Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 476

476 Old Friends, New Schemes

Chapter 476 Old Friends, New Schemes

Lachlan shrugged casually, as if it was no big deal at all.

Raven’s jaw tightened in frustration. “Seriously? You had something this incredible all along? Why didn’t you show it to us sooner?”

A mischievous grin played on Lachlan’s lips. “Hey, I only just discovered it recently.”

Tess observed their playful bickering quietly, choosing to stay out of it.

She already knew these two shared a close bond—Lyra had once mentioned how Raven helped her get Lachlan’s autograph.

“Tess, you really should kick him out early. He’s nothing but trouble. You can’t keep him hanging around the house,” Raven said firmly, flipping through the entire music sheet of “Splendor Sonata.”

Lachlan immediately scowled and shot her a sharp glare. “What? Trying to stir up trouble again? Don’t forget, we’re friends—and I gave your friend an autograph!”

He stared at her intensely.

But Raven remained unfazed. Instead, she leaned in closer to Tess, lowering her voice to a confidential whisper. “Trust me on this.”

“No way!” Lachlan protested loudly.

Tess watched the two of them behaving like squabbling children and couldn’t help but smile softly. She didn’t take their teasing seriously. Her attention drifted back to Layla, cradled gently in her arms, as she soothed the baby with a tender smile.

Yet, as she glanced down, she missed the subtle, worried look Raven shot her.

“Whatever,” Tess sighed, deciding it wasn’t worth continuing the argument with Lachlan. She shifted the conversation, turning to Raven. “You’re visiting the Embers tomorrow, right? Are you really considering forgiving them?”

“Maybe,” Tess finally admitted, a faint smile touching her lips.

When Raven caught the sparkle in Tess’s eyes, an inexplicable chill ran down her spine.

She tugged at her sleeves nervously and, when she lifted her gaze again, noticed Lachlan watching her for a brief moment.

“If anything happens, you know how to reach me. I’ll be going now,” Raven said softly, her eyes briefly flashing with emotion before she masked it once more.

She stood, carefully sliding the first draft of “Splendor Sonata” back into the music book and clutching it tightly. With a small wave, she indicated to Tess that she was taking it.

Tess nodded in approval, letting her keep the sheet music.

After all, the composition had belonged to Gillian, and Tess felt it was better entrusted to someone like Raven, who could truly appreciate and bring it to life. Music wasn’t her strong suit, and in Raven’s hands, the piece would carry far more meaning than if she held onto it.

“Oh, by the way, Lachlan, it’s been a while since we caught up. Let’s chat before you go.”

Just as Raven was about to leave, she suddenly spun around with a wide grin and grabbed Lachlan’s arm, pulling him toward the door.

Tess’s eyes flickered with curiosity, wanting to ask what was happening. But when she saw the serious look on Raven’s face, she held back.

Whatever was going on, it clearly didn’t involve her. Somehow, her instincts told her it was best not to get involved.

“How did you end up in Krigan, and just happen to meet my friend?” she asked coldly.

Raven didn’t believe in coincidences.

Seeing it was only the two of them, Lachlan dropped any pretense.

He shrugged lightly.

If the man inside had once seemed like a fairy bathed in morning light, now he resembled a shadowy demon lurking in the dark.

“Not really a coincidence,” he replied with a smile.

His eyes curved warmly, but there was an unsettling edge beneath his friendly demeanor.

“What are you planning?” Raven demanded.

Her back stiffened, every muscle tense and alert.

“Relax, we’ve known each other for years,” Lachlan said, spreading his hands in a calming gesture, blinking his striking blue eyes.

“That won’t work on me,” Raven retorted coldly.

She waved her hand dismissively, but her gaze grew sharper, colder.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension as old friends faced new schemes.