Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 416

Chapter 416 Abel’s Defiance

Gideon suddenly got interested.

After all, Abel was the most outstanding one among the younger generation of the Shaws. Not just this generation–he was one of the best in several generations. Miranda knew how exceptional he was too, so she always gave him whatever he wanted. It was rare to see her turn

him down to his face.

As for why Abel was only one of the best …

Gideon’s eyes darkened at the thought of his youngest son in Aetheris.

He snorted inwardly and quickly pulled his thoughts back.

“He’s been busy in Aetheris for months. I heard he picked up some wild girl from Krigan.”

“Krigan?”

Gideon frowned. He had no impression of that place at all.

The moment Abel heard his mother belittle Tess, his face darkened. “Mom, she’s not some wild girl!”

“She’s not? I’ve never even heard of Krigan. Do you really think some proper lady who matches your status could come from there?”

Miranda’s face was unusually stern, her tone leaving no room for

argument.

Abel’s eyes turned cold, his voice sharp. “She’s the one who suits me best, and she’s the only one I want. Where she’s from doesn’t matter.”

Miranda was so furious that she nearly rolled her eyes and fainted.

She slammed the table. “No way! I don’t agree!”

Abel stayed calm. “I’m the one marrying her. Besides, it’s not even certain she’ll say yes.”

Abel turned his head away.

Seeing that he wouldn’t even look at her, Miranda jabbed her finger in the air in frustration. “You! You are trying to kill me with stress! What is our family’s status? What is your position? You could have any rich, classy woman you want. Why obsess over a hopeless relationship?”

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“Mom, calm down.”

Demi stepped up and gently rubbed Miranda’s chest to help her breathe easier. She glanced at Abel, then said in an understanding tone, “Feelings can’t be forced. Besides, nothing’s even official yet, so don’t get yourself sick over it.”

“Demi’s right.” Gideon stroked his white beard and looked at Miranda. “Look at you. Why are you getting worse as you get older? Even the kids see things more clearly than you.”

Miranda sat back down, though she still glared at Abel.

“All right, Abel, do you have anything to say?”

Gideon gave Abel a look, hinting that he should try to calm Miranda down.

But Abel ignored it and went back to his seat, looking a bit sulky.

“Grandpa, I only want her.”

Hearing that, Gideon’s face darkened, which was rare.

“Abel, I don’t want to interfere just yet, but don’t forget, you’re the heir of the Shaws.”

His sharp eyes locked straight onto Abel’s.

Abel was the successor he had carefully trained. He hadn’t handed the family fully over to Abel’s father, because he wasn’t good enough. Luckily, Abel turned out to be the kind of grandson who made him proud. One day, the entire family would be passed down to him.

For people of their status, romance was unimportant, so he didn’t want to get involved in his grandchildren’s love lives. But Abel was stubborn–saying he only wanted one person was definitely a major mistake for an heir to make.

Abel felt like a heavy weight was pressing down on his chest under that sharp gaze.

He lowered his eyes.

“Grandpa, I always remember who I am.”

His voice was low and unexpectedly hoarse.

Only then did Gideon look away, nodding. “Great. As long as you know that. But since your mother doesn’t agree, you’ll stay at the company for now.”

He sipped his tea, narrowed his eyes, and seemed to be enjoying the aroma.

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It was also his way of saying the topic was over.

No one spoke at the table. Though it was a family dinner, there wasn’t any warmth. Everyone quietly ate the fancy food, but it tasted like nothing.

Abel kept his lips pressed tight. He lowered his head, his hair hid his eyes, masking the struggle and gloom in them.

His heart felt squeezed by an invisible hand, the tension rising to his throat, making it hard to breathe.

In a daze, he thought of that face–delicate yet striking–and couldn’t help but clench his fingers.

It’s only been a while, and I’m already missing her.

Aetheris Apartment.

“Well?”

Shannon clung excitedly to Henry’s arm, leaning over to peek at the message on his phone.

Henry quickly read it, then squinted. “The wedding dress price is out, but they want me to go to their office in person.”

Shannon frowned. “Why can’t they just text you the price? Why make you go all the way there?”

Henry rubbed his temples.

For some reason, there was no reaction from Tess’s side. That should be a good thing–it meant she still couldn’t deny the story they’d put out.