Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

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Chapter 272

Upon hearing Jocelyn’s words, Kysse gjene

mentarily w Zane before retrecting her gaze back to Jocelyn. Based on her

carlier conversation with Zane, the knew that Jocelyn thought the was Ada’s friend. She had to follow mit.

Elysia began, “1 happen to be acquired with Ada, so | merely maisted with the introduction. It was a pleasure,

not a

burden

“Do not dismiss is so lightly jocelyn replied warmly. “Elya, you've donea great service. I've always admired

Ada’s designs and dreamed of wearing one of her gowns for my birthday celebration

“However, they're exceptionally rare, and securing a personal design from Ada is no small feat. Thanks to you,

this dream has ctrue. Don’t you think | owe you a heartfelt gratitude?

Elysia hesitated, feeling that she was in a dilemma. Declining might seem ungracious, yet accepting might

appear self- serving

Fortunately, Jocelyn intervened, resolving Elysia’s dilemma. “Here's what we'll do. Elysia, the proposed. “We'll

arrange a meal to properly thank you. And since my birthday is at the end of the month, you must join us.”

Elysia recalled the invitation from Zane, mentioning his mother’s wish to meet Ada. However, even if Ada

couldn’t attend, mingling with her friends would suffice.

At that instant, the sensed a subtle setup. Zane must have anticipated Ada’s absence and invited her instead.

She gave Zane a fleeting glance before nodding “Of course, I'll be there punctually

While she might have declined if it were Zane’s invitation, she couldn't refuse Jocelyn, especially witnessing the

anticipation in her eyes.

Jocelyn, feeling pleased, squeezed Elysia’s hand gently. “I will be eagerly awaiting she said, and then released

her hand, glanced back at Zane.

Jocelyn then silently departed, understanding the need to give the couple sprivacy.

As Jocelyn walked away, Zane spoke up, “She insisted | wouldn't bring you. How much do you believe that?”

“I wouldn't make such claims lightly, Elysia replied.

“Are you afraid of saying the wrong thing and making her unhappy?” Zane inquired.

“Absolutely not.” Elysia dismissed with a pout. “I have no personal connection with her.”

Zane stepped closer and whispered in her ear, “There’s no connection now, but that doesn’t preclude one in the

future.”

Straightening up, he elaborated, “She’s been overseas for stime. We agreed she'd meet you at her birthday

party. | didn’t anticipate her impatience; she returned yesterday unnoticed and attended your party uninvited. If |

hadn't encountered her there, | wouldn't have known she was back.”

Elysia was mildly surprised and about to respond, but Zane continued, “Are you curious about her opinion of

you?”

Elysia arched an eyebrow, her instincts telling her that Zane was up to something. She lowered her gaze slightly

and replied calmly, “Not particularly

Yet Zane seemed to ignore her response, his eyes twinkling with a smile. “She said she’s very pleased,” he

concluded.

Elysia’s eyes widened in astonishment. She wondered, thinking, ‘Could it be that the satisfaction he menown

thoughts?”

mirrored my

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Chapter 272

However, before she could pose a question, Zane had already departed. She gazed at his retreating figure, lost

in contemplation. ‘If my hopes are correct, does this imply | have already gained the approval of his family?

The mere mention of “approval” prompted her to shake her head vigorously, dismissing the notion. She felt

increasingly perplexed-what exactly was she pondering?

As Elysia entered the hall, she noticed guests bidding farewell to Edward. The number of attendees had dwindled

significantly. Her attention was quickly drawn to Elena and Ava, who were standing nearby, and she approached

them.

“Elysia, what took you so long?” Ava inquired with a curious expression.

Elysia merely shook her head and replied, “Nothing much, just took a moment to get sfresh air outside.”

Just as she finished speaking, a middle-aged man approached them. Elena’s expression subtly changed upon

seeing him.

The man was tall, with sharply arched eyebrows, radiating an aura of seriousness and stiffness. He halted in

front of them and inquired, “Elena, are you coming back with me?”

His tone was perfectly normal, yet devoid of any emotion, making him appear somewhat stern. Elysia scrutinized

him carefully, already having a fair idea of his identity. This must be Elena’s father, the person in charge of the

Shelton family.

“No need, | prefer to stay at the Evans residence tonight and be with Elysia.” Elena’s voice was cold, devoid of

any trace of emotion.

Ava was taken aback. She was unaware of the man’s identity and couldn’t fathom why Elena would address him

in such a manner. Normally, when they were together, Elena would smile warmly. But she reverted to her cold

demeanor with this

person.

Ava pondered over the possible reasons and, in a rare moment of clarity, guessed the man’s identity.

The Shelton family was a prominent family in Jorlandia, and Elena was their daughter. Therefore, anyone

attending the Evans family’s banquet must be related to the Sheltons. Ava guessed this man was Elena’s father.

But Elena was so distant towards her father. The vibe they emitted didn’t resemble a father-daughter

relationship; it felt more like that of strangers.

Then man, Olliver Shelton, turned his eyes on Elysia. His brother had previously mentioned Elysia, stating she

was Elena’s first friend and the one who had helped Elena becmore outgoing. If Elena wished to stay with

Elysia, he wouldn't object.

“Ms. Evans, I'll entrust Elena to your capable hands,” Olliver said to Elysia.

“Please, no need for formalities, Mr. Shelton. Elena is my friend, and it’s only natural forto take care of her.

Also, please just callElysia,” Elysia replied.

“Do you know me?” Olliver asked, curious yet cautious.

Seeing Olliver’s puzzled expression, Elysia clarified, “Mr. Shelton, even though this is our first meeting, it's not

difficult to deduce who you are.”

Upon hearing this, Olliver nodded and said, “I'll leave Elena in your care.”

With that, he began to depart, but at the doorway, he paused and glanced back at Elena with a hint of

reluctance in his eyes. He feared lingering would make it harder to leave, so he finally stepped out of the lobby.

Elena remained fixed on the door for an extended period, lost in contemplation. She didn’t want to return home-

a place that once felt like a prison:

However, seeing Olliver's expression when he glanced back made her question her distance. She wondered if

she was wrong

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Chapter 272

for feeling this way.