Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 552

**Keepsake 552**

**552 Undercover Mission**

Henry stood his ground, his voice slicing through the air like a sharpened knife. “You think this is easy for me, Shannon? You’re mistaken.” The sharpness of his tone echoed in the small room, a clear indication that neither of them was willing to yield to the other.

The atmosphere crackled with tension, thick enough to suffocate. It was as if the very walls were closing in, threatening to engulf them in their simmering animosity.

Shannon felt his words pierce her heart, each syllable a reminder of the love that had once flourished between them now turned bitter. She looked at him, the man who had once held her heart in his hands, and felt a wave of disbelief wash over her. Did he truly believe he was doing her a favor with his condescending remarks?

Had he ever paused to consider the emotional toll it had taken on her all these years?

They had shared their childhood, navigating the complexities of life side by side. When he had sought to elevate himself by cozying up to Kylie, she had stepped aside gracefully, never uttering a complaint. For years, she had stood by him, a silent supporter without any title, without recognition, and without ever asking for anything in return. And now, was it all being twisted into a burden he was placing on her shoulders?

Her throat constricted painfully as she lifted her gaze once more, only to find that the man she had known so intimately had morphed into a complete stranger before her eyes.

Even her recent breakdown—wasn’t that a direct result of the relentless stress he had caused?

Shannon’s nails dug into her palm, the sharp sting grounding her in the moment. The perfect facade she had painstakingly constructed—a world of sweet lies and beautiful illusions—was crumbling around her. What remained was a chaotic mess, sticky and painful, a stark contrast to the life she had envisioned.

“Are you going home or not?” Henry’s voice turned icy, devoid of any warmth. “Now that the truth has come to light, you can forget about living the life of a carefree rich wife. The only label waiting for you now is that of a homewrecker.”

He regarded her with an unsettling lack of empathy, watching as the fire of anger in her eyes flickered and dimmed until she finally looked away, her spirit seemingly deflated.

An oppressive silence settled between them, heavy and suffocating. Finally, Shannon pulled back the blanket, swinging her legs over the side of the bed with a quiet resignation. She moved toward the door, each step echoing her inner turmoil.

Outside, Tania awaited her, and the moment she caught sight of Shannon’s hollow expression, her heart lurched in alarm. Concern etched across her features, she tried to peer into the room. But when Tania met Henry’s cold, penetrating gaze, she quickly averted her eyes, feeling the weight of his disdain.

Tania rushed forward, instinctively reaching out to support her friend. Shannon, usually so proud and aloof, did not resist this time. Instead, she clutched Tania’s arm, leaning against her as if she were the only thing keeping her upright.

It was then that Tania truly understood the extent of Shannon’s fragility. Without her support, she would have crumpled to the floor, utterly defeated.

In that fleeting moment, Tania saw the vulnerability that lay beneath Shannon’s polished exterior.

Yet, despite the pity that swelled within her, Tania was acutely aware that Shannon had orchestrated her own downfall. She harbored no regrets about the choices she had made.

**Private Factory.**

“You here for the job?”

At the entrance, a security guard scrutinized the man standing before him with a lingering gaze, skepticism etched into his features. The man appeared far too refined for a place like this, his polished demeanor standing in stark contrast to the gritty environment of the factory.

“This is a factory. We hire laborers, not office clerks. Are you sure you’ve come to the right place?”

The guard’s frown deepened, his doubt palpable as he assessed Steven’s intentions.

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