Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 568

"Duncan?"

The moment Steven heard Duncan's voice over the phone, he spoke fast, explaining everything that had happened the night before.

"A short person? Maybe a woman?" Steven's brow furrowed, and his face darkened.

How could that person possibly know about my plans—or my movements?

His mind raced, trying to figure out who it could be.

Bang! Bang!

A loud knock on the door suddenly broke his thoughts.

Steven tensed up and glanced instinctively at the others in the room.

He'd gotten back too late last night, so he'd stayed over at Evermount Heights. It was breakfast time now, and everyone was already gathered in the dining room.

Who would show up this early?

Besides, everyone close to Tess was already here.

Tess frowned and nodded slightly. Steven got up to answer the door.

"Hold on, I'll call you back," he said quickly, hanging up.

On the other end, Duncan froze, holding his phone awkwardly. He wanted to say more, but when he heard the click of the call ending, he sighed and sent a quick text. "Call me when you're done."

Bang! Bang!

The knocking grew louder again.

"Who's there?" Steven called out, moving closer to the door, his guard up.

He peered through the peephole—Henry stood outside, looking exhausted but forcing a polite smile.

"Mr. Ember?" Steven opened the door halfway, showing only part of his face.

"Judge Bell," Henry greeted with that strained smile, trying to look calm as his eyes darted past Steven, peeking through the small gap.

Lyra arched an eyebrow. "You're here awfully early, Mr. Ember. What brings you by?"

She stepped aside slightly. "And what are you looking at so carefully?"

Henry took the chance to glance inside.

Tess sat at the table with Raven and Bessie, holding baby Layla in her arms. Breakfast was half-eaten, and every pair of eyes was locked on him.

"Tess, since you've rejoined the Embers, you need to remember who you represent," he said, his voice sharp. "You're part of this family now. You can't act so childishly. And you certainly can't let your people show such disrespect to their elders."

He spoke with the same condescending air he'd always used, but Tess wasn't the timid girl from ten years ago anymore.

She lifted her chin slightly, eyes gleaming. "So this is what it means to be part of the great Ember family?" she said with a thoughtful tone. "Maybe I'm not cut out for that kind of 'noble upbringing.' Because honestly, I think Bessie has a point. What kind of father shows up at his daughter's house first thing in the morning just to ask if she's got a man inside?"

Her cold gaze hit Henry like ice water.

The heat of his anger vanished in an instant. As her words sank in, sweat started to bead on his forehead.

He'd spoken without thinking—blinded by frustration.

He needed Tess on his side. He and Nadine had worked too hard to bring her back into the Ember family. She was supposed to be a key piece in his plans—especially with the Larsons.

Tess wasn't that neglected little girl anymore.

"Tess," he said after a pause, forcing a weak smile, "you've misunderstood me."

He took a deep breath and softened his voice.

"You've just gone through a divorce. If you're thinking about dating again, I'll support you. Really. But right now, things are ... sensitive. I just don't want people gossiping about you. I may have sounded harsh, but I'm only worried about you."