Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 488

Chapter 488: Keep It

Violet clenched her jaw tightly, her voice dripping with bitterness and resentment.

Her harsh words landed like a venomous curse, and immediately, a shadow crossed Violet’s face, darkening her expression as if the room itself grew colder.

With a sudden force, she slammed her palm down on the coffee table, the sharp sound echoing through the tense air. “Kylie, I’ve never encountered a mother like you before!” she snapped, her chest rising and falling rapidly with the weight of her fury.

They had just arrived at Aetheris, and on the way, Abel had already shared how Tess had been neglected and mistreated by the Embers for years—left to fend for herself, invisible and unwanted. Now, standing in this grand yet cold space, they all felt the urgent need to defend this girl who had endured so much loneliness.

But Kylie’s eyes burned with a different fire—one of frustration and inner turmoil.

Why do they keep accusing me of mistreating Tess? If only they knew the truth about how cunning and ruthless Tess can be, would they still judge me so harshly?

Just as Kylie was about to retort sharply, Henry intervened, pulling her gently but firmly into his embrace. He held her close, his voice calm but apologetic as he addressed the others. “Kylie’s been emotionally fragile lately. I’ll take her upstairs to rest. I promise to come back down later and properly host everyone.”

While speaking, Henry’s gaze flickered toward Tess’s wrist, searching for the bracelet they’d argued over, but it was cleverly concealed beneath her sleeve. Despite not seeing it, Henry already pieced together the truth from their heated exchange.

That bracelet was the heirloom—an emblem reserved solely for the Larson heir.

Which meant, of course…

A flicker of greed sparked in Henry’s eyes.

If Tess truly inherited the Larsons, she would still be an Ember by blood—his own daughter. That inheritance could eventually fall under his control.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but catching a few sharp, watchful glances from the others, he quickly suppressed it and led Kylie upstairs without another word.

—

Once they reached the second floor, Kylie wrenched herself free from Henry’s hold and snapped, “What are you doing? Let me go!”

Henry’s voice softened, almost coaxing. “Kylie, what’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

His tone was gentle, but beneath it lay a probing curiosity, searching for answers.

Grasping his arm like a lifeline, Kylie’s voice trembled with desperation. “I have to go back down! They want Tess to inherit the Larsons! That’s like signing the family’s death warrant!”

Henry’s suspicions were now fully confirmed, but he kept his excitement carefully hidden behind a mask of calm. “We can’t interfere,” he said smoothly. “If the Larsons have made this decision, there must be a reason behind it.”

Kylie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What reason? They’ve barely met Tess! And yet, they’re handing over everything to her? That’s madness!”

“I gave it to you. Keep it,” Olivia replied firmly.

Amid the quiet tension, Abel slipped beside Tess, ignoring the sharp glare Benjamin cast his way.

Feeling Benjamin’s burning stare from his right, Abel rubbed his nose nervously, pretending not to notice.

Tess shot him a sharp look. What are you playing at?

“They’re all respected elders,” Abel whispered, his voice low. “Once a gift is given, it’s not right to take it back, is it?” Then, leaning closer, he lowered his voice further. “Besides, isn’t this why you came here in the first place?”

He stopped, but when their eyes met, the unspoken understanding passed between them.

Tess’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected him to see through her intentions so quickly.

The warmth of his breath brushing against her ear barely registered anymore.

Just then, Henry hurried back down the stairs, his smile a little too eager.

“I let Kylie rest. So, how’s the conversation going? Need more drinks? Should I have the staff bring something up?”