Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90 Grenade!

Lucille had been silently watching the subtle changes in Abel’s expression from the sidelines. She was completely fascinated. For a brief moment, silence settled over the three of them.

Each lost in their own thoughts–Tess, ironically, was the only one who felt at ease.

Then suddenly, Layla began to fuss.

MARY

It was precisely this quiet that allowed Tess to notice something odd about Layla in the stroller. Unlike earlier, when she had been curious and obedient, Layla’s tiny face was now scrunched up, her hands flailing as if searching for something to hold

onto.

Tess’s heart instantly clenched.

“What’s wrong?”

She bent down and scooped Layla into her arms, gently bouncing her to soothe her.

Normally, that would’ve made Layla clap and giggle, but now she only whimpered softly, her expression twisted in discomfort.

Lucille stepped closer and looked at Layla’s diaper. “Did she pee?”

Tess shook her head.

She had just changed her before they left.

A wave of unease crept into her chest. She reached up to feel Layla’s forehead.

After all the fevers and stomach issues recently, every small change made Tess tense with worry.

Watching Layla behave so unusually, she made a quick decision.

I should head back,” she said.

Lucille seemed to read her mind and immediately pulled Abel closer like offering a prized treasure.

As soon as the man stood beside her, her fingers trembled slightly before she quickly withdrew them. Still, she smiled brightly and offered, “It’s hard to carry a baby and handle the stroller. Let Abel walk you home. If you’re not comfortable with that, at least let him push the stroller.”

Abel glanced at Tess and nodded. “You carry the baby, I’ll take the stroller–or, I can carry both.”

Tess hesitated for a moment before giving him a small, grateful nod. “Thank you.”

Layla seemed to calm down in her arms, and truthfully, the stroller was becoming a burden.

Although Lucille and Abel seemed a little strange, their offer felt genuine. They really did seem to want to help.

Abel walked over to the stroller and placed his hand on the same spot Tess had been holding. A subtle jolt of warmth shot through him like an electric current, making his heart tingle with a strange softness.

It had been a long time since he’d felt this kind of joy.

His fingers curled tightly around the handle.

I should’ve come to Aetheris much sooner.

His gaze lingered intently on Tess.

Before she could even react, a powerful arm yanked the dog away from her and Layla in one swift motion.

Grenade let out a sharp yelp as Abel flung him aside and followed with a hard kick. The dog tumbled across the ground while whimpering loudly.

Tess gasped, her chest rising and falling with shaky breaths. Only then did her legs finally move, stumbling back as the shock wore off.

Abel stood firmly in front of her like a wall, shielding them both. His eyes blazed with fury.

Just then, the dog’s owner came running over in panic. “I’m so sorry! I have no idea why Grenade lost it–he’s never done that before. Are you all okay?”

His eyes darted nervously to Tess and Layla.

“Why wasn’t it leashed? This is a residential area!”

Abel’s tone turned sharp and commanding, the aura around him suddenly oppressive.

The man–Jamie–visibly flinched. But he managed a nervous, sheepish smile. “I–I really am sorry. Grenade used to be a police dog. He’s trained, I swear. Everyone in the neighborhood knows him.”

Abel was unmoved. I’m calling the police. You can explain yourself to them.”

Jamie’s face twisted, his tone shifting from apologetic to defensive. “No one got hurt! Why would you call the cops?”

He rushed over to where Grenade lay whimpering and tried to lift the dog gently.

Abel hadn’t held back with that kick. The golden retriever was now lying limp, struggling to get up.

Jamie’s hand brushed over the dog’s side, and his eyes flared with anger. “I already apologized–and my dog’s the one who’s injured! 1 should be asking you for compensation! And now you’re threatening to call the police?!”