Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 462

Chapter 462 She Wants to See You

Olivia finally turned toward Nadine, giving her a once–over before scoffing and looking away. “Do you think I’m some clueless old lady who can’t follow what’s going on?”

“Miss, from what I heard, my wife’s explanation makes sense. Why are you so worked up? Are you saying she made it up?”

Benjamin rubbed his chin, his sharp eyes cutting into Nadine like an eagle.

Meeting his gaze made Nadine’s heart skip. A shiver ran through her, cold sweat forming right away.

When did these two old folks even show up?

She balled her hands into fists, trying to hold on to her gentle act. “How could you two say that? Maybe I was just nervous then and didn’t handle it well.”

Her teeth sank into her lip.

If it were just about dragging Max down with her, she could ditch him. The Embers‘ real aim was to cozy up to the Larsons anyway. Everyone knew the Larsons in Kingsland had way more value than the Hunts in Aetheris.

But if the police in Aetheris got pulled into this mess, things could explode fast.

She swiped at her forehead, convinced those people had come just to make trouble.

“Oh, so you’re just dumb?”

Abel grinned, looking annoyingly smug. His words only made her angrier.

Nadine’s face darkened, fury burning inside. But with all eyes on her, she forced a little laugh.

“She’s not dumb. She’s just trouble.”

Violet suddenly had a fan in her hand, lazily waving it like a rich lady from the old days.

Tess couldn’t stop staring at the three of them.

They were with Abel.

She didn’t know much about him, but she was sure he was extraordinary. And those three? There was definitely more to their story.

Also…

Tess unconsciously pressed a hand to her chest.

She didn’t know why, but a strange feeling of familiarity rose in her.

She searched her memory, but she was certain she’d never met them.

With their striking presence, she would have remembered if she had.

Who were they? And why were they stepping in so boldly on her side?

1/2

She lifted her eyes and locked onto Abel’s.

He just kept smiling, winking at her, and teasing nonstop.

Tess knew he wouldn’t give her a straight answer, so she shot him a warning glare before looking away.

Abel pouted like a sulking kid. But as soon as she turned her head, his playful look vanished.

“I didn’t think it through earlier, but at least I stopped Tess from getting hurt, didn’t I?”

Nadine’s laugh was stiff, her insides boiling, though she still tried to look sweet.

Tess studied Nadine’s twisted expression, smiling meaningfully. She waited to see what Nadine would try next.

Nadine didn’t even have a good excuse, yet she had the nerve to show up at Tess‘ company. Tess knew it wasn’t just about clearing her name.

Her eyes flickered as she scanned the people around.

Most of them were probably arranged by Nadine.

What game was Nadine playing?

“Tess, if you’re still upset about how I acted, you can come home with me sometime. I’ll apologize in person… “Nadine forced a stiff smile, her eyes filled with stubbornness. Then, she seemed to remember something. She lowered her head, her face dimming.

When she looked back up, her expression was almost pleading. “Mom says her mental state hasn’t been good. She truly wants to see you. She knows she was too harsh before. She hopes you’ll come home so she can apologize.”

Her words weighed heavily, making even the annoyed onlookers go quiet.

Everyone turned to see Tess‘ reaction.

Behind Abel, the Larsons clenched their fists.

They traded glances, bitterness and tension clear in their eyes.

Mental issues? The Kylie they remembered had been cheerful and free–spirited, never someone to sink into that. How could she be struggling now?

Abel noticed the shift in their mood. He leaned close, lowering his voice to comfort them. “Relax. Nadine is probably just spouting lies.”

“Abel, we want to see her. If what that adopted daughter said is true, can you take Tess with us to visit?”

Olivia lifted her eyes to him.

She had lived her life confident and carefree, but now she was lowering herself to ask a young man for help.