Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 2

The wind picked up suddenly. The petals fluttered down from the trees, blanketing the gray carpet.

When Finn stepped through the door, he was greeted by the sight of those delicate red petals swirling into the room through the open window.

The chilly breeze filled the room, carrying a faint fragrance with it, yet the person he thought would be there—wasn't.

He walked over and shut the window with a snap.

The wind died, but the ache in his chest didn't.

He stood at the foot of the bed, his tall frame rigid. One hand pressed into the dark-hued bedsheets while the other rubbed his brow, hard.

Why had he been hoping to see her? She was just someone insignificant.

Even if she died out there, it wouldn't be his problem. She was the one who chose not to come back.

But something in the air lingered—a hint of a familiar scent. But it was almost gone now with the cold breeze blowing. Even so, his expression still changed when he picked it up.

"Who's been in this room?" His voice was ice. "Maids!"

There was a hidden gate behind the villa.

Maria Burn was helping a shaky figure hurriedly leave the property and go out into the night.

The woman staggered slightly because of the infant she cradled in her arms.

Layla was fast asleep. Maybe the night air was too cool because she tucked her rosy face deeper into her mother's chest.

Tess held her baby close, her embrace gentle and protective.

She was worried Layla would cry and give them away, but Layla, as if sensing Tess's desperation, stayed quiet.

Tess gently adjusted the sleeping Layla in her arms, then turned to Maria.

"Thank you for everything."

Maria was one of the few long-time staff who worked at the villa.

Years ago, Tess had helped her through a desperate time. Tonight, she returned to the villa to retrieve her belongings. Maria was returning the favor by standing guard.

Over the years, the household staff had come and gone, but Maria had stayed.

Maria had always thought she would spend the rest of her life working an honest job—working hard, keeping her head down, and saving up just enough to retire one day. She had never imagined she'd get a chance to do something that actually mattered. And yet, here she was, repaying Tess.

Maria whispered, her voice catching, "If you hadn't given me a job back then, I would've died in this foreign land."

She wiped the tears from her reddened eyes. "Mrs. Lock, you've suffered." Maria couldn't help but blurt out, "Are you sure you won't come back?"

Tess lowered her eyes without answering. But her silence spoke volumes.

"I'm done with him," Tess finally said. "I don't want to have anything to do with him in the future. And I won't let him find out about Layla."

Maria sighed, heavy with sorrow. She nodded slowly and asked, "Did you get what you came for?"

"I did." Tess adjusted her bag, making sure the documents inside were secure—her ID, bank cards, passport, and the money she'd earned as a lawyer. After three years of hard work; she had saved up three million dollars.

This money was rightfully hers. She hadn't touched a single thing that belonged to Finn. Not even a penny.

"I got it all, but ... "

Her brows furrowed with unease.

She had barely grabbed her things when Finn suddenly came out of the study. There hadn't been time to cover her tracks.

In their urgency, Maria and Tess left through the window.

Tess wasn't sure if they'd left any clues in their rush.

All she could hope was that Finn wouldn't notice those details. She and Layla just wanted a quiet, ordinary life—one free from threats and shadows.

Maria seemed to read her thoughts and felt a sting in her eyes.

She reached out and gave Tess a gentle push toward the gate.

"Don't be afraid. If anything happens, I'll take the heat.

"I'm not part of the family, but even I couldn't stomach his cruelty when he sent you to prison.

"Go now, Mrs. Lock. Take care of your little one.

"And take good care of yourself."

Tess turned back to her, biting her lip. She said, "Maria, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of you."

Finn, may we never meet again.

He said, "Tell me. Did she come back? And where did she go?"

Maria's eyes widened.

She froze for just a moment, then quickly shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice trembling. "No one came to the house tonight. I didn't see anyone, and I didn't take anything."

"You're not going to talk, huh?" One of the guards stepped forward, ready to teach her a lesson.

But Finn waved his hand. "Let her go."

The guard was stunned, puzzled by the command, but he obeyed.

Maria exhaled a breath of relief. Maybe she'd convinced them.

Then came his voice—calm but ruthless and intimidating. Finn said slowly, "Maria, your file says you have a daughter who lives in Aetheris. She was married for five years before finally getting pregnant. Her husband's a mid-level manager. It took him six years of hard work to earn that role.

"They're a happy couple, right? They invited you to spend the holidays together. So, tell me—what would happen if I had him fired tomorrow and blacklisted in the industry? No company would hire him again.

"And if he finds out it was because of you—because of something you did—what do you think your daughter and son-in-law would think of you? What would your family become?"

"Would you risk your happy family to keep the secret? Smart people like you always know how to make the right choice."

By the time he finished, Maria had a mental breakdown.

Sweat poured down her forehead. Her back was soaked.

She stared at Finn in front of her in terror. This powerful, calculating man could destroy her family as easily as a walk in the park. Her teeth clattered uncontrollably.

"I ... I ... "

"Where did Mrs. Lock go?" Finn asked again, his voice low and deadly. "Did you help her?"

He smiled faintly, but there was nothing kind in it—just frost and warning.

If Maria hesitated for another second, he wouldn't give her another chance.

Facing the richest man in all of Aetheris—a man with unimaginable influence and a temperament no one could predict—Maria trembled. Her aging hands lifted in a pleading gesture. She knew, deep down, she had no choice.

She whispered, choking back tears, "Please don't hurt my daughter. I'll tell you. I'll tell you everything."

Finn paused mid-step.