Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 567

Duncan frowned at her, then shrugged. "How should I know? I took a walk after dinner, went back to my room, and crashed. No clue if he ever came back."

The whole place fell silent again.

Henry's face darkened, his jaw tight.

"What else do you know?" he snapped, turning to the person behind him.

The figure's face was hidden in shadow, but the glint of cold cruelty in their eyes was clear.

"It's too late," the person said flatly. "Steven already took him."

Henry's face twisted. "You told me Tess set this up. She's not that capable. How could she even know about this factory?"

"She's not," the person replied with a sneer. "But the people around her are. Steven's a top research expert. His latest drone prototype can scan through walls. You think he can't find this place?"

Henry's chest tightened, panic creeping in. "Then what do I do now?"

The masked figure didn't answer right away. Instead, they turned toward Duncan, looking him up and down.

After a pause, the person stepped closer until they were standing right in front of him. "You really don't know where he went?"

Duncan twitched an ear and studied the strange, short figure.

The voice sounded ... like a woman's?

He pouted, pretending not to care. He was good at that—acting like some spoiled idiot.

"How would I know?" he said, hands on his hips, raising his voice like a brat. "I told you, I was asleep! He's just a new hire. You expect me to babysit him all night?"

The workers around them stared in disbelief.

They'd seen Duncan act cocky with the other workers before—he could get away with it since his uncle worked in management—but mouthing off to the boss himself? That was new.

Jackson's eyes darted nervously. He rushed forward to smooth things over. "Mr. Ember, please don't take it personally. Duncan's just spoiled—I'll set him straight later."

As he spoke, he glanced warily at the short masked figure.

Henry was already in a foul mood, and Duncan's attitude made it worse.

"Jackson, if you ever bring another idiot like this into my factory," Henry barked, "you can pack your things and leave with him!"

Duncan's face flushed with anger. "What's his problem? Am I supposed to stay awake all night watching that guy? I can't sleep unless he's in the room?"

"Shut up!" Jackson barked, yanking him by the arm. "You don't talk to Mr. Ember like that!"

Jackson finally exhaled and quickly dragged Duncan out of the area.

"The factory's covered in cameras," Jackson said, voice tight. "Henry was too mad to check right now, but once he does, we're done for. You need to get in touch with Steven—fast."

Under the flickering lights, sweat gleamed on his forehead.

Duncan's stomach dropped. He could tell this was bad. Really bad.

Jackson never got serious unless things were urgent.

"Got it," Duncan said, nodding. "I'll call Steven as soon as I get back."

By the time he returned to the dorm and turned on the light, it was less than three hours till sunrise.

He hesitated for a moment, then decided to grab a few hours of sleep first.

Morning came quickly.

The window hadn't been closed all the way, and a cold breeze blew in, waking him.

The second he opened his eyes, he grabbed his phone and called Steven.