Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 533

**Keepsake 533**
**Playing Along**

Kylie’s complexion drained of color, leaving her looking almost ghostly.

Henry had not anticipated her response, and the surprise quickly morphed into irritation. He shot her a piercing glance, a silent reprimand that spoke volumes. Then, with an effort that felt almost painful, he turned to Tess, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You know how your mom is—too generous for her own good. Always trying to ensure everyone feels included. But Nadine’s room is already sorted, so we don’t need to worry about that. Today is meant to be all about you.”

His voice was warm, almost soothing, yet the contempt hidden in his gaze when he thought Tess wasn’t looking was unmistakable. It was as if he deemed Kylie utterly incapable of understanding the situation.

Tess had always been acutely aware of the imbalance in affection and attention that had existed during their childhood, with Nadine often placed on a pedestal. Now, even when this outing was intended to celebrate her, Kylie had to drag Nadine into the mix. What a fool. After all these years, why hadn’t she learned?

Kylie felt a wave of indignation wash over her, but she was also self-aware enough to recognize her own actions. She forced out a fragile laugh. “I just thought it would be nice if no one felt excluded.”

Tess’s expression remained unchanged, as if she were made of stone. There was not a flicker of emotion on her face; the calm smile that lingered at the corners of her lips never wavered.

“It’s perfectly fine,” she replied, her voice light and airy. She tilted her head toward the store clerk, who was clearly caught in the middle of the awkward tension and was doing her best to remain unobtrusive. “I’m not really a fan of white or beige. Can you show me something in a softer blue palette instead?”

Her tone was steady, each word carefully chosen, as if she were crafting a delicate balance of assertiveness and grace.

The store clerk glanced nervously at Henry, who was nodding vigorously behind Tess, urging her to follow Tess’s lead. With a sigh of relief, she relaxed. “Of course, Ms. Tess. Let me show you a few options. If you don’t find anything you like in stock, we can always customize something special just for you.”

She gestured toward the bedroom section with a flourish. “Let’s begin with the beds.”

As Tess followed the clerk, she shot a quick, mischievous wink at Abel, who was standing nearby, and he instantly understood the unspoken message.

Just as Tess arrived at the bed display, her expression shifted, brows furrowing in distress. She grasped Abel’s arm tightly, her fingers curling around him as if he were her only anchor.

Abel felt the tension ripple through her, and instinctively, he reached out to steady her.

Tess’s lips pressed into a thin line, her face losing its color. One hand clutched her stomach, while the other gripped his arm for support, her entire being radiating discomfort.

Henry, who had just caught up with them, rushed over, concern etched across his features. “Tess, what’s the matter? Are you feeling unwell?”

Nadine, however, was fixated on Tess’s stomach. Her eyes darted between Tess and Abel, a wild, frightened thought flickering in her mind—one she dared not voice.

A fine sheen of sweat formed on Tess’s forehead, but she shook her head, forcing out a breathless response. “I’m fine. I must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me earlier.”

Henry’s expression darkened slightly, though he maintained a gentle tone. “Why don’t I take you to the hospital? You can always come back later and pick out the furniture. Your health is what matters most.”

It was a simple gesture of politeness—she hadn’t even looked directly at Kylie—but the word “Mom” made Kylie’s eyes flicker with something unrecognizable. Her hands, which had been resting on her lap, instinctively lifted and twisted together over her stomach, betraying her unease.

“Go on, sweetheart,” Kylie said gently, her voice softening. “I’ll look around for you.”

Tess cast her mother one last glance before she turned away, feeling a mix of emotions.

Kylie met her gaze for a fleeting moment, but before she could hold it, Tess shifted her focus elsewhere.

“Okay,” Tess murmured quietly, holding her stomach as she began to walk away.

Nadine’s eyes tracked Tess’s retreating figure, jealousy simmering within her. But then, her gaze shifted toward Abel.

The furniture store was situated in the basement, yet the ceilings were high and airy. Still, Abel’s mere presence seemed to weigh heavily in the atmosphere, as if the ceiling had lowered, pressing in on them.

Nadine stared at his tall, athletic frame, dressed in clothes that exuded luxury without needing a label to proclaim their worth. A wave of conflicting emotions surged through her chest, leaving her feeling both captivated and frustrated.

**Chapter 534**
**Playing the Game**