Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 520

hapter 520 A Surprise in Scrubs.

Zane didn’t think much of it.

After all, everyone in Aetheris knew who the Lock Group was. Even if Finn really got arrested, he wouldn’t spend more than an hour inside before someone pulled strings to get him out.

But Finn’s pupils tightened as he stared at Tess’s phone screen.

Is she seriously about to call the cops on me, just to make me leave?

His eyes widened. A faint, bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, somewhere between mockery and heartbreak.

Finn’s fingers twitched slightly before he finally loosened his grip on Tess’s wrist.

Tess shot him a flat look, then turned to head back inside.

But just as she was about to close the door, Finn, who had been silent for a while, suddenly lifted his gaze. “Is the reason you won’t forgive me… because of Abel?”

“Abel?”

For the first time, emotion flickered in Tess’s eyes–but it wasn’t softness. It was anger. She was furious that Finn would even suggest something like that.

Her face darkened instantly.

“How could that possibly have anything to do with me? Uncle Finn, please. I’m not that irresistible.”

And right then, a lazy, teasing voice cut through the tension.

Everyone froze and turned toward the sound.

Abel was stepping out of a cab, still dressed in hospital scrubs, closing the door behind him.

Tess’s brows knit tighter, but she still hurried forward to steady him.

“Why are you out of the hospital already?”

She gave him a quick once over. His complexion looked normal, with no sign of the pale, weak look he’d had before, so he seemed to really be okay.

1/3

“And why are you still wearing your hospital clothes?”

Her lips twitched as she took in the light–blue uniform that screamed ‘I escaped the ward.‘

Abel just grinned, completely unfazed. “Tess, I secretly checked myself out today just to surprise you. I was too excited to change. It’s just clothes–what, you don’t like the look?”

He blinked at her a couple of times, like a spoiled puppy begging for attention.

Raven rolled her eyes. “Getting discharged is a surprise now?”

Abel raised his brows, threw an arm around Tess’s shoulders, and smirked. “Of course it is. Tess must’ve been worried sick about me in the hospital. Now that I’m standing right here, she doesn’t have to miss me anymore.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Raven made a face and mimed gagging.

Abel didn’t even glance at her. His gaze stayed locked on Tess, overly dramatic and way too flirty.

“Okay, that’s enough.”

Tess lifted her hand and pressed her palm against his cheek, forcing his head to the side.

Most guys would’ve been embarrassed to be brushed off like that in front of an audience, but Abel only seemed more intrigued. His eyes flicked to her hand, and he murmured, “You smell nice.”

Then he leaned in closer, exhaling softly against her neck.

Tess stared at him blankly for a second, then glanced down at her own hand.

Next time, I’m washing with chili–scented soap.

Raven clicked her tongue. “Tess, stop touching him. Any second now, he’s gonna start licking your hand.”

Lyra covered her mouth to hide her laugh but nodded in agreement.

Abel didn’t seem the least bit offended. He just narrowed his eyes playfully and kept winking at Tess.

The four of them were so caught up in their banter that they basically forgot Finn was even there.

2/3

Zane risked a glance at him and instantly regretted it.

Finn’s face was dark, his fingers clenching so tightly at his sides that the veins stood out.

Zane’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked away.

“Uncle Finn? What are you doing here?” Abel acted like he’d just noticed Finn, looking genuinely surprised.

Tess turned her head as well.

Finn’s expression was stone cold.

At that moment, even though Tess was still there, he couldn’t stand being in that place any longer.

“Tess, whatever compensation you want–whatever you need–I’ll make it happen. All I ask is that you forgive me.”

He repeated himself firmly, his voice steady this time. “I’ll wait for you. As long as it takes.”

Then he clenched his jaw, turned to leave, but stopped halfway to glance back.

The side of his face was sharp and composed, his tone suddenly icy. “Abel, remember who you are. You’re not a kid anymore. You should know what your responsibilities are.”

With that, he walked off, his stride long and his anger barely contained.

“Responsibilities?” Tess muttered under her breath. She didn’t care that Finn was gone, but his words stuck with her.

She frowned and looked at Abel. “What did he mean by that?”

Abel blinked, looking clueless, then spread his hands. “He’s just being dramatic. He’s jealous because I’m spending time with you.”

Tess narrowed her eyes, studying him closely, as if trying to tell whether he was lying.

But Abel just looked back at her with innocent, wide eyes—and then gave her a cheeky wink.