Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff

Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff

That eerie feeling returned–the same one she’d had just before leaving the last hotel.

Was someone following her?

Tess’s heart thudded hard against her ribs. Panic surged, and she picked up her pace, rushing toward the hotel.

The front desk hotel staff, Jennifer Webb, was startled by her disheveled state. “Ma’am, is everything alright?”

The warm, golden light of the lobby wrapped around her like a blanket, calming her nerves.

Tess forced a shaky breath and offered an apologetic smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just here to check in.”

Hearing that, Jennifer’s face lit up, and she promptly began the check–in process with practiced cheer.

When the key card was finally handed over, Tess exhaled in relief.

Still, before heading to her room, she glanced over her shoulder at the outside.

Only dry leaves swirled across the pavement, nothing visibly out of place. Maybe she was just being paranoid,

She patted her chest and tried to laugh it off. “Get a grip, Tess,” she muttered.

“Is there a problem, ma’am?” Jennifer asked kindly, catching the flicker of unease in her expression.

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“Nothing.” Tess shook her head and asked, “This area is sort of on the outskirts, right? How’s the security around here?”

Jennifer gave a bright smile and said, “Ah, so that’s what you were worried about. Don’t worry–our hotel is fully equipped with security features. Every room has an emergency alarm button. If anything feels off, just press it, and help will come right away.”

That did ease her mind. Tess nodded gratefully. “Thank you. That’s reassuring.”

Once inside the room with Layla, the tension she’d been carrying began to dissolve into exhaustion.

She changed the baby into her pajamas, fed her, and was just about to settle in for the night when-

Knock Knock.

The sudden sound joited her.

Tess groaned and rubbed her temples, then opened the door.

It was Jennifer, holding a food tray.

“I didn’t order anything. Tess said, confused.

Jennifer smiled politely and said, “It’s a complimentary gift for first–time guests. Just a little late–night treat.”

She gently nudged the tray toward Tess.

Tess still felt something was off but accepted it politely.

| “This bread is a new item we’re testing our, Jennifer explained with a bright smile. “Our manager asked us to gather some

customer feedback as we deliver it”

Tess caught on “So you’d like me to try it now?”

“Yes, please

Tess glanced at her closely. The woman still wore that perfect customer service smile. Flawless. Impeccable.

Tess nodded quickly, letting out a dramatic groan. “I will, I promise. Just–please go!”

Jennifer picked up her pace, but she muttered under her breath, “Didn’t know cramps could be that bad.”

The second she turned the corner and disappeared from view, Tess straightened. The pain? Gone.

She grabbed her suitcase, scooped Layla into her arms, and made for the back exit without another second’s delay.

Tess hadn’t imagined it–the gleam of calculation in Jennifer’s eyes had been real.

Something about this place wasn’t right.

Her gut screamed it. Adrenaline surged through her. She didn’t even risk the elevator–just bolted for the emergency stairwell

The stairwell was dim, lit only by the green glow of the exit signs. Each step echoed beneath her feet, her heart hammering against her chest.

Meanwhile, Jennifer had just purchased the painkillers when she suddenly stopped.

If she had cramps, could she still eat dessert?

A sense of wrongness hit her. She frowned, her steps quickened.

By the time she reached the hallway, she saw it immediately–the door to Tess’s room was slightly ajar.

A wave of dread surged through her.

Bang

She shoved the door open. The room was in chaos–tossed sheets, scattered clothes–but not a soul in sight

Jennifer stood in the doorway, her chest heaving in panic.