Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207 Invitation

Chapter 207 Invitation

“So, what’s your plan?”

Marc rubbed his chin as he asked.

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Tess’s fingers stopped mid–typing. When she glanced up, there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

What could she even do now?

The post was already out there. But all she was getting back were waves of sarcasm–and some people even spinning wild theories that Finn had paid Selina’s team to hand her a fake identity just to help her.

She knew how nasty the internet could be. A few lines of official–sounding words wouldn’t clear her name.

Right when she couldn’t think of her next move, a message popped up from Connor.

He caught her hesitation instantly. No awkward questions about her canceling–he just changed the subject, smooth and calm. “Well, that’s perfect, then. I came to Aetheris to work on a Cavrielle fashion show, and before I got here, I set up a charity dinner with a local orphanage.”

His voice was deep and smooth, like expensive wine–polished with the kind of quiet authority that made people want to listen… or be careful.

He paused, then added, polite as ever, “May I have the honor of inviting you to join us? I’ve seen the news–you’re in the middle of a storm. This could be a good chance to set the record straight.”

“So formal,” Marc muttered under his breath.

It was obvious now–they were in the same place. Connor had probably overheard her whole talk with Marc.

Tess felt a little uncomfortable, but she had to admit, the idea was tempting.

“Tess, come on. He’s literally handing you the perfect stage to fix this. You’re just gonna let the gossip keep running wild?” Marc urged.

Still, she was a little surprised. Marc loved design as much as she did he was Cavrielle’s head designer too–but the way he talked about Connor carried a strange mix of confidence and

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Chapter 207 Invitation

familiarity.

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Tess blinked, hiding the thought. After a pause, she said, “Alright. Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Hale. I’ll be there.”

“Oh, one more thing, Ms. Ember.”

She froze before ending the call.

Connor’s voice came through again, low and even. “If you want to clear your name, the most convincing way is to show up in a gown no one’s ever seen before–a Selina original. Something unforgettable.”

The suggestion was soft, but it made her think.

Marc was about to grab the phone when Tess replied, “Alright. And thanks for the help. For the next quarter, I’ll give you and Cavrielle a 5% cut.”

It might not mean much to Cavrielle, but Connor’s thanks sounded genuinely warm. “Then I’ll thank you for your generosity on Cavrielle’s behalf.”

Every word from him carried that calm, gentlemanly tone, like sunlight breaking through clouds.

The tightness in Tess’s chest eased a little.

She didn’t want to touch her grandmother’s inheritance yet, and Connor’s offer felt like a gift she hadn’t expected.

When the call ended, her mood was lighter.

Around midnight, Layla still slept soundly, even with Tess talking nearby. Her breathing was soft and even.

Tess let out a slow breath, her gaze softening at the sight of those round, rosy cheeks. For once, her restless heart felt completely still.

She leaned in and kissed Layla gently.

Between almost drowning, being kidnapped, and all the noise online, she’d been so caught up that she’d barely noticed her sweet little girl.

Tess tucked the blanket around Layla and drifted off beside her.

The night was damp with dew. Somewhere else, someone was wide awake.

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Chapter 207 Invitation

:

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In a high–rise in Aetheris, a sharp, cold voice cut through the room. “Tess is Selina? Please. She’s just a book–smart lawyer. If she hadn’t worked hard, she probably couldn’t even make it in court.”

The insults didn’t stop.

A chair hit the vanity, revealing a striking but stubborn face twisted in anger.

Nadine bit her lip hard. “I don’t care. You screwed it up last time. This time, I’m getting my place back!

“This time, I’m putting in another million.”

The other end of the line went quiet. No one says no to that kind of money, especially from a client this generous.

“Ms. Nadine, please send the deposit first.”

The next morning, right on time, an envelope damp with dew was delivered to Tess.

In gold embossing, it was marked as Cavrielle’s exclusive gala, with “Selina“, stamped so big it nearly outshone the Cavrielle logo itself.

Tess let out a small, amused breath, but a warm feeling was still felt in her chest.

Finn was nearby, fixing his tie. His dark, unreadable eyes landed on the invitation in her hand. He gave a low, cold laugh.

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