Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 461

ess went to Aetheris to dig into what happened with the Woods and their past. But she hadn’t expected them to leave before she arrived, leaving only Ken behind.

At first, Tess only saw Ken as a witness who could clear her name. But after what he just did for her, her gaze on him grew deeper.

The whole place was in chaos. It was loud and hectic, with people getting hit from all sides by different bits of news. Nobody knew who was speaking up, and most didn’t even bother to check.

But Ken’s words hit hard. The people who had just been defending the Embers and trying to talk Tess down were completely stuck.

They looked at each other and saw each other’s hesitation.

The shouting and noise slowly started to calm. Nadine knew if things went on like that, the crowd’s opinion would swing against

her.

Her jaw tightened, and she forced the look of someone who had been cornered.

With her eyes filled with struggle, she snapped, “Tess, do you truly want me to spill everything?”

Her sudden attitude left people confused. Was she hiding something important?

“Ms. Nadine, if you’ve got something to say, just say it. We’ll all support you.”

Those who loved stirring drama were quick to jump in, urging her to speak.

Nadine looked around, clearly moved, then nodded slightly and turned toward Tess. “Even though you’ve already been divorced once, I bet you still care about your reputation.”

She pursed her lips until they went pale, giving her a fragile look. But her clenched fists and straight back made her seem stubborn, like a flower refusing to fall.

“Mr. Hunt has a lot of influence in Aetheris. If the police step in first, there’s no telling if this will just get covered up. I’m doing this so everyone can see the truth and not let it disappear.”

As soon as she said it, whispers filled the room.

They had forgotten just how much power Max held now.

Nadine’s worries weren’t completely unreasonable.

Still, what shocked them most was that she actually dared to bring up something so touchy in public.

Tess squinted, sizing up Nadine. For once, she looked genuinely puzzled.

From what she knew, Nadine and Max were at least allies. Sure, after Henry returned, they didn’t seem close. But now, Nadine was openly calling Max out, practically cutting ties in front of everyone. Where did she get the nerve?

Max wasn’t as strong as Finn yet, but he was still second–in–command in Aetheris. Nadine was bold enough to toss him aside to save herself.

Wouldn’t she be scared he’d take revenge later?

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A heavy feeling settled in Tess‘ chest. It felt like something important was hidden from her. But no matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t see what it was.

“So, does power sit above the law in Aetheris?”

The sudden voice came from the corner. It sounded old but strangely childlike.

The bluntness made everyone jolt and turn to look.

Tess hadn’t expected someone to speak so directly. She turned her head and spotted a tall figure dressed in fiery red.

She froze.

bel was standing right there, silently mouthing words to her, “It’s been a while.”

Why’s he here?

Her first reaction wasn’t excitement but pure confusion and disbelief.

The day he left, he had looked heartbroken, and she truly thought she’d never see him again.

“Ma’am, you can’t just say things like that,” someone in the crowd spoke up, instinctively defending Aetheris.

Tess‘ lashes trembled as she finally tore her eyes from Abel and looked past him.

Behind him stood two elderly folks and a middle–aged woman. The older pair had white hair but still seemed full of energy. The woman wore a flowing dress made of rich fabric, her hair decorated with pearls. She looked graceful and calm, but her sharp expression showed she was firm and decisive.

Why was Abel with them? Tess couldn’t figure it out.

“Did I say something wrong? When things happen here, you don’t call the police first, but the press. Since when are reporters more useful than police in Aetheris?”

Olivia squinted, her tone strange and mysterious.

Her words made the whole crowd shiver.

No one knew who she was or why she was daring to talk like that.

“Ma’am, that’s not what I meant. Please don’t misunderstand.”

Nadine’s chest felt heavy. She sensed that something was seriously wrong.