Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 464

Chapter 464 Her Shamelessness

As soon as Tess said that, Nadine froze in shock. “What did you just say?”

Tess smirked meaningfully and repeated slowly, “When did I ever say I wouldn’t go?”

She crossed her arms and raised a brow. “From the very beginning, I never refused. You all acted like I’d committed some huge sin.”

Tess chuckled and even clapped her hands lightly.

Her voice was calm, almost playful, but the people around her looked stiff and embarrassed.

She wasn’t wrong.

Tess had never said no. It was the crowd who jumped to conclusions and started attacking her.

Now that they realized it, their faces turned sour. When they glanced at Tess again, there was guilt in their eyes.

Meanwhile, Abel was busy helping Benjamin and Olivia move over to a quiet corner.

Tess, on the other hand, let her gaze slide lazily back to Nadine.

“I hope you mean it. Don’t make me waste my time going there for nothing.”

Her words made her stance obvious.

Nadine blinked, still confused about Tess‘ sudden change.

Wasn’t Tess determined to cut off the Embers and Kylie? Did she truly get swayed by family bonds after hearing about Kylie’s

breakdown?

Nadine couldn’t figure it out. In the end, she shoved the questions aside and clenched her fists.

Whatever Tess was planning, it didn’t matter. Nadine had gotten the outcome she wanted.

“Alright, Tess. I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow.”

Nadine forced a sweet smile, dropped her line, and turned to leave.

“Hold up.” Raven stepped in to stop Nadine.

Nadine stopped, annoyed. “What now? Something else?”

Her voice carried impatience when it wasn’t Tess speaking.

Tess caught the change right away, her eyes narrowing as a sharp glint flashed across them.

“You think you can just leave? You stirred up the press and pushed your way into a private room. Don’t think this ends here.”

Raven stepped forward and glared. She was floored by how shameless Nadine could be.

Nadine faltered, her face stiff. “Didn’t I already explain? What else do you want from me?”

“You call that an explanation? Do you even get that what you did breaks the law?”

Before Raven could blow up completely, Lyra grabbed her arm, frowning hard.

Raven jerked at the hold and shot Lyra a disgruntled look.

“Let her go. Kylie is alone at the villa. She needs someone with her.”

Tess reassured the two, then motioned for Nadine to head out.

Nadine let out a sigh of relief. But before she left, she threw Raven and Lyra a smug, mocking glance.

Tess isn’t stopping me, but you two won’t quit meddling. Nosy busybodies.

Nadine strutted off, and Raven somehow could see a hint of arrogance and showiness in her back. If Lyra hadn’t been holding her back, Raven might’ve gone after Nadine and yanked her hair right there.

With the drama over, the crowd realized there was nothing more to watch and slowly drifted away.

Once things calmed down, Lyra tugged Tess into the office.

“Why didn’t you press her harder? Do you truly believe she means well? If we hadn’t set things up ahead of time, you’d already be blowing up online for sneaking around with Max right after your divorce.”

Raven glared at Tess, frustration and worry all over her face.

Lyra had told Raven what Tess had gone through before, so Raven was extra protective. She didn’t want Tess falling into the same mess again. But Tess‘ reaction just now made it seem like she’d forgiven the very people who hurt her most.

“Tess, letting her off like that just makes Nadine look innocent in front of everyone. You’re basically giving her a free pass to keep pretending. There’s nothing good about this–only risk,” Lyra said, frowning hard, clearly unsettled.

She usually trusted Tess‘ choices and stayed out of it. But this time, Tess‘ attitude left her uneasy.

“No,” Tess replied softly, shaking her head.

She looked at her two friends with a genuine smile. Her heart felt full, and even her palms tingle with heat.

She reached for their hands and noticed how cold their fingers were. They must’ve been truly shaken by how she handled things.

“Legally, I can’t cut family ties just by saying it. If Kylie is truly sick, I should visit her. And honestly, do you think the Embers actually listen to her anymore? Henry must be the one who sent Nadine to find me.”