The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 356

Chapter 356 Staying With Me

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Elsie’s eyes welled up, her voice thick with emotion as she put on a show of self–sacrifice. “It’s fine, Mom. Now that my sister is home… I guess I was never really part of this family anyway. For the last twenty years, the Harper name belonged to her. Now that she’s back, I should give it all back–not just my room. I’d–sleep in the storage closet if that’s what it takes to make her happy.”

That was all it took to break Melissa’s heart. She had always doted on Elsie, and seeing her like this was too much. Melissa’s expression hardened, and she didn’t hold back. “Riley! How could you? Look how upset your sister is–and it’s all because of you. The moment you come home, you start picking fights over petty things? Don’t you know how an older sister should act?”

Riley raised a brow slightly, a trace of cool irony touching her lips.

She set her cup down slowly, then looked calmly at Melissa before shifting her gaze to Elsie, who was hiding behind her mother with red, swollen eyes, peeking out nervously.

“Picking fights?” Riley’s tone was light, but her words carried weight. “What gave you that idea? When did I ever say I wanted Elsie’s room or that I was going to fight her for it?

“I don’t even plan to stay here long–term. Why would I want a room someone else has already lived in?”

Zavier sensed things weren’t as Melissa and Elsie were making them out to be. He quickly stepped in, his voice gentle but concerned. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. Riley, now that you’re back in Nexopolis, where else would you stay but here? No matter how nice some other place might be, it can’t compare to being home. You’ve been away since you were little. Now that you’re back, we should be together as a family. You can’t just leave again so soon.”

He truly wanted Riley to feel at home, to rebuild the connection they had lost.

But just as Zavier finished speaking, Sebastian, seated beside Riley, spoke up in a calm, measured tone.

“She’ll be staying with me.”

Four simple words, yet they landed in the Harper family living room like a thunderclap, instantly drawing everyone’s attention

toward him.

Zavier had been about to continue persuading Riley, but he froze as if struck. His mouth hung open.

It took him a few seconds before he nearly exclaimed, “What? That’s–how can that be? You two… are you two already…”

Sebastian acted as though he hadn’t noticed Zavier’s shock. He remained perfectly composed and said, “Mr. Harper, perhaps you’ve forgotten. Riley has already agreed to the marriage arrangement between our families. Now that she’s returned to Nexopolis, it’s only natural for us to spend time together and build a relationship. I believe both the Harpers and the Torres family would see that as a positive step.”

Zavier wanted to argue, but he couldn’t find the words.

Logically, it made sense. In arranged marriages like this, it was expected for the couple to spend time together and develop feelings.

But as Zavier looked at the impressive young man in front of him, then thought of the daughter he had only just gotten back, a complicated mix of emotions rose within him.

He had searched for Riley all these years because he wanted to make up for lost time, to show her love and give her the warmth of a family.

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5:16 pm P

Chapter 356 Staying With Me.

+30 Free Coins

Now, his daughter had barely set foot in the house, they hadn’t even had a real chance to reconnect, and already it felt like she was being taken away.

In that moment, to this protective father, even though Sebastian came from an excellent family and was clearly accomplished, he suddenly seemed like just another young man trying to steal his daughter away. Zavier felt both irritated and reluctant, but given the social expectations and family interests involved, he couldn’t exactly make a scene.

Just then, Elsie surprised everyone once again.

She spoke up, trying to sound reasonable and accommodating. “Well, Sebastian, if that’s how it is… maybe you could move in here too! My sister just got back, and I’m sure Mom and Dad want to spend as much time with her as possible. That way we could all be together every day, and it would be easier for you two to get to know each other.”

Riley’s lips curved slightly. “What’s this?” she said. “Not worried about someone taking your room anymore?”

A flustered look crossed Elsie’s face.

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