Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 531

**Keepsake 531**
**Chapter 531: The Factory on the Outskirts**

Lyra decided not to press the issue any further. With a calm demeanor, she stated, “About that Nicholas you wanted us to investigate, we’ve managed to uncover something significant.”

“Really?” Tess’s curiosity piqued, her brows lifting slightly in anticipation.

“Yes,” Lyra confirmed, her voice steady. “He’s still in Aetheris, at least as far as our intel suggests. We haven’t pinpointed his exact location yet, but it seems he’s holed up in a factory somewhere on the outskirts of the city.”

Raven, ever the efficient one, effortlessly retrieved a tablet from her bag. The screen flickered to life, revealing a detailed map of Aetheris.

She gestured towards a specific area on the outer edge. “The businesses run by the Embers have completely crumbled, but during our investigation, we discovered that this factory is actually registered under Henry’s name. And surprisingly, it’s still operational.”

Tess’s expression shifted, a serious look settling on her features. “So, you suspect that Henry is hiding Nicholas there?”

It had been a while since she had brought Ken from Krigan to Aetheris. In the beginning, the boy had incessantly pleaded to find his parents, his eyes filled with hope and desperation. Tess had skillfully deflected his requests, knowing she needed to gather solid evidence and reliable witnesses before making a decisive move against the Embers. But the unexpected interference from the Larsons had thrown her plans into disarray. Now, Ken had ceased his inquiries, but Tess’s promise lingered in her mind like a weight. She couldn’t betray the trust she had built with him.

“Exactly,” Lyra affirmed, her tone unwavering. “The Embers’ influence is waning, and even the few families that once aligned with them have distanced themselves. There’s hardly anyone left who could conceal someone as significant as Nicholas, especially with Ken’s mother involved.”

Tess nodded, her mind racing as she contemplated the implications. She then looked up, her gaze sharp. “Have you sent anyone to scout the area? What’s the environment like around that factory?”

Lyra and Raven exchanged a knowing glance before shaking their heads in unison. “It’s not that we didn’t want to,” Lyra explained, her voice tinged with frustration. “That place is heavily secured. We could only manage a brief aerial glimpse using a drone.”

“Oh, right! Steven lent us the drone,” Raven chimed in, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “He’s been busy developing some new technology lately.”

“Steven?” Tess blinked, momentarily taken aback. It had been a whirlwind of activity lately, and she realized she hadn’t thought about him in quite some time.

“Yeah,” Lyra replied, her tone casual yet informative. “After that whole lawsuit with Nadine, his lab received a significant influx of funding. He essentially re-emerged into the scene.”

Tess nodded, absorbing the information but choosing not to dwell on it. “We need to get a closer look at Henry’s factory,” she declared with determination.

Lyra and Raven immediately voiced their agreement. “Alright, we’ll devise a way to infiltrate.”

Tess frowned slightly, acutely aware that this wouldn’t be a straightforward task.

Ken was still just a child, and she couldn’t keep him with her indefinitely. It was essential for him to be reunited with his parents as soon as possible.

“If you require any technical support, reach out to Steven,” she decided after a moment of contemplation. “For now, concentrate on mapping the factory—its layout, the surrounding area. Don’t rush in just yet. Wait for my signal.”

“Understood,” they replied in unison, acknowledging the delicacy of the situation. With lives at stake, one misstep could unravel everything they had worked for.

She realized that perhaps remaining in the Ember Residence wasn’t such a terrible idea after all. It might actually provide her with the perfect cover to unearth Henry’s secrets from within.

Her mind raced as she considered the possibilities, her brows knitting together in concentration.

Just then, her phone buzzed, vibrating against her desk and jolting her from her thoughts.

She glanced down at the caller ID and felt a jolt of surprise—it was Henry.

“Tess,” his voice came through, smooth and gentle as always. “I might not have the best taste, so why don’t you come over and pick out your own bedding? Your mom and Nadine are here too, but since it’s your room, you should choose what you like.”

Speak of the devil.

“Sure. Where are you?” Tess replied, her voice steady and unhesitating.

There was a brief silence on the other end, a moment of surprise evident in Henry’s tone. He clearly hadn’t expected her to agree so readily—he was used to her turning him down.

“Alright, alright! I’ll send you the address,” he responded quickly, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice.

Tess checked the location displayed on her screen, grabbed her coat, and prepared to head out, her heart racing with the thrill of the impending encounter.