Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 201

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Chapter 201 Rumors Collapsed

Connor Hale?

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Tess blinked at the name, then lifted her head. Right outside the car window was a tall guy standing perfectly straight.

The first thing she noticed was his golden hair, then his suit, which looked like it cost more than most people’s rent. His whole being screamed money and class.

He turned slightly, just enough for her to catch the sharp nose, strong brow line, and that obvious foreign vibe. The whole “elegance” thing could’ve been his brand.

The crowd froze for half a second before losing their minds all over again.

“It’s Connor! You and Tess know each other?”

“Weren’t you in Kingsland? How’d you end up here in Aetheris?”

“Is Tess really wearing Cavrielle? Can we trust your statement?”

Reporters shoved their way forward, swarming him even harder than they had with Tess earlier.

Connor ignored every question. His bodyguards stepped in like a wall, pushing back both the media and the troublemakers.

He raised his voice. “Every word Cavrielle’s released, including mine, is true. I came to Aetheris myself to meet this shareholder who’s been a big part of our growth. I have great respect for

her.”

And that was all. The bodyguards pushed everyone back a good ten feet.

Tess still felt like she was in a weird dream, but Connor turned toward her first.

Up close, his features were striking–pale skin, ocean–blue eyes, the kind you couldn’t look away from.

Yeah, he was handsome. Not just “nice–to–look–at” handsome. The kind that makes you forget how to breathe.

He walked over like every step mattered, his smile warm and steady.

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Tess froze for a moment. There was something about him that felt familiar.

He’s a little like Marc. But… they have different last names.

“Hi, Ms. Tess.”

He bent slightly toward her, a small gesture that somehow felt huge.

Even the reporters and hecklers behind the barrier were caught off guard. They actually stepped aside and cleared a path, their previous arrogance all gone.

Connor wasn’t just some random guy. He was the CEO of Cavrielle’s Crorus branch–one of the most powerful names in luxury fashion.

Seeing him treat Tess with that kind of respect was enough to drop jaws.

“Hello, Mr. Hale.”

Tess got out of the car, straightened up, and gave him a small nod.

“You’ve been a valuable shareholder and friend to our brand. I hope you can forgive how slow we were to speak up.”

His apology carried the calm charm of a man who’d just stepped out of a rainy street in a foreign land.

“Your company speaking up was more than enough,” Tess said, her tone softening.

“No, meeting you is the real privilege. Aetheris is new to me–would you allow me take you to dinner and show me the best spots around?”

Polite, grounded, and warm–he didn’t push, just asked.

Of course, Tess agreed.

She looked up at him, and it was like all the weight she’d been carrying just disappeared.

He placed a steadying hand at her waist, leading her away.

Nobody blocked their path.

The whole thing played out in front of the crowd and tens of thousands watching online.

People went wild on X.

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“So Tess really is a Cavrielle shareholder?”

“Forget that! Connor flew in just to back her up. That’s not defense–that’s protection.”

“I think I’m changing my stand…

”

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The mood flipped instantly–from doubting Tess to being jealous of her.

The CEO showing up was enough to shut them up.

And then Cavrielle’s official account dropped the bomb and posted the original sketches for Tess’s dress.

“Ms. Ember’s dress is a one–of–a–kind custom, designed by Selina herself. Zero chance of duplication.”

They even attached a video of the design process.

The “knockoff dress” rumors collapsed in seconds. People who’d been mocking her earlier were suddenly scrambling to apologize.

Sydney was the first to catch the change online and immediately called Nadine.

“How did Cavrielle’s CEO even end up there?!”

Nadine’s voice shook with anger, though she kept it low so no one outside her hospital room could hear.

“I have no clue. First, the whole ‘illegitimate daughter‘ thing got crushed because Finn blocked the media, and now the dress rumor’s gone too. How does she keep getting this lucky?”

Sydney’s jaw tightened as she stared at the livestream replay, showing Connor treating Tess like royalty.

What the hell is so special about Tess?