Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 545

**Chapter 545: Farewell Dinner**

As Tess lifted her gaze to meet Steven’s, she was caught off guard by the fleeting shadow of melancholy that passed through his usually bright eyes. It was a rare sight, one she hadn’t expected to see, and it sent a ripple of unease through her.

“Something’s not right,” she thought, her brow furrowing slightly. “You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?” Her voice was steady, but the concern beneath it was palpable.

Steven hesitated, the silence stretching between them like an unspoken barrier. Finally, he nodded, almost imperceptibly. “The project turned out great,” he began, his voice measured, “but soon, I’ll be leaving for the overseas headquarters.”

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. Even Raven, who typically filled the space with her chatter, fell silent, absorbing the weight of his words.

“A farewell dinner, then?” Tess ventured, attempting to sound nonchalant, but the heaviness in her tone betrayed her.

Her fingers traced the rim of her cup, seeking comfort in its warmth, as if it could shield her from the impending change.

“Maybe,” he replied, a faint smile gracing his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes, which remained clouded with something deeper.

“Isn’t Nexus Research Institute thriving? Why do you need to head to the headquarters?” Lyra interjected, her curiosity piqued, but also tinged with concern.

Though they hadn’t shared as many moments with Steven as they had with Abel, the tension in the room was palpable, and Tess’s sorrow was contagious.

“It’s the decision made by the headquarters,” Steven explained, his tone calm and composed. “They’ve brought in a new wave of researchers, and they need my guidance to help them settle in.”

Tess nodded, absorbing his words. Then, with a sudden burst of resolve, she raised her teacup and gently clinked it against his. “Then I wish you a brilliant future and a smooth journey ahead,” she declared, her voice steady yet laced with emotion.

His fingers tightened around his cup, the gesture almost instinctual. He swallowed hard, forcing a small smile to mask the turmoil within. “Thanks. I’ll take all the good wishes I can get.”

“So, when exactly do we start?” he asked, cutting through the lingering silence with a directness that surprised even him.

“As soon as possible,” Tess replied after a moment’s thought. “That way, it won’t delay your trip.”

Steven’s gaze lingered on her face, searching for something he couldn’t quite define.

Sometimes, he found it hard to gauge Tess’s true feelings. Did she genuinely care, or was she merely putting on a brave face? Her calm demeanor often left him feeling helpless, caught in a web of uncertainty.

“There’s no rush,” he said slowly, weighing his words. “But if you’re in a hurry, I can leave as early as tomorrow.”

Tess met his gaze with determination. “Alright. I’ll have Lyra and the others take you there then.”

She nodded quickly, her agreement coming without a moment’s hesitation. After giving her instructions, she didn’t linger, leaving with Lyra and Raven, the door clicking shut behind them.

Steven’s eyes trailed after her until the door was firmly closed, an ache settling in his chest. Even in her absence, his gaze remained fixed on the spot where she had stood, as if he could will her back with sheer willpower.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify