Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 535

**Keepsake 535**

Henry’s eyes widened, a flicker of anxiety dancing behind his polite facade as he wrestled with the tumult of thoughts swirling in his mind. He managed to maintain a courteous demeanor, but the excitement bubbling within him was nearly impossible to conceal. “Oh, I see. So why are you bringing something like that up with me?”

He forced a smile, an artful pretense of reluctance, yet his eyes sparkled with uncontained eagerness.

Abel, ever the keen observer, caught the glimmer of greed in Henry’s gaze but chose to feign ignorance, a practiced indifference playing across his features.

“Well, you are Tess’s father,” Abel drawled, his tone languid and unhurried. “Now that Tess has returned to the Ember Residence, naturally, the first people who come to mind are you and the Embers.”

Henry nodded enthusiastically, his cheeks flushing with a blend of excitement and pride. He barely registered the store clerk’s attempts to guide him through the aisles, his focus solely on Abel. Without hesitation, he pulled out a chair and planted himself down with a sense of determination. “It’s truly an honor. So… what kind of project are we discussing here?”

Leaning in just a touch, Abel’s voice lowered conspiratorially. “Luxury goods manufacturing. The labor costs are significant, to say the least. If it weren’t for your connection to Tess, this substantial opportunity wouldn’t be coming your way.”

Abel raised an eyebrow, his expression challenging.

Henry, catching the implication instantly, straightened up, a grin spreading across his face like sunshine breaking through clouds. “Wow! I didn’t expect such candor from you, Mr. Shaw! This truly would be an incredible honor for me. Do you think I could arrange a formal meeting with you and your parents to discuss the finer details?”

He leaned in, enthusiasm radiating from him, but Abel was not one to allow such proximity easily. With a subtle shift, he maintained a comfortable distance, his expression remaining stoic, his features sharp and inscrutable.

Meet my parents?

Henry? Really? Is the man out of touch with reality?

Yet Abel buried those thoughts deep within. He didn’t exude arrogance, but there was a slight softening in his tone.

“I’m afraid that’s not feasible. They’re quite busy.”

Henry nodded vigorously, eager to comply. “Of course, of course. Your parents are certainly not just anyone. I completely understand.”

“Still, you and I can discuss the collaboration first,” Abel added, his voice steady and inviting.

That was all the encouragement Henry needed. He promptly dismissed thoughts of Kylie and Nadine, dragging another chair closer and positioning himself directly across from Abel, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“This project is based at a factory on the outskirts of Aetheris,” Abel stated, his tone even and measured.

At the mere mention of a factory, Henry’s body tensed involuntarily. “A factory?”

His brow furrowed, suspicion creeping into his expression as he scrutinized Abel. But as he met Abel’s calm, unwavering gaze, he forced a smile, though it felt strained.

“Mr. Shaw, perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding? Which company begins its operations with a factory on the outskirts?”

Abel shook his head slowly, his eyes keenly observing every subtle shift in Henry’s demeanor. Then, as if recalling something, he casually amended his statement. “Maybe I misremembered. Not the outskirts, but a factory a bit farther from downtown. I believe the company’s current president is a gentleman named Max.”

She looked at Abel with genuine sincerity, her hesitation just enough to convey her earnestness. “I recall that Tess and Max were childhood friends. Given your connection with her, if you were to ask Tess to reach out to him, she would likely oblige, wouldn’t she?”

“I haven’t mentioned it to her,” Abel replied flatly.

Nadine’s eyes flickered with a glimmer of excitement, but she quickly concealed it behind a bashful smile. “Really? But Mr. Shaw, don’t you and Tess—”

Abel’s icy glare silenced her instantly. Yet, there was no defeat in her gaze; only renewed determination.

“If you prefer not to approach Tess, I can assist you instead,” she offered sweetly, her voice laced with sincerity. “I grew up with Max as well. We’ve known one another for ages.” She smiled shyly, taking a bold step forward.

This time, Abel did not retreat.

Nadine’s smile deepened, emboldened by the moment.

At the Ember Residence,

“Hurry!” Tess urged the cab driver, her eyes darting to her watch anxiously.

Twenty minutes had already slipped by since she exited the furniture store.