Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 495

**Chapter 495: Take Me to the Restaurant**

Tess rose from her seat, her heart racing as she deliberately averted her gaze from Abel’s penetrating eyes. She reached for her bag, her fingers brushing against the fabric, but before she could make her escape, Abel swiftly intercepted her, his hand closing around the strap. “I’ll walk you out,” he declared, his voice firm yet warm.

Before Tess could muster a protest, he had already taken hold of her hand, pulling her along with him as he led her out of the room, not sparing a glance back. A flicker of surprise danced across Tess’s features, but it quickly faded, replaced by a curious awareness of their joined hands.

As they hurried down the corridor toward the underground garage, Tess felt an odd mixture of annoyance and exhilaration. No matter how much she tried to pull away, Abel maintained his grip, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. The way he seemed unaffected by her silent protests only fueled her frustration.

They half-jogged, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the empty space as they reached the garage. Abel brought her to his car and came to a sudden halt. Tess, catching her breath, placed a hand on her chest, feeling her heart race. She shot him a glare, her annoyance bubbling over, and without hesitation, she stomped down on his shoe. A small mark appeared on the pristine leather, a testament to her defiance.

“Ouch,” Abel exclaimed, feigning pain, yet his smile only widened. He seemed to relish the playful banter, enjoying the lighthearted tussle.

Tess couldn’t help but soften at his demeanor. Despite her irritation, she purposefully turned her back to him and slid into the back seat, crossing her arms in a huff.

“Oh, my poor front passenger seat,” Abel lamented dramatically, slipping into the driver’s seat with a theatrical sigh.

“Come on, hurry up. Layla will be waking up soon,” Tess urged, her voice tinged with urgency.

“Yes, my Ms. Ember,” he replied, laughter lacing his words as he turned the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life.

As they drove out of the garage, sunlight flooded the car, warming the space between them.

Just then, Tess’s phone buzzed insistently, breaking the moment.

“It’s 4 PM. I made a dinner appointment with the person who reported Shannon. Do you want to come?”

The message from Finn made Tess narrow her eyes, a frown creeping onto her face as she checked the time. It was only 3:20 PM.

Abel, noticing her change in expression through the rearview mirror, raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Did someone message you?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Yeah,” she replied, her brow furrowing in thought. Her fingers hovered over the text box, hesitating before she ultimately deleted her response.

“It’s from Finn,” she admitted, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

At that moment, the traffic light ahead changed to red, and Abel instinctively hit the brakes. Taking advantage of the pause, he raised an eyebrow playfully. “Uncle Finn? Did the informant say anything new?”

Tess met his gaze in the mirror, a mixture of apprehension and determination swirling within her. “Yeah, don’t take me home yet. Take me to the restaurant.”

“Zane, bring her over,” he instructed, his voice steady as he climbed into a discreet black Maybach parked nearby, camouflaged perfectly in the shadows.

The car melted into the darkness, becoming visible only when the headlights flickered on.

“Yes, Mr. Lock. She and I will be waiting at the restaurant,” Zane confirmed.

“Okay,” Finn replied curtly, determination etched on his face.

The luxury vehicle sped away, leaving only a faint cloud of exhaust in its wake.

Meanwhile, Tess and Abel arrived at the restaurant on the edge of town. Abel parked the car, and an uncomfortable silence filled the air, thick with tension and unspoken thoughts.

Tess felt a swirl of confusion and frustration as she glanced at Abel, her heart racing. She opened the door, ready to step out.

“Tess,” Abel called out, his voice breaking through her thoughts.

She glanced at her phone, noting that there were still ten minutes left before her meeting. With a sigh, she let her hand drop from the door handle and turned to face him, curiosity mingling with uncertainty.