Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82 Evermount Villa Isn’t Their Home

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Chapter 82 Evermount Villa Isn’t Their Home

Tess’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Meanwhile, Finn kept his eyes fixed on her face.

“That’s twice now, Tess.”

His words caught her completely off guard, and her hands froze mid–motion.

Twice? What did he mean?

Confused, she looked up and met his unreadable gaze.

In the next moment, it clicked.

The first time was when Layla had diarrhea at the hotel, and he had helped take care of her.

Now was the second–Layla had been kidnapped, and again, she was troubling him for help in the middle of the night. Tess’s lips twitched. “I’ll take Layla and leave tomorrow.”

“You misunderstood me.”

Finn casually pulled out a chair and sat down.

Layla, now full and energized, was squirming and babbling in his arms. But despite her restlessness, he held her securely. The sight of a man in a suit holding a baby with a pacifier should’ve looked absurd–but strangely, it looked… right. Tess blinked and softened her tone. “What do you mean then?”

“Max isn’t wrong about one thing–you and Layla aren’t safe out there alone. And Aetheris belongs to the Locks.”

He sounded arrogant, but Tess didn’t argue–because he wasn’t wrong.

The Locks were the wealthiest family in Aetheris, and they controlled the city’s entire economy.

Under his protection, she wouldn’t have to keep running with Layla, constantly in fear.

Tess’s gaze dimmed.

She had believed that she could raise Layla safely and give her a good life on her own.

But after the kidnapping, she was forced to reevaluate everything.

Could she really protect Layla?

Max could send his men to snatch Layla right out of her arms, bold as hell

—

and she was helpless against him.

Tess began to slump as if a heavy weight had been placed on her shoulders. Even breathing felt difficult.

Finn noticed the shift in her demeanor. His voice softened instinctively. “You’re my wife, Evermount Villa is always your home

His tone turned gentle, almost coaxing.

“No”

Tess shook her head.

Finn was taken aback.

She bit her lip, then gently lifted Layla out of his arms.

Chapter 82 Evermount Villa Isn’t Their Home

With a heavy sigh, he instinctively reached for a cigarette–then paused, remembering the woman and child still inside the house. Silently, he lowered his hand and rubbed his temples instead.

Forget it.

The kitchen lights stayed on until dawn.

Finn didn’t sleep a wink. When the first rays of morning light spilled into the villa, he cast one final glance toward Tess‘ room before leaving for the office.

Tess stirred as sunlight brushed against her cheek.

Layla was still asleep, so she moved carefully and quietly packed up.

When she opened the bedroom door, the villa was still and silent.

Tess peeked out cautiously, scanning the hallway. Once she was sure Finn wasn’t around, she rolled the suitcase out.

She couldn’t help but worry he might send someone to stop her–his absence made things easier.

Layla was already awake when she returned to the room. The baby was rubbing her eyes and smiling up at her.

Tess felt a sharp pang in her chest.

All she had ever wanted was to give Layla a safe, stable life. Instead, she had dragged her through chaos and fear.

Yet Layla remained sweet and understanding.

Tess gathered her into her arms and held her close.

Their hearts beat in sync, and some of the heaviness in Tess’s heart melted away.

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