Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 537

**Keepsake 537**

**Chapter 537: Almost Caught**

46

+20 Free Coins.

“She’s absolutely right, Mr. Shaw,” Kylje interjected, her voice steady yet insistent. “It’s just a quick phone call. What harm could it possibly do? It’s far better to make a quick check-in than to sit here fretting.”

Abel felt a slight twitch in his fingers, a nervous reaction he couldn’t quite suppress. For a fleeting moment, he appeared torn between his instincts and the pressure mounting around him. If he continued to resist, he feared they might begin to suspect something was amiss.

At that very moment, Tess was pressed firmly against the wall, her back rigid with tension. She could sense a shadow looming behind her, creeping closer, its presence sending shivers down her spine.

“Mr. Ember? You’re back already? I thought you were out shopping for furniture with Mrs. Lock?”

Hannah’s voice echoed down the corridor, tinged with curiosity and an undertone of suspicion.

Tess bit her lip, feeling the cold sweat trickle down her forehead like a bead of anxiety.

“Huh? That’s strange. No one seems to be here?”

Hannah’s brow furrowed as she peered down the long, seemingly deserted hallway.

It felt utterly vacant.

I could’ve sworn I heard something.

Confused, she scratched her head, her eyes darting around, and finally turned to leave, a sense of unease settling in her gut.

Once Hannah’s footsteps faded into the distance, Tess released a shaky breath, her heart racing. She cautiously peeked out, ensuring the coast was clear, and then slipped quietly toward the staircase at the end of the hall.

That was a close call.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed violently in her hand, and she quickly pressed her palm against it, relieved that she had set it to silent before sneaking in.

Finally, she made it to the cab, sinking into the backseat with a sense of relief washing over her as her pulse began to steady.

As soon as the car started moving, she quickly typed a message to Abel.

“How’s it going? They didn’t notice anything, right? Are you still at the store?”

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18:46 Thu, Nov 27

**Chapter 537: Almost Caught**

46

+20 Free Coins

Abel’s response came almost immediately. Given the watchful eyes surrounding him, he kept his reply succinct. “Still here. Come over.”

Before locking his screen, he added a cheeky winking bunny emoji, a small attempt at levity amidst the tension.

Tess stared at the cute little sticker for a moment, a smile tugging at her lips despite the circumstances. She cleared her throat and quickly swiped the chat away.

“To the furniture store. Please hurry.”

The cab sped off, weaving through the streets.

Her demeanor appeared relaxed, making Kylie’s earlier outburst seem wholly unreasonable and out of place.

Kylie’s expression stiffened, but Henry quickly interjected, his tone shifting to one of gentle concern. “Nadine tried calling you several times, but you didn’t answer. We were just worried.”

“My phone was on silent,” Tess replied calmly, then turned her gaze toward Kylie. “By the way, what were you saying just now? I thought I heard my name.”

Kylie bit her lip, suddenly at a loss for words, but Henry stepped in front of her, using his taller frame as a shield. “Your mom’s been a bit emotional lately. Don’t take it personally.”

Tess offered him a faint glance, then looked away, clearly disinterested in pursuing the topic further.

“I’m not feeling great today. I’m done picking. I checked out the furniture earlier—it all looks lovely. Just order the most expensive options, everything in mist blue.”

As she spoke to the store clerk, her hand rested lightly on her lower stomach, a subtle gesture that hinted at her discomfort.

The clerk’s eyes lit up instantly. “Of course, Ms. Tess! How about this—we exchange contact information, and I’ll send you photos of the final selections for your approval. You won’t even have to come back in person.”

Her enthusiasm was palpable, her attitude brimming with politeness and eagerness.

“Sure,” Tess replied casually, waving her hand dismissively.

That single word sent the clerk’s heart racing, as if she had struck gold.

All the most expensive items—and a custom color!

This sale alone could secure my entire year’s bonus.

Her excitement bubbled over as she gazed at Tess, her eyes practically sparkling with admiration, as though she were looking at a walking fortune.

Abel frowned and subtly shifted to the side, positioning himself to block the clerk’s greedy gaze. “Let her handle it. Since you’re not feeling well, I’ll take you home.”