Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 441

Tess released a slow breath that carried the weight of all her thoughts.

Her mind circled back to Max and the words he had dared to throw at her.

He claimed he could clear her name from what happened a year ago.

Why would he say that?

The Hunt Group had grown fast this past year, but it was nowhere near strong enough to rival the Lock Group. Even Finn had promised again and again that he would help her, yet no progress had been made. How could Max claim with such certainty that he could succeed?

The truth from that night still remained sealed away. She never uncovered who had gone to such cruel lengths to destroy her, but she knew Nadine and Max had played their part.

They had betrayed her.

Her fingers clenched hard.

She still remembered the shock of her arrest, the cold bite of handcuffs, and the weight of prison walls that closed in like chains. Her shock turned into burning rage.

Why did they do this to me?

She had no answer.

Nadine had grown up wrapped in love and care, all the things Tess never had. Tess had given way to her over and over again, but it had never been enough. And Max? He claimed he loved her, yet in the face of greed, he had struck her down without hesitation.

The silence of prison had been suffocating. Only Layla’s presence later on gave her strength.

Her hatred dulled, but disgust and rejection remained like scars etched into her bones.

Now, with both Nadine and Max standing in her path again, her heart had frozen over. She no longer sought pity or forgiveness. She wanted the truth revealed and justice served. Every single person who hurt her would pay.

Her eyes lifted, no longer dimmed by sorrow but sharp and clear.

“We’re here.”

Lachlan’s voice broke the silence as he stepped out and opened the car door.

Tess guided Lyra, still heavy with fatigue, out of the seat. When she lifted her gaze, Lachlan’s eyes were fixed on her, pleading quietly.

“Come in then.”

Her tone carried reluctant agreement.

He had followed her from Krigan to Aetheris. She couldn’t leave him standing out on the street.

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“I’ll help!”

His unease shifted into sudden eagerness as he stepped forward to support Lyra.

The three entered Evermount Heights. When Tess flicked on the lights, a figure lying across the couch snapped into view.

“Connor?”

The name escaped her lips in surprise. Even Lyra, still drowsy, snapped awake at the sight.

The man stirred at the noise, blinking against the brightness until his vision cleared. He sat upright slowly, and when his eyes found Tess, a sheepish smile tugged at his face.

“You’re back?”

“Yes. But why are you here?”

Tess eased Lyra onto the couch and turned her questioning stare on him.

Connor’s answer did not come at once. His eyes instead locked onto Lachlan.

“You…”

“Hm?”

It was rare to see Connor hesitate, but before Tess could follow his gaze, he turned back to her with a gentle smile. “And who is

this?”

“Lachlan. The world–famous pianist. Tess’s shadow these days.”

Lyra, now more awake, teased with a grin.

Lachlan showed no shame, no fluster. He nodded with composure. “That’s right.”

But his narrowed gaze lingered on Connor.

“I see… “Connor pressed his lips together and looked away. “I had free time. The house was quiet without you, so I thought I’d spend more time with Layla.”

“You’ve done me a favor.”

Tess nodded and moved on without further comment. She led them toward the spare rooms. “Choose your rooms. Just for tonight.”

“I’ll take this one.”

Lachlan pointed to the room nearest Tess’s.

“No. That one is mine.”

Lyra cut in sharp, her voice edged with warning.

He might be her idol, but the way he looked at Tess carried too much meaning.

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He was still a stranger, no matter how familiar he had become these past days. She would keep her guard.

Lachlan caught her tone and dropped his claim without a fight.

“Fine. Then I’ll take the next one.”

Tess turned to Connor. “And you? Is that room fine with you?”

He had only one room left.

“Of course. Better than the couch.”

His warm smile lightened the air around them.

Everything felt more at ease with him around.

“Good. Then clean yourself up and get some sleep.”

Tess left it at that. After tidying a bit, she slipped into her own room.

She pushed the door open on careful feet. Silence filled the space, broken only by soft and steady breaths.

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Layla slept soundly in her cradle, her little face calm and serene. Beside her, Bessie had made a bed on the floor, keeping watch like a sentinel.

Tess’s eyes softened as she crouched down. She placed a gentle hand on Bessie’s shoulder.

Bessie stirred, her eyes flashing with joy as she woke. “You’re back!”

Tess nodded and patted her shoulder lightly once more, urging her to go rest.