Kylie sat tensely beside Nadine’s hospital bed, overwhelmed by anger and betrayal after learning that Tess, her own daughter, had caused harm to Nadine. Despite the pain inflicted by Henry’s betrayal, it was Tess’s actions that cut deepest, especially since Nadine had been a constant support through their troubles. When Nadine weakly revealed that Tess was responsible, Kylie’s shock quickly turned to fierce hatred, recalling how Tess’s behavior had only worsened over the years and driven Henry away, while Nadine remained kind and considerate.
Nadine tearfully recounted the abuse she suffered, locked in a room and beaten by people under Kylie’s knowledge, with her injuries painfully visible. Kylie’s fury boiled over as she condemned Tess’s cruelty, blaming her spoiled upbringing and lack of manners for her callousness. Despite Nadine’s fear of confronting Max, the powerful new CEO who had physically harmed her, the real source of her suffering was Tess’s instigation. Kylie vowed to make Tess pay for her actions, determined to protect Nadine at all costs.
Though Nadine hesitated, feeling conflicted about harshly judging her sister, Kylie was resolute that Tess’s betrayal was unforgivable. She admitted past failings as a mother but insisted it was time to act decisively. Nadine found comfort and hope in Kylie’s fierce protection, grateful for her mother’s strength.
Nadine then recalled a recent incident involving Tess and reporters, which might have triggered Tess’s hostile behavior. Kylie’s anger reignited upon learning that despite Nadine’s attempts to help Tess, her sister still held a grudge. The chapter ends with Kylie’s rage deepening as she realizes the full extent of Tess’s cold-heartedness and the pain she caused her own family.
Chapter 472: It Was Tess
Kylie sat rigidly beside Nadine’s hospital bed, her fingers tightly clenched into fists, her gaze sharp and filled with fury. The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed to close in around them, the faint hum of machines punctuating the heavy silence. Betrayal had cut deep—Henry’s treachery was one wound, but now her own flesh and blood, Tess, had vanished from their lives forever. Through all of this turmoil, only Nadine had remained steadfast by her side. Yet now, someone had inflicted such pain on her daughter, and Kylie’s heart burned with anger and helplessness.
“Tell me, Nadine,” Kylie demanded, voice trembling with a mix of sorrow and rage, “who did this to you? Who could be so cruel?”
After receiving treatment and IV fluids, Nadine’s strength slowly returned, but tears still streamed down her pale cheeks. Her hands trembled as she pointed weakly, voice barely above a whisper, “Mom… it was Tess.”
Kylie’s breath caught sharply. “Tess?” she repeated, disbelief and shock mingling in her voice. “How could she be so heartless?”
Nadine’s body shook violently as sobs overtook her. “Mom, it’s all her fault!” Panic filled her eyes as if a dreadful memory had just resurfaced, one too painful to bear.
Seeing Nadine’s fragile state, Kylie reached out, her hand shaking as she gently tried to soothe her. “It’s okay, Nadine. I’m here. You’re safe now.” Her tone softened, tender and motherly, but beneath that warmth, her eyes darkened with cold fury.
Tess—the very name ignited a fierce hatred in Kylie’s heart. That spoiled child had never earned Henry’s favor, while Nadine, the adopted daughter, was always considerate and kind. Even Henry, often consumed by work, had begun spending more time at home because of Nadine’s presence. Over the past two years, Tess’s behavior had only worsened, driving Henry further away. She was a disappointment, unable to bring any happiness to her father. And now, she had dared to hurt Nadine—the only person who had ever been Kylie’s true comfort.
Disgust churned inside Kylie. Holding Nadine’s trembling form close, she whispered fiercely, “Don’t worry, Nadine. I will make sure she pays for this.”
—
Nadine finally lifted her tear-streaked face from Kylie’s embrace, sorrow etched deep in her eyes. “Really, Mom?” she asked, clutching Kylie’s sleeve as if fearing the answer might be no.
“I can’t even begin to explain,” Nadine continued, voice trembling. “Kylie hurt me so badly. She locked me in a room and had people beat me. It hurts so much.” She showed Kylie her injured arm, the scars raw and painful to look at. Seeing them, Kylie’s heart clenched with a fresh surge of anguish.
“She’s lost her mind!” Kylie spat, slamming her fist against the bed with such force the frame shook. “Who does she think she is, acting like she owns everything just because she left our family? I bet it’s because she was raised by her grandmother and never learned any manners!”
Nadine’s eyes welled with tears again, but a small spark of pride flickered inside her despite the pain. Still, when she thought of the true culprit behind her suffering, she clenched her fists tightly, forcing herself to steady her trembling body.
Max, the newly crowned CEO of the second largest company in Aetheris, was a force to be reckoned with. The Embers had fallen, and although the Larsons had yet to regain full power, Max’s rise was undeniable. Nadine knew she couldn’t afford to cross him again. But every time she recalled that locked room, her heart pounded with fear.
Max hadn’t held back his blows. Each strike felt like it could be her last breath. More than once, she had believed she might die there, trapped and helpless.
A shiver of terror flashed across her eyes.
Kylie’s brow furrowed in confusion for a moment, but when she met Nadine’s eyes and understood what she meant, her expression darkened with rage.
“So that’s it! No wonder you tried to save her, and she still went after you! She…”
The chapter closes on a raw and painful note, capturing the complex web of betrayal, familial love, and simmering resentment that binds Kylie, Nadine, and Tess. Kylie’s fierce protectiveness over Nadine reveals the depth of her maternal devotion, even as she grapples with the devastating realization that Tess, her own daughter, has become a source of such harm. Nadine’s vulnerability and courage in recounting her suffering evoke a profound sympathy, highlighting the emotional scars that run deeper than the physical ones. The tension between forgiveness and justice pulses through their exchange, underscoring the difficulty of navigating fractured family ties when trust has been shattered.
Amidst the sorrow and rage, a fragile hope flickers as Nadine leans on Kylie’s unwavering support, embodying the resilience born of shared pain. Yet the shadows cast by Tess’s actions and the looming threat of Max’s power remind them that the path ahead is fraught with danger and difficult choices. The chapter leaves readers suspended between heartbreak and determination, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fierce instinct to protect those we love, even when the wounds come from within.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fractured relationship between Nadine and Tess, revealing more about the motivations and emotions driving their conflict. As Kylie’s fury intensifies, the family dynamics will be tested, and the line between love and resentment may blur even further. Readers can expect emotional confrontations that unearth painful truths, forcing each character to face the consequences of their actions and choices.
Tension is mounting not only within the family but also in the wider world surrounding them. With Max’s ruthless presence looming large, Nadine’s vulnerability and fear will likely come to the forefront, complicating her path to healing and justice. The delicate balance between seeking retribution and preserving family bonds will create a gripping emotional landscape, leaving readers eager to see how far Kylie is willing to go to protect her daughter and what price Tess might pay for her betrayals.

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The readers' comments on the novel: Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback
Hi when are we going to get to read more chapters of this wonderful Novel ? Please release more chapters 🙏🏼...