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 tfor 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 bectranslucent.

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 invitedover for dinner,” Zane replied.

“Dinner?” Phoebe peeked inside, clearly doubtful. She stepped aside and gestured for him to cin. “Mr.

Hartley, please, cin.”

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.

“Mr. Evans, there's no need for all the formalities. Considering we're friends, just callZane,” Zane replied

smoothly.

“Mr. Hartley, you've got it wrong. We're not that close,” Fabian said, his voice cool.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop 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 knife.

Zane's expression remained calm as ever. He pulled out a chair and sat down right across from Elysia.

He 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.

“Mr. Hartley, maybe you should focus on your own meal. Elysia has us to take care of her,” Javier said, his voice

tight with frustration.

“No need to trouble you, Javier. I'm used to it,” Zane replied, unbothered.

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Chapter 354

Javier's brows furrowed in annoyance. If it weren't for Elysia, he'd have kicked Zane out by now.

“Mr. Hartley, you really know how to talk, don’t you? I'm guessing you've had your fair share of girlfriends,

Holden teased.

“Holden, you're messing with me. My love life has been a joke. No girlfriends to speak of, Zane said.

The atmosphere grew tense. Just as Elysia was about to speak, Fabian cut in, “Mr. Hartley, | really appreciate you

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

out.”

Zane's lips twitched into a small smile. “This sly old fox. He’s definitely hinting that | should cto him for help

in business but nothing else. Does he think | won't catch on?‘ he thought.

He glanced at Elysia, wondering, ‘Is he worried that | might have other intentions toward her? Does he really

think he can stopfrom whatever | plan to do?”

Zane responded smoothly, “Mr. Evans, there's no need for thanks. I've been more than happy to help.

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

your name?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Elysia’s old place was too far from school, so she moved in withfor convenience,” Zane

replied.

“Really?” Fabian leaned forward slightly. “Mr. Hartley, how about this? Nyour price, and I'd like to buy the

house from you.”

Zane raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Mr. Evans, | don’t think | understand. What exactly do you mean?”

Fabian’s voice remained calm but firm. “You know exactly what | mean.”

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

eyebrow slightly raised.

‘If Fabian buys the house, Elysia could stay there permanently. So, is he trying to helpout? Is this his way of

repayingfor taking care of Elysia?’ he thought.

Zane's lips curled into a knowing smile. ‘Of course, Fabian’s cautious. He's probably trying to avoid owingtoo

much. Buying the house would settle things without makingtoo personally involved with his sister,’ he

thought.

From what Zane had picked up tonight, it seemed like Fabian’s attitude toward him had shifted. He wasn't as

guarded as before, which Zane thought was a good sign.

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

off guard.

They couldn't believe what they were hearing.

Buying a house in Royal Bay meant Zane would see Elysia every day.

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

Elysia was also stunned. She glanced at Fabian, trying to make sense of it. She wondered, ‘Isn't Fabian against