Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 465

Keepsake 465 Summary

Tess reveals to Lyra and Raven that she is pretending to go along with Henry’s plan to uncover his true intentions. She explains that Henry underestimates her, thinking she has no moves left, but she knows his ego and schemes threaten not only her but also Ember’s reputation. Tess suspects Henry’s plan is bigger than just ruining her or saving Ember Group, especially after he sent Nadine to “help” her, which seems suspicious.

Lyra offers to accompany Tess to Ember Villa, but Tess refuses, knowing they wouldn’t allow backup and fearing a scene. The tension in the room is thick, with Ken quietly staying in the corner. Suddenly, Abel arrives with three others, including Violet, who apologizes for not knocking. Tess is polite but unsure about the newcomers. Benjamin and Olivia, two older figures, begin playfully bickering over who should speak to Tess first, behaving like mischievous children despite their legendary status in finance.

Violet watches her parents’ antics with a small smile before looking away, while Abel seems entertained by the scene. Tess feels embarrassed and silently asks Abel to intervene, but he just shrugs with a grin. Ultimately, Tess escorts both Benjamin and Olivia into the office, supporting them under each arm. There is something off about the group, and Tess can’t refuse their persistent requests despite her reservations.

Olivia reflects on the contrast between Tess’s youthful, flawless hand and her own and Benjamin’s wrinkled, aged hands. She sighs, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow as she sees her granddaughter, remembering her own extraordinary life. Olivia quietly praises Tess as “Good girl” and gently pats her hand, offering a silent gesture of approval and warmth.

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Chapter 465 Me First

Tess narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharpening into something unreadable, almost enigmatic. There was a quiet intensity about her that made her seem mysterious, as if she were guarding a secret no one else could guess.

“What?!” Lyra and Raven exclaimed simultaneously, their surprise breaking the tense silence.

Lyra caught on quicker than Raven, her voice tinged with a nervous edge. “You’re… trying to bait them, aren’t you?”

Raven’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?” But as she looked at the serious expressions on the others’ faces, a tight knot formed in her chest. Suddenly, realization dawned on her. “Wait… Tess, you’re pretending to go along with their plan just to uncover what they’re really up to?”

“Exactly,” Tess confirmed with a subtle smile—not the cold, guarded one she had worn earlier, but a softer, warmer expression that hinted at quiet confidence.

“I’ve been laying low these past few days,” she explained, her voice steady but laced with urgency. “Henry thinks I’m out of moves. With his inflated ego, he’s probably convinced I’ve got nothing left to fight with. But if I don’t come up with a solid story soon, Ember’s reputation will be destroyed—and I’ll go down with it. That’s exactly what Henry wants.”

She paused briefly, then added, “But then he sends Nadine to ‘help me out’? That’s too suspicious. He’s definitely planning something bigger than just ruining me or saving Ember Group. I have to stay alert.”

Her words silenced both Lyra and Raven. If Tess was right, the situation was far more dangerous than they’d imagined. They exchanged worried glances, the weight of the moment sinking in.

“Do you want us to come with you to Ember Villa tomorrow?” Lyra asked quietly, her voice almost a whisper.

“No,” Tess replied firmly. “Even if I wanted backup, they’d never allow it. After everything that happened today, they won’t risk causing a scene at the villa.”

She gave their hands a reassuring squeeze, though it barely eased the tension hanging thickly in the air. The room felt suffocating, as if the pressure was closing in on them all.

Ken remained tucked away in the corner, barely daring to breathe or move.

Then, unexpectedly, an elderly voice broke the silence. “We could go with her.”

All three women turned toward the source of the voice.

Abel entered the room, followed by three others trailing behind him.

“Sorry for not knocking,” Violet said quickly, her smile warm but tinged with apology. She couldn’t help stealing another glance at Tess.

“If Abel brought you, then it’s fine,” Tess said politely, though she had no idea who the others were. Still, she stepped forward, ready to offer her help.

Benjamin and Olivia both reached out at the same time, each wanting Tess’s attention.

The atmosphere grew thick with awkwardness as they glared at one another, like children squabbling over a prized candy.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips.

She had always prided herself on her sharp mind and the extraordinary life she had lived—a life most people could only dream of. By all rights, she shouldn’t have any regrets. Yet, seeing her granddaughter for the first time, time suddenly felt cruel. Her heart ached with a bittersweet mix of pride and sorrow.

“Good girl,” Olivia murmured softly.

Once Tess led them across the desk, Olivia reached out and gently patted Tess’s hand, a silent gesture of approval and warmth.

Conclusion

The chapter closes on a poignant note, weaving together the tension of Tess’s precarious position with the warmth of familial bonds. Tess’s resolve to navigate the treacherous waters alone underscores her strength and determination, even as the arrival of Abel and the playful squabbling of Benjamin and Olivia add a tender, humanizing touch to the unfolding drama. The contrast between the looming threat and the gentle moments shared among these characters highlights the complexity of their lives—where vulnerability and courage coexist.

Amidst the high stakes and unspoken dangers, Olivia’s quiet gesture toward Tess serves as a beacon of hope and acceptance, reminding us that even in the darkest times, connection and understanding endure. This blend of tension and tenderness leaves the reader with a sense of anticipation and emotional depth, as Tess braces herself for the challenges ahead, supported by the subtle but unwavering presence of those who care for her.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate web of alliances and hidden motives surrounding Tess. As she navigates the perilous landscape of Ember Group’s internal power struggles, the tension between loyalty and suspicion will only intensify. With Abel’s unexpected arrival and the enigmatic companions he brings, questions arise about their true intentions and how they might influence Tess’s precarious position. The delicate balance Tess maintains between revealing too much and staying one step ahead will be tested like never before.

Emotions are set to run high as old rivalries resurface and new dynamics emerge among the characters. The playful yet poignant interactions between Benjamin, Olivia, and Violet hint at deeper familial complexities that may come to light, adding layers of emotional depth to the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Tess’s quiet determination and the subtle support from those around her suggest that the coming challenges will not only test her resolve but also reveal unexpected strengths and vulnerabilities. Readers can anticipate a chapter rich with suspense, emotional nuance, and the slow unraveling of secrets that could change everything.