Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 553

**Keepsake 553**
**The Stranger in the Dorm**

Steven stood there, a look of confusion etched across his face. In a sudden burst of frustration, he hurled the bucket at the man’s feet, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. “I’m broke.”

The man blinked, taken aback by the bluntness of the statement.

“Broke?” he echoed, his brow furrowing in disbelief.

A realization washed over him—Steven’s response was a window into why he had chosen to work at the factory.

Yet, skepticism lingered in the man’s eyes. He scrutinized Steven from head to toe, taking in the details.

Despite the simplicity of his attire, there was an unsettling quality about him—too immaculate, too polished, and too composed for someone engaged in physically demanding labor.

“You part-time?” the man inquired, his tone a mix of curiosity and challenge.

“Full-time,” Steven replied, his voice steady and unwavering.

A rapid exchange of words ensued, punctuated by the sound of zippers as Steven began to unpack his suitcase, methodically organizing his belongings with an almost serene demeanor.

It dawned on the man then.

He had been made a fool.

Scratching his head in bewilderment, he felt anger bubbling beneath the surface, quickly replacing his confusion. He slapped his thigh in frustration and bellowed, “I don’t care what you are—part-time or full-time! This room’s mine! Get out!”

With a resounding bang, the suitcase hit the floor, the sound reverberating in the cramped space.

The irate man glared daggers at Steven, his body coiling with tension as he watched him closely, anticipating a confrontation.

But Steven, unfazed, didn’t even glance in his direction. Instead, he crouched down, continuing to sort through his belongings as if the man’s presence was of no consequence.

“I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?” the man shouted, his voice rising in pitch as he stormed forward, desperation fueling his aggression.

He lunged to grab Steven by the collar, but before he could make contact, Steven sidestepped effortlessly. One hand landed lightly on the man’s shoulder, yet it felt as if a mountain had come crashing down upon him.

The man’s complexion drained of color, his earlier bravado evaporating in an instant, leaving him trembling on unsteady legs.

He would have never guessed that this seemingly calm and gentle figure possessed such incredible strength.

Desperately, the man twisted his shoulder, trying to break free, but the tighter he fought, the more unyielding Steven’s grip became.

A slight smile played on Steven’s lips as he leaned in, his eyes locking onto the man’s. “What’s your name?” he asked, his tone surprisingly calm and pleasant.

But the pain radiating through the man’s arm was a stark reminder that this was no harmless encounter.

“D-Duncan Harold,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Good, Duncan,” Steven acknowledged with a nod. “Now tell me, have you seen this man before?”

With that, he produced a photograph, holding it delicately between his fingers. It was an image of Nicholas.

Duncan’s brow furrowed in confusion at first, but recognition flickered in his eyes as he connected the face in the picture to a memory.

“Well?”

Steven’s soft hum filled the silence, and Duncan felt a strange detachment from his own arm, as if it were no longer his.

“Y-yes! Yes, I’ve seen him!” he blurted out, panic creeping into his voice.

Kaleb froze, sensing something was amiss. Tentatively, he tugged at her sleeve, fear creeping into his heart. She remained still, unresponsive.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak again, Shannon suddenly bent down, burying her face in his shoulder.

“Your dad’s a terrible man!”

The words spilled out, sharp and bitter, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. In an instant, tears cascaded down her cheeks, a torrent of emotion breaking free.

Henry remained oblivious to Shannon’s unraveling. By the time dawn broke, he was already back at the villa, his mind preoccupied with his own thoughts.

Kylie awoke early, her mind still clouded from the events of the previous night. As she stepped into the living room, she froze in disbelief. Henry was sitting on the couch, an unexpected sight that momentarily felt like a dream.

“Henry?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

When he slowly turned his head in her direction, she rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. “I’m sorry, Henry,” she sobbed, her voice thick with emotion. “It was my fault. I misunderstood you. Please forgive me.”

Tears streamed down her face as she gazed up at him, her eyes brimming with desperation.

“I just… I can’t live without you.”

She wept quietly, trembling under the weight of the cold, unyielding look on his face. Her heart raced, fear gnawing at her insides.

After what felt like an eternity, she felt his arm finally tighten around her, a flicker of warmth amidst the chill.

Kylie lifted her head, hope igniting in her eyes as she met his gaze. Henry looked down at her, his voice low and steady, echoing the gravity of the moment.

“Kylie, I know you’ve been under immense pressure lately,” he began, his tone measured. “But no matter what, you should never have doubted me. People used to say I was only after your family’s wealth, but when you severed ties with them, I chose to stay by your side. I worked tirelessly so you could continue to live comfortably, so you could be that carefree woman you once were.” He paused, disappointment flickering in his eyes like a dying ember. “After everything I’ve done, how could you not trust me?”