Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 566

Raven twitched the corner of her mouth. "I'll call Zane right now."

Tess's eyes lit up like a lightbulb had gone off in her head. She stood up quickly and reached for her phone, her steps quick and restless—almost like she didn't realize how anxious she'd become.

There was already solid DNA proof linking Henry and Nadine through blood. Now, if they could prove that Shannon and Nadine were also related, then all of Henry's careful lies and secret schemes from years ago would finally fall apart.

Tess's heart was pounding.

Was the web of conspiracies that had haunted her family for so many years finally about to unravel?

"Got it. I'll contact Tania and have her collect the samples," Zane said briskly after answering the call.

Tania agreed without hesitation.

When Tess hung up, she felt lighter than she had in days—almost giddy with relief.

"Once the results come out," Lyra asked, "should we hold a press conference right away? Expose Henry's dirty secrets to everyone?"

"No rush," Tess said, shaking her head. Seeing the others' confusion, she added, "If I'm right, Henry's sudden friendliness isn't about me—it's about the Larsons."

"The Larsons?" Lyra frowned. "What do they have to do with Henry?"

Tess glanced down at her wrist. The translucent emerald bracelet still rested against her pale skin.

She ran her fingers over its cool surface. "The Larsons passed this heirloom bracelet to me. Kylie was furious at first, but her attitude changed later. I'm sure Henry said something to her. I think his real goal is to control the Larsons—through me."

Raven drew in a sharp breath. She had always thought Henry was just a greedy, manipulative man who used women for power. But this was another level.

Lyra nodded slowly. "It makes sense. It's easier to influence the Larsons through you than to get close to them directly."

"Easier?" Tess gave a soft laugh, her eyes glinting darkly.

"So what's your plan?" Lyra pressed. "You're just going to let them keep circling your inheritance like vultures?"

"The higher they climb, the harder they fall," Tess said quietly, her tone cool but cutting. "People who reach for the sky usually break the moment before they touch it."

Raven and Lyra exchanged glances.

"Keep collecting every piece of evidence we can find about Henry and Shannon's crimes," Tess went on. "When the time's right, I'll give him a gift he'll never forget."

"Dun ... Duncan," the worker stammered. "He's ... uh, Mr. Estrada's nephew."

"Jackson Estrada?" Henry roared. His furious gaze swept the crowd. "Get your ass out of here right now!"

There was a rustle of movement before Jackson appeared, his round belly bouncing as he shuffled forward awkwardly. "Erm ... Mr. Ember ... I ... I don't know that guy."

"What about your nephew?" Henry's eyes were blazing.

"That would be me," said Duncan, stepping out just in time.

"Oh?" Henry narrowed his eyes, his stare cutting across Duncan's face like a blade. "Then call him out."

"I don't know where he is," Duncan said, scratching his head like a confused puppy. "He was around the past few days, but I didn't see him tonight. He was gone before bedtime."

"And as a factory worker, you didn't think to report someone missing?"

The muffled voice came from the hooded figure behind Henry—low, distorted, and cold enough that no one could tell if it was a man or a woman.