Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 371

Chapter 371

Lindsey's eyes welled up as memories of the past flooded back. The image of that pale-faced girl appeared in

her mind again. The once blurry memories were now suddenly sharp and vivid.

Evelyn's death was a loss felt by everyone.

If she were still alive and knew her sister was still here... she'd be so happy, right? Lindsey thought, wiping away

the tears that had escaped her eyes.

She managed a small smile, though it was bittersweet. She made a firm decision-she would do what Evelyn

never had the chance to do. She would take Evelyn's place and make sure she was taken care of.

“Elysia, I'm leaving now,” Lindsey said, her voice trembling as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

Standing there, Elysia watched as Lindsey climbed into the Bentley without a second thought. The car's engine

roared to life, and it sped off without hesitation.

Elysia stayed frozen, her eyes following the car as it grew smaller and smaller until it was completely out of

sight. Her gaze then dropped to the delicate gift box in her hands, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges.

A single thought kept running through her mind. Evelyn had helped Lindsey before.

Her heart gave a tight squeeze. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. Everyone had seen Evelyn, but she, her own

sister, could only imagine what she looked like-through pictures.

‘If only she were still alive... how wonderful would that be?‘ Elysia thought.

A tear slid down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. But the bitter smile stayed, growing even sadder. She

missed her sister.

Blood ties were funny like that. Even though they had never met, there was always that invisible thread

connecting them. Just like how Elysia used to worry about Evelyn, now she was the one holding onto her

memory.

Esther stood a short distance away, watching everything unfold before her.

‘Why? I'm Lindsey's sister. So why is she getting a gift for that country girl?‘ Esther thought, her fists clenched

tightly. Anger boiled in her eyes as she glared at Elysia.

Ever since Elysia returned, it seemed like everyone had taken her side. Olive spoiled her, and even Lindsey-her

half-sister -was preparing a gift for Elysia.

‘Isn't Lindsey usually so proud, acting like she’s too good for everyone? When did she start treating people like

this?‘ Esther thought, bitterness rising in her chest. ‘Why is everything suddenly going so well for Elysia?‘

Back when Elena was still in Jorlandia, attending the sschool as Esther, Esther tried so hard to get on her

good side. But Elena wouldn't even look at her.

Esther thought it was because Elena was distant, not the type to make friends. She didn't let it bother her too

much. But then, out of nowhere, Elena becclose to Elysia.

There were also rumors about Zane. He was always known to avoid women, never bringing one to any event. But

today, he entered the dinner with Elysia, walking side by side with her. Esther couldn't help but feel the irony of

itall.

And then there was Jocelyn. Tonight, she treated Elysia like she was royalty.

Even if she ignored everything else, Lindsey's actions still burned Esther inside.

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Chapter 371

‘I'm her sister, but she’s helping soutsider! Esther thought, her anger flaring. ‘Why am |, the one who's

spent my entire life in Jorlandia, not good enough compared to a girl who grew up in the middle of nowhere?’

As Fabian and Javier stepped out of the villa, they spotted the small figure standing in the night. Without a word,

they started walking toward her, their steps slow but deliberate.

Elysia stood there, her gaze still fixed in the direction where Lindsey had left. She didn’t notice anyone

approaching until a hand suddenly appeared above her head. Startled, she snapped out of her daze and looked

up, confused, at the person who had touched her.

Javier stood there with a gentle smile on his face. “Elysia, what are you doing standing here by yourself? What's

on your mind?”

Elysia lowered her eyes, a trace of sadness flashing across her face. “Javier... | just want to go home.”

Hearing this, Javier and Fabian exchanged a quick look before turning their attention back to her. Both of them

noticed something was off with her, but neither of them said anything.

Javier's hand, which had been resting on her head, slid down to gently wrap around her frail shoulder, pulling her

a little closer. “Alright, I'll take you home.”

“Thank you, Javier,” Elysia said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Javier's voice softened as he spoke again. “Not just me. Fabian’s here, too.”

It was only then that Elysia noticed Fabian standing beside her. She managed a faint smile. “Fabian.”

Fabian placed his hand gently on top of her head, his warm eyes meeting hers in the dim light. “Elysia, you're

troubled, aren't you?”

Her heart warmed at the sight of Fabian’s soft, caring gaze. “Fabian, | miss home.”

She missed Evelyn. She thought going back to the place where Evelyn had once lived would somehow bring her

closer to

her.

“Alright, let's head home,” Fabian said softly.

Just as he finished speaking, they heard laughter coming from behind them. Turning around, they saw Felix,

Jocelyn, Edward, and Quinita walking out together, chatting and laughing. Zane trailed behind them, his face

expressionless, giving nothing away about what was going on in his mind.

“Elysia?” Quinita’s eyes landed on her, and she chuckled. “Where did you cout? | was just looking for you.”

Jocelyn linked her arm with Quinita’s, her voice light and cheerful. “Elysia’s such a good girl. She won't run off.

I've got say, Mrs. Evans, | envy you for having such a gentle, sweet daughter.”

to

“Mrs. Hartley, Lucille is just as well-behaved and elegant. No need for us to envy each other. We both have little

girls who are so loving. They take care of us,” Quinita responded smoothly, never shy about complimenting her

own daughter.

She loved hearing people praise Lucille. It was her chance to show off how wonderful she thought her daughter

was, unlike other mothers who would downplay their child’s achievements just to lift someone else up.

“Of course, you're right, Mrs. Evans,” Jocelyn said with a bright smile, gently patting Quinita’s hand. “If the

Hartley family hadn't moved away from Jorlandia, we might have been best friends by now.”

“I don’t think we need to be so formal,” Jocelyn said. “What's with all the ‘Mrs.? It feels too stiff. Let's just call

each oth our names from now on. What do you think?”

Sensing Jocelyn’s intentions but not wanting to shut her down, Quinita just nodded. “Then I'll call you Jocelyn. Is

that okay?”

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Chapter 371

“That's fine with me. Before | got married, my family always calledJocelyn. | like it. It feels more friendly,”

Jocelyn replied.

“Then it's settled, Quinita said, satisfied.

“Great,” Jocelyn replied.

Edward and Felix exchanged a brief look before turning their attention back to their wives, their gazes soft and

full of affection. The entire scene made it seem like Zane was almost unnecessary at this moment.

Realizing this, Zane stepped forward, his calm presence cutting through the air. Javier instinctively moved a little

in front of Elysia, blocking her slightly. Fabian glanced at him, but he didn’t make a move.

“Mr. Hartley, what's going on here?” Javier raised an eyebrow, sizing him up.

“I just cto see you all off,” Zane replied, his gaze softening as it landed on Elysia. “I'll pick you up in a few

days.”

Elysia understood what he meant and was about to nod in agreement when Javier spoke up, his tone firm.

“There's no need for that, Mr. Hartley. Elysia is our sister. We'll take care of her.”

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