Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 535

**Keepsake 535**

Henry’s eyes widened, a flicker of anxiety dancing behind his polite facade as he wrestled with the tumult of thoughts swirling in his mind. He managed to maintain a courteous demeanor, but the excitement bubbling within him was nearly impossible to conceal. “Oh, I see. So why are you bringing something like that up with me?”

He forced a smile, an artful pretense of reluctance, yet his eyes sparkled with uncontained eagerness.

Abel, ever the keen observer, caught the glimmer of greed in Henry’s gaze but chose to feign ignorance, a practiced indifference playing across his features.

“Well, you are Tess’s father,” Abel drawled, his tone languid and unhurried. “Now that Tess has returned to the Ember Residence, naturally, the first people who come to mind are you and the Embers.”

Henry nodded enthusiastically, his cheeks flushing with a blend of excitement and pride. He barely registered the store clerk’s attempts to guide him through the aisles, his focus solely on Abel. Without hesitation, he pulled out a chair and planted himself down with a sense of determination. “It’s truly an honor. So… what kind of project are we discussing here?”

Leaning in just a touch, Abel’s voice lowered conspiratorially. “Luxury goods manufacturing. The labor costs are significant, to say the least. If it weren’t for your connection to Tess, this substantial opportunity wouldn’t be coming your way.”

Abel raised an eyebrow, his expression challenging.

Henry, catching the implication instantly, straightened up, a grin spreading across his face like sunshine breaking through clouds. “Wow! I didn’t expect such candor from you, Mr. Shaw! This truly would be an incredible honor for me. Do you think I could arrange a formal meeting with you and your parents to discuss the finer details?”

He leaned in, enthusiasm radiating from him, but Abel was not one to allow such proximity easily. With a subtle shift, he maintained a comfortable distance, his expression remaining stoic, his features sharp and inscrutable.

Meet my parents?

Henry? Really? Is the man out of touch with reality?

Yet Abel buried those thoughts deep within. He didn’t exude arrogance, but there was a slight softening in his tone.

“I’m afraid that’s not feasible. They’re quite busy.”

Henry nodded vigorously, eager to comply. “Of course, of course. Your parents are certainly not just anyone. I completely understand.”

“Still, you and I can discuss the collaboration first,” Abel added, his voice steady and inviting.

That was all the encouragement Henry needed. He promptly dismissed thoughts of Kylie and Nadine, dragging another chair closer and positioning himself directly across from Abel, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“This project is based at a factory on the outskirts of Aetheris,” Abel stated, his tone even and measured.

At the mere mention of a factory, Henry’s body tensed involuntarily. “A factory?”

His brow furrowed, suspicion creeping into his expression as he scrutinized Abel. But as he met Abel’s calm, unwavering gaze, he forced a smile, though it felt strained.

“Mr. Shaw, perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding? Which company begins its operations with a factory on the outskirts?”

Abel shook his head slowly, his eyes keenly observing every subtle shift in Henry’s demeanor. Then, as if recalling something, he casually amended his statement. “Maybe I misremembered. Not the outskirts, but a factory a bit farther from downtown. I believe the company’s current president is a gentleman named Max.”

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