Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 536

**Chapter 536 The Hidden Blueprint**

Tess’s gaze was laser-focused, her determination palpable in the air. Even the driver, usually unfazed by the hustle and bustle of the world outside, seemed to hold his breath in anticipation.

“We’re here!” he announced, slamming on the brakes with a sense of urgency that echoed in the cabin. As he exhaled a long sigh of relief, the tension in the vehicle dissipated momentarily.

“Seriously, what’s the rush—” he began, but before he could finish his thought, the backseat was already void of its occupant.

With the speed of an arrow released from a bow, Tess bolted from the car, vanishing down the path in mere seconds, her adrenaline propelling her forward.

The driver blinked in astonishment, rubbing his eyes in disbelief as if to confirm he hadn’t imagined the scene. “Kids these days…” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head in resignation.

Meanwhile, Tess had already reached the threshold of Henry’s study. Memories flooded her mind from her time in Krigan; Henry had always been a phantom presence, constantly away on business trips, barely home for more than a fleeting few days. The study had often felt like a deserted island, its shelves cluttered with dusty tomes that had been neglected for ages.

The revelation that Shannon was still alive, coupled with the knowledge that Henry frequently traveled abroad with her, ignited a flicker of suspicion in Tess. Perhaps he had relocated some assets overseas? But as she pondered the thought, a sense of certainty washed over her—Henry was too meticulous, too guarded to stash anything of importance far from his immediate reach.

This villa in Aetheris, with its pristine façade, felt increasingly suspect to her.

With a quiet determination, she eased the door closed behind her, her eyes darting around the immaculate room.

The desk was impeccably organized, likely the result of the housekeeper’s diligent efforts.

Tess approached it with purpose, her fingers deftly tugging open the drawers beneath the desk.

Inside, she found ledgers and accounting books—nothing particularly noteworthy at first glance.

As she flipped through several pages, her instincts kicked in; the numbers had clearly been manipulated.

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18:46 Thu, Nov 27

**Chapter 536 The Hidden Blueprint**

It was evident that someone had gone to great lengths to alter the data.

She methodically checked each drawer, but her search yielded no promising results.

Standing upright, she sighed deeply, rubbing her lower back, her eyes scanning the orderly study with growing frustration.

Had she miscalculated?

Her brows knitted together as she replayed the clues in her mind, but no matter how she approached the puzzle, her conclusion remained unchanged.

A glance at her watch revealed that nearly forty minutes had slipped away.

A bead of sweat began to form on her forehead.

Though Henry and Kylie were absent, the presence of housekeepers lurking about heightened her anxiety.

I must act quickly.

Her gaze sharpened as she turned towards the bookshelf, meticulously lined with volumes.

While hope was a dwindling flame, she knew she couldn’t afford to overlook any potential hiding spots.

As her fingers brushed against the spines, she suddenly froze. A thick law dictionary caught her eye, its cover seemingly out of place.

Once everything was set, she crept quietly toward the door.

Just as she was about to pull it shut behind her, she froze, hearing faint sounds from within.

Footsteps. The rustle of fabric. Someone was approaching.

Meanwhile, at the furniture store, Henry cast anxious glances toward the entrance, his brows knitting together in concern.

Abel, for once, was speaking more than usual, his voice animated. “This project represents one of the Shaws’ biggest investments this year. We’ve poured an immense amount of manpower, resources, and capital into it…”

“Uh, Mr. Shaw, hasn’t Tess been gone for quite some time?” Henry finally interjected, his tone careful yet tinged with urgency.

His eyes gleamed with eagerness, but the tension in his face revealed a hint of anxiety.

Abel frowned, clearly irritated at the interruption.

Sensing the rising tension, Nadine quickly interjected to ease the situation. “Perhaps she’s not feeling well. I can give her a quick call.”

Abel’s expression shifted, and he made a move as if to stop her. “Tess isn’t a child anymore. If something were wrong, she would have texted us. She mentioned she was going to the restroom, so there’s no need to call.”

Nadine looked up at him, her face a mix of confusion and worry. “But Mr. Shaw, it’s been nearly an hour since she left. Even if she went to the restroom, it shouldn’t take this long. If something is genuinely wrong and we wait too long, it could lead to serious consequences.”

Henry felt his chest tighten, his heart beginning to race with an unsettling urgency.

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