Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 534

**Keepsake 534**

**Playing the Game**

What if… Tess is just a frightened single mother, grappling with her fear of commitment and marriage?

Abel, on the other hand, is young, strikingly handsome, and hails from a lineage of immense power. Surely, there’s no chance he’d ever find himself tethered to someone like Tess, who, by societal standards, is well past her prime.

As Nadine mulled over this thought, a growing conviction settled within her.

The only thing Tess might possess that could pique Abel’s interest is her past with Finn. That tantalizing hint of the forbidden is something a typical socialite could never provide.

Yet, Nadine knew all too well that such allure fades swiftly with time.

I’m not like Tess, she reassured herself.

I’m youthful, radiant, untouched by the scars of life, and I don’t have a child weighing me down. If anyone deserves Abel’s attention, it should undeniably be me.

People often described Finn as cold, detached, and indifferent towards women. But he had clearly shown a preference for her.

Nadine’s mind drifted back to those moments when Finn would fix his gaze on her, his expression utterly devoid of emotion.

Her fingertips twitched with a mix of excitement and frustration.

No, she chastised herself. Tess merely had him under a temporary spell. After all, why would Finn have gone out of his way for me in the past?

If I could capture Finn’s attention once, then winning over Abel should be a piece of cake.

“Mr. Shaw, do you have any favorite interior styles?” Nadine inquired, summoning her courage. She lifted her gaze to meet his, the overhead lights casting a warm glow that made her eyes sparkle with a hint of allure.

She was adept at wielding her charm—a delicate balance of innocence and sweetness that could make most men swoon.

But Abel was not just any man.

He didn’t even bother to glance in her direction.

Once Tess departed, he lounged lazily on one of the display beds, casually crossing one leg over the other. “I had no idea you moonlighted as a furniture store clerk, Ms. Nadine,” he remarked, his voice dripping with nonchalance.

He yawned, and the sound echoed in the silence.

The comment struck like a slap—casual yet painfully sharp.

Nadine’s complexion paled, her expression stiffening. Yet, recalling who he was, she quelled her irritation and forced a smile. “Mr. Shaw, I thought since you’ve been around Tess for a while, your tastes might align with hers.”

“Doesn’t even make sense,” Abel muttered, rolling his eyes in a dismissive manner.

Abel raised an eyebrow, his demeanor still relaxed, yet he glanced around at the various beds. He didn’t seem particularly invested in the selection process.

Tess wouldn’t be residing at the Ember Residence for long, so he had no intention of wasting his time choosing a bed she would abandon.

“They’re all pretty basic,” he stated, standing up and stretching slightly. “If you can’t decide, just wait for her to return. Actually, while we’re at it, I wanted to have a word with you, Mr. Larson.”

Henry froze in surprise. “Me?”

This is Abel—Finn’s nephew, a full-fledged member of the Locks. And he wants to talk to me?

Henry straightened instantly, excitement flickering in his eyes. “Of course, Mr. Shaw. What is it? I’m all ears.”

Abel’s voice remained calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight. “You know, Finn is my uncle, but I’m a Shaw, and he’s a Lock.”

He casually ran a hand along his jawline, each movement sharp yet graceful, exuding a confidence that felt effortless.

“The Shaws are looking to expand into the Lock Group,” he continued slowly. “My family has been urging me to identify potential investors and partners.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Then, Abel’s gaze locked onto Henry’s, a piercing intensity that made Henry’s heart race.

For a fleeting moment, Henry was taken aback by the smoothness of Abel’s tone. But as the last sentence sank in, his expression shifted dramatically—his mind racing to keep pace with the unfolding possibilities.