Chapter 354

Chapter 354 93%1 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.

“Mr. Evans, there’s no need for all the formalities. Considering we’re friends, just call me Zane,” 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, I 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 I should come to him for help in business but nothing else. Does he think I won’t catch on?‘ he thought.

He 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 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 with me for convenience,” Zane replied.

“Really?” Fabian leaned forward slightly. “Mr. Hartley, how about this? Name your price, and I’d like to buy the house from you.”

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

Fabian’s voice remained calm but firm. “You know exactly what I 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 help me out? Is this his way of repaying me for 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 owing me too much. Buying the house would settle things without making me too 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 me being with Zane? Then why...

Though confused, she didn’t say anything.

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

Meanwhile, Fabian stood on the second–floor balcony, lighting a cigarette. His eyes stayed glued to the two people downstairs.

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Chapter 354 “Since when did you start smoking?” Javier raised an eyebrow and walked up beside him.

Fabian rarely smoked. Even when things were tough at work, it wasn’t his go–to move.

Javier tilted his head, studying him. Fabian’s brow was furrowed, and his face was dark with worry.

‘Yeah, that’s the look. He only smokes when something’s really eating at him. But why now?‘ Javier thought to himself.

He glanced down at Elysia and Zane, who were still standing downstairs. His smile faded. “Is this about Elysia?” Javier asked.

his voice softer.

Fabian let out a puff of smoke and stared out into the distance. “I’m just wondering... are we good enough as brothers?”

Javier’s expression immediately darkened. He didn’t reply, but his silence spoke volumes.

Fabian sighed and leaned against the railing. “Zane managed to do something we never even considered. Do you think we’re doing enough for her?” he added.

He let out a short, cold laugh. “When I first came to Sivro, this never crossed my mind. I just assumed that I didn’t need to dig deeper because she was at Arcanum House.”

He continued, “She’s our sister. The minute we found her, I promised myself I’d protect her, no matter what. But now... we can’t even think of something this simple.”

Javier lowered his gaze, feeling a bitter knot form in his stomach. ‘Am I even being the brother she needs? he thought.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe they weren’t.

A long silence stretched between them before Javier finally spoke again. “Why did you buy the house at Royal Bay today?” he asked, staring at the two downstairs.

Fabian put his cigarette out. “Elysia’s got a quiet side, you know? She keeps everything to herself. I figured if I bought this house at Royal Bay, she’d be closer to Zane. That’s how I take care of her.”

He looked at Javier, his voice soft but sure as he said, “Zane may be cutthroat when it comes to business. However, with Elysia... it’s different. I don’t think he’ll hurt her. Besides, she likes him.”

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