane might steal Elysia away from

Fabian, trying to make sense of it. She wondered, ‘Isn’t

didn’t say

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