Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Phoebe’s mind flashed back-Elysia had mentioned before that Arcanum House was too far, and she'd gotten a

new place in Royal Bay.

‘Wait a minute... Is there a connection between Zane and that house in Royal Bay?’ she wondered. Then the

realization hit her. Her gut said Elysia might be willing to give up a lot for just one man. It was a tough pill to

swallow.

Thinking about it, Phoebe realized she'd never seen Elysia so open to someone else’s kindness, especially from a

quy.

She took a good look at Zane, then rested her chin on her hand, nodding thoughtfully. ‘He's... not bad looking,

she thought. ‘No wonder Elysia’s acting different around him.

Phoebe knew Elysia had a soft spot for good-looking people just like her, but she had more self-control. She

could admire others without losing sight of her goals, unlike Elysia, who could get carried away with just one

look.

“Phoebe, Phoebe?” Elysia nudged Phoebe gently, pulling her out of her daydream.

“Huh? What's up?” Phoebe blinked, snapping back to reality.

“What were you thinking about just now? You seemed really deep in thought,” Elysia asked, her eyes curious.

Phoebe forced an embarrassed smile. Those thoughts were better kept to herself, especially around Elysia. With

her limited combat skills, she'd be in for a tough tif Elysia found out.

Phoebe shrugged like it was no big deal. “Oh, nothing much. | was just thinking about when we’re gonna head

out.”

Elysia raised an eyebrow. She didn’t believe Phoebe. She'd seen her looking stressed earlier-it wasn’t just about

leaving. Elysia glanced at Zane, realizing Phoebe’s thoughts were about him, though it was unclear what exactly

she was thinking.

Zane felt Elysia’s gaze and smiled, meeting her eyes. His look was full of warmth and affection.

Elysia was the first to look away. She awkwardly cleared her throat. “Uh... We can head out now.”

“Okay,” Zane replied, his lips curving into a smile. Just one word, but the happiness in his voice was clear as day.

He was looking forward to seeing Elysia more often.

The group piled out of Arcanum House and made their way to Royal Bay. Alice hooked her arm through Elysia’s

and leaned her head on her shoulder, looking totally at ease.

Phoebe, feeling a pang of jealousy, thought Alice had stolen her spot in Elysia’s heart. She wasn’t about to be

left out, though, so she grabbed Elysia’s other arm and leaned on her too.

Elysia glanced at the two girls clinging to her, staying quiet. They could lean on her all they wanted, but she

couldn't help but wonder who she could lean on.

She stole a look at Zane up front, driving. As soon as the thought popped into her head, she shook it off. ‘My

mind is getting way too unreliable these days,’ she thought.

Zane noticed Elysia’s little shrug and smiled. “Elysia, if you ever need it, my shoulder’s always here for you,” he

said, keeping his eyes on the road.

‘What was he talking about?’ Elysia felt embarrassed. She glanced at the clueless girls beside her, still leaning

on her. She sighed in relief and decided to play dumb. It was easier than dealing with awkward glances and

gossip.

When the car rolled into Royal Bay, it pulled up in front of a villa. The group climbed out and stared at it.

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Chapter 336

Alice was the first to speak. “Zane, is this where Elysia’s staying?”

“Yeah,” Zane replied.

Alice looked around and nodded. “That's pretty close.” She grabbed Elysia’s hand and pointed to another villa

nearby. “Elysia, we live right over there.”

55]

Elysia followed her hand and saw the villa just 33 feet away. She recalled Zane mentioning his villa in Royal Bay

was close to hers. Now she knew exactly what he meant.

“Alice, you should head back first,” Zane said, his voice low.

Alice hesitated, then let go of Elysia’s hand. “Elysia, let's go to school together tomorrow. Remember to wait for

me, okay?”

“Okay,” Elysia nodded, smiling.

Alice seemed happy with that and started to walk away. But after a few steps, she turned back. “Hey... Phoebe,

do you want to cwith me?”

The sudden mention of her ncaught Phoebe off guard. She pointed to herself. “Wait, are you talking about

me?”

“You, of course,” Alice replied.

“I'm good. You can go by yourself.” She stopped herself, realizing it sounded weird. “I mean, I'm not going with

you. I'm heading back here.”

She pointed to the villa next to them and then grabbed Elysia’s hand. “Hey, Elysia, givethe keys.”

Elysia sighed, pulled the keys out of her pocket, and handed them over.

Phoebe took the keys and walked into the villa without looking back. Just like that, it was only Zane and Elysia

left.

-Under the night sky, Zane looked as handsas ever. “Did you just say living here would bring you closer to

Alice?” His

voice was low, with a hint of charm and a touch of softness.

Elysia didn’t get why he brought it up, so she just shrugged and said, “Yeah, it does putcloser to Alice.”

Zane raised an eyebrow. “What else?” he pressed.

Elysia glanced at Zane, her voice wavering a bit. “And... it bringsa bit closer to you too.”

Zane smiled softly and ruffled her hair. “I'm glad you're here,” he said, his voice warm. In the cool night air, his

smile looked even more inviting.

“You should head back soon,” he added. “It’s getting chilly.”

Elysia nodded and started to walk away, but Zane gently held her wrist.

“Elysia, good night,” he said, his deep voice carrying a hint of reluctance.

Elysia didn’t turn around, just murmured, “Good night,” softly.

Zane finally released her wrist, his fist tightening as if to hold on to the memory of her touch just a bit longer. He

watched Elysia walk away, his eyes filled with tender affection.

Phoebe had been lounging on the second floor, keeping an eye on everything happening below. The moment she

saw Elysia heading for the door, she sprinted downstairs and caught up to her just in time.

Out of breath, she grabbed Elysia’s hand and blurted out excitedly, “Elysia, you and him... | mean... do you like

him? Like,

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Chapter 336

for real?”

Elysia was caught off guard. “Why do you ask?”

0075%0

“I'm just curious. All these years, I've never seen you act this way with any guy,” Phoebe said, then added,

“Wait, you haven't even met that many guys over the years, have you?”

Elysia stood there, stunned into silence.

Phoebe’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Elysia, you're not seriously into him, are you?”

Elysia shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “Does it matter?”

Phoebe nodded. “Yeah, it does. You've barely met any guys, and you're ready to throw away all your options just

for him? Isn't that a bit... short-sighted?”