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.

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

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

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

expression remained calm as ever. He pulled out a

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

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

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

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Chapter 354

weren’t for Elysia, he’d have kicked

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

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

grew tense. Just as Elysia was about 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 to reach

He’s definitely hinting that I should come to him for help in

intentions toward her? Does he really think he can stop me from whatever I plan to do?”

no need for thanks. I’ve been more than

from Elysia that the house in

school, so she moved in with me for convenience,” Zane replied.

Hartley, how about this? Name your price, and I’d like to buy the house

puzzled. “Mr. Evans, I don’t

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

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

trying to help me out? Is this his way of repaying me for taking

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

him had shifted. He wasn’t as guarded as before, which Zane thought was a good sign.

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

couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

Royal Bay meant Zane would see Elysia every day.

very thought made them uneasy. They were worried Zane might steal Elysia away from

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

confused, she didn’t say

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