Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 546

**Keepsake 546**
**Chapter 546: Don’t Feel Guilty**

Jolie had not anticipated that Steven would be so adamant about her departure this time around.

Her body tensed up, a tightness spreading through her limbs as she instinctively tightened her grip around her phone. It felt as though she might shatter it into pieces if she squeezed any harder.

Just then, Tess emerged from Steven’s office, her footsteps echoing down the long corridor as she made her way toward the front entrance. A gentle breeze swept past her, brushing against her back, stirring the quiet tension in the air.

“Are you satisfied now?”

The voice that pierced the silence was icy, laced with hostility.

Tess halted abruptly, recognizing the voice was directed at her. She turned to see a woman partially cloaked in shadows, her expression radiating animosity.

Jolie glared at her, eyes narrowed as if she were facing a sworn enemy.

Confusion clouded Tess’s mind, and she furrowed her brow, scrutinizing Jolie with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. “Satisfied with what?” she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.

“Steven had me transferred.”

Jolie’s words cut through the air, sharp and venomous, reminiscent of a character from a horror film.

Tess’s jaw tightened at the accusation, but before she could muster a response, Raven interjected, her voice assertive.

“What does your transfer have to do with Tess? Sounds to me like you’re just meddling where you don’t belong.”

Jolie rolled her eyes dramatically, clearly unfazed by Raven’s challenge.

She thrived on creating chaos, all while refusing to shoulder any blame herself. The mere thought of someone trying to manipulate her emotions sent her into a simmering rage.

“Ms. Jolie, please refrain from causing a scene. We have matters to attend to, so kindly step aside,” Lyra said, stepping forward to shield Tess from Jolie’s ire.

Despite Lyra’s calm demeanor, her unwavering gaze pinned Jolie in place, signaling her authority in the situation.

Jolie had lived a life of privilege, where she had only ever felt compelled to respect one person: Steven. Beneath her tough exterior, she was nothing more than a drama queen craving attention.

As the three women regarded her with disdain, Jolie’s irritation boiled over. “Tess, do you really think this has nothing to do with you? If it weren’t for your presence, Steven would have taken me back to headquarters. So, what are you even doing here today?”

Her voice was rising, a tempest brewing within her.

Tess’s expression hardened, her resolve solidifying.

Gone was the easygoing woman of the past; the lawyer in her had never allowed anyone to walk all over her. Why should she start now?

“Jolie, Steven is remarkably patient. If you hadn’t continuously overstepped your boundaries, he wouldn’t have had to make such a request. Let’s be clear—I’m his guest, and you’re merely his assistant. Your role is to inform him of my presence, not to dictate terms or try to toss me out.”

Tess crossed her arms, towering over Jolie, her icy gaze a stark contrast to Jolie’s simmering fury.

Jolie’s heart sank, a wave of anger flooding her cheeks. “What are you laughing at?!”

Tess met her glare with unwavering resolve. “Lyra and Raven are correct. Whatever is happening between Steven and me is our business. You are his assistant, not a judge or interrogator.”

“And don’t think I don’t see through your act. If you have feelings for him, if you genuinely care, then tell him directly. Stop unloading all this nonsense onto me. It’s futile.”

With that, Tess pivoted on her heel, determination radiating from her every move.

Lyra glanced back at the frozen figure of Jolie, her expression inscrutable, before following Tess out the door.

Raven, however, couldn’t resist rolling her eyes, her gaze lingering on Jolie’s clenched fists, a sound of disapproval escaping her lips.

Though she remained silent, her disdain was palpable.

Jolie’s face paled with fury, but Tess had already slipped into her car, driving away from the scene.

“You all missed the look on her face just now,” Raven exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over as she twisted in the passenger seat to face Tess and Lyra. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she clapped her hands together.

Tess, however, seemed less enthused, curling into her seat, her gaze fixed out the window, lost in her own thoughts.

“You don’t need to feel too guilty,” Raven said, her voice softening as she glanced at Tess, sensing the turmoil within her.