《Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back For Payback》
Keepsake 1
Chapter 1 The Woman With the Baby
Chapter 1 The Woman With the Baby
Tess Ember stepped out of the prison gates and into the biting wind.
She quickly wrapped her arms around the small bundle in her arms, shielding it from the cold.
s
When the gusts finally died down, she carefully pulled back the corner of the baby nket, revealing a tiny face¨Csoft, rosy, and impossibly sweet.
The baby cooed and blew little bubbles.
She blinked her misty, round eyes at Tess.
¡°La, my sweet girl,¡± Tess whispered, rocking her gently.
At six months old, La Ember almost never cried or made a fuss. As long as she was in her mother¡¯s arms, the world was safe and warm.
A bus pulled up in the distance.
Tess clutched La close, dropped a couple of coins into the fare box, and found a seat near the back.
Meanwhile, a sleek, limited¨Cedition Bentley had just rolled to a stop in front of the prison.
In the back seat sat a man. His profile was sharp and cold while his eyes were half¨Cclosed in exhaustion.
When he finally opened them, they were piercing and icy.
His gaze fell on the weathered stone sign at the gate: ¡°Aetheris Women¡¯s Prison¡°.
Finn Lock withdrew his gaze and nced at the time on his wristwatch.
His tone was crisp and cool. ¡°Why isn¡¯t she out yet?¡±
His words were cold and devoid of warmth.
Bill Cook, the driver up front, hurried to answer.
¡°Maybe there¡¯s a dy with the release paperwork, Mr. Lock.¡±
He paused, then added, ¡°But don¡¯t worry. Today marks the official end of Mks. Lock¡¯s sentence. I¡¯m sure she will be thrilled to see that you came to pick her up in person.¡±
¡°Is that so?¡± he said softly.
Finn lowered his gaze, concealing the chill in his eyes.
¡°A year and a half ago, she teamed up with the Hunts and leaked confidentialpany files. She threw it all away¨Cher marriage, her future. She chose to y the spy instead of being my wife. That was on her.¡±
His voice turned colder. ¡°Let¡¯s see if she has the nerve to face me now.¡±
The tension inside the car grew thick, the air turning nearly suffocating.
Bill dared not speak again.
After
After a while, he cracked the window slightly to let in some air.
Just then, he happened to catch a glimpse of the bus beside them as its engine came to life.
Huh?¡± Bill blinked. ¡°Wait a second! Isn¡¯t that Mrs. Lock?¡±
Finn rubbed his brow, his head pounding from a long night of back¨Cto¨Cback international meetings.
18:28 PM
Chapter 1 The Woman With the Baby
He was drained at this point.
Finn didn¡¯t even open his eyes.
¡°What? Who?¡±
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¡°Oh, my mistake, Mr. Lock,¡± the driver muttered, shaking his head as the bus pulled away. ¡°I thought Mrs. Lock had already
¡°But that¡¯s just a woman with a child.¡±
It didn¡¯t make sense. Tess was only 22 when she went to prison. Her marriage to Finn had been rocky from the start¨Ccold and distant. The couple had never shared a bed.
How could he possibly mistake a woman with a baby for Tess?
Finn snapped his eyes open.
Th
The prison gates remained shut.
But through the open window of the bus, he caught a fleeting glimpse of a young woman soothing a baby in her arms.
Loose strands of hair fell across the woman¡¯s face, covering her cheeks. He couldn¡¯t see what she really looked like¨Conly the /softness in her eyes as if she were gazing at the most precious thing in the world.
And just like that, Finn was thrown back into a memory from 18 months ago.
He¡¯d been drinking that night after a business dinner.
His mind kept reying the constant urging of his grandmother¨Ctelling him to consummate the marriage and give her a grandchild.
He remembered that woman helping him to take off his shoes and jacket. She wiped his face and hands clean, and held a ss of water to his lips. She then half¨Ccarried him to the bed.
And as she bent down to cover him with a nket, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.
¡°Isn¡¯t this what you
want? You had my grandma pressure me to have a baby with you. Well, tonight¨Cyou get your wish.¡±
He pulled her into his arms.
She looked very delicate as shey beneath him, her cheeks blushing. A faint sweet scent clung to her skin¨Csomething soft, something that tugged at the frayed edges of his reason.
Somehow, he leaned down.
He lingered, drawing things out with the forey. In the haze of it all, he took her.
Somewhere through the blur, he thought he heard her crying, ¡°Not like this, Finn. I don¡¯t want this.¡±
Haha! ying hard to get, huh?
If you didn¡¯t want this, why did you push Grandma to pressure me? What a hypocrite.
The thought of it enraged him. The second time he took her, he pinned her wrists above her head and kissed her roughly.
The next morning, he was buttoning up his shirt while she was curled up in the sheets, sobbing quietly.
Without looking back, he said coldly, ¡°You brought this on yourself.¡±
But as he stepped outside, police officers were already waiting.
¡°Mr, Lock, we¡¯ve gathered evidence. Your employee, Tess Ember, is suspected of leaking corporate secrets. We¡¯re cing her under arrest. If we¡¯re not mistaken, she¡¯s also your wife.¡±
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Chapter 1 The Woman With the Baby
Finn¡¯s gaze turned cold, and he clenched his jaw.
¡°Forget about protecting my reputation. Do as I told you before¨Cgo for the maximum sentence once you find the culprit.¡±
They dragged her out of the bedroom. Tess was barely dressed in a camisole and jacket.
She copsed on the ground in the rain¨Cdrenched garden, crying as she pleaded with him.
¡°Finn, you have to believe me¡ªI¡¯m innocent.¡±
¡°If pleas like this were useful, the police would be without jobs.¡±
He stood under the eaves with his hands in his pockets, unmoved.
¡°I won¡¯t agree to any kind of settlement¨Cnot even with a hefty payout. I want the person who did this to pay for it.¡±
The police dragged her away.
Tess turned around and nced at him again and again. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her neck was marked with hickeys. Drop by drop, her tears sshed onto the rain¨Csoaked stone tiles.
Finn pressed his dry lips into a thin line and quickly looked away.
¡°Get the car ready. I¡¯m going to work.¡±
The maids behind him were trembling in fear. They¡¯d witnessed everything.
They whispered among themselves with their heads close together, but no one dared to speak up.
Everyone saw what had just happened to Tess. She was dragged out of the house so brutally. The woman who had loved Finn for ten years was pushed until sheughed through her tears.
When a woman did that, it meant she¡¯d given up on a man.
¡°Mr. Lock, should we keep waiting?¡±
An hour had passed. Bill finally spoke up.
Finn¡¯s thoughts were a blur.
He finally tore himself free from the grip of those long¨Cburied memories.
His jawline was sharp and tense.
¡®No. If she wants toe out on her own, let her crawl.¡±
He meant well, even pushing back an important board meeting to pick her up. What a waste of time.
¡°Yes, Mr. Lock.¡±
The engine started, and the car pulled away.
Even after they¡¯d driven some distance, Bill couldn¡¯t help but nce in the rearview mirror.
The prison gates are still shut with no sign of Mrs. Lock.
Weird.
What game is Mrs. Lock ying?
She knows we¡¯reing. Why dy things on purpose? Newest update provided by Find[?]ovel
Won¡¯t she drive Mr. Lock mad with these antics?
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Chapter 1 The Woman With the Baby
She¡¯d already done the time. What¡¯s the point of being stubborn now?
Doesn¡¯t she get it? A criminal record doesn¡¯t just disappear. No matter how brilliant and unstoppable she used to be, her days of being a star attorney are long over.
Bill shook his head and pressed down on the gas.
In the backseat, Finn had opened his tablet and was reviewing his emails¨Cbut his brows stayed furrowed.
Clearly, he was upset.
Later that night, in the garden of Evermount Vi, crabapple blossoms littered the walkway.
Finn walked out of his study, dressed in dark loungewear.
He noticed the light in the bedroom was on.
Without realizing it, he quickened his pace
Keepsake 2
Chapter 2 You Can¡¯t Run Away From Me
Chapter 2 You Can¡¯t Run Away From Me
The wind picked up suddenly. The petals fluttered down from the trees, nketing the gray carpet.
When Finn stepped through the door, he was greeted by the sight of those delicate red petals swirling into the room through the open window.
The chilly breeze filled the room, carrying a faint fragrance with it, yet the person he thought would be there¡ªwasn¡¯t.
He walked over and shut the window with a snap.
The wind died, but the ache in his chest didn¡¯t.
He stood at the foot of the bed, his tall frame rigid. One hand pressed into the dark¨Chued bedsheets while the other rubbed his brow, hard.
Why had he been hoping to see her? She was just someone insignificant.
Even if she died out there, it wouldn¡¯t be his problem. She was the one who chose not toe back.
But something in the air lingered¡ªa hint of a familiar scent. But it was almost gone now with the cold breeze blowing. Even so, his expression still changed when he picked it up.
¡°Who¡¯s been in this room?¡± His voice was ice. ¡°Maids!¡±
There was a hidden gate behind the vi.
Maria Burn was helping a shaky figure hurriedly leave the property and go out into the night.
The woman staggered slightly because of the infant she cradled in her arms.
La was fast asleep. Maybe the night air was too cool because she tucked her rosy face deeper into her mother¡¯s chest.
Tess held her baby close, her embrace gentle and protective.
She was worried La would cry and give them away, but La, as if sensing Tess¡¯s desperation, stayed quiet.
Tess gently adjusted the sleeping La in her arms, then turned to Maria.
¡°Thank you for everything.¡±
Maria was one of the few long¨Ctime staff who worked at the vi.
Years ago, Tess had helped her through a desperate time. Tonight, she returned to the vi to retrieve her belongings. Maria was returning the favor by standing guard.
Over the years, the household staff hade and gone, but Maria had stayed.
Maria had always thought she would spend the rest of her life working an honest job¨Cworking hard, keeping her head down, and saving up just enough to retire one day. She had never imagined she¡¯d get a chance to do something that actually mattered. And yet, here she was, repaying Tess.
Maria whispered, her voice catching, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t given me a job back then, I would¡¯ve died in this foreignnd.¡±
She wiped the tears from her reddened eyes. ¡°Mrs. Lock, you¡¯ve suffered.¡± Maria couldn¡¯t help but blurt out, ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯te back?¡±
Tess lowered her eyes without answering. But her silence spoke volumes.
¡°I¡¯m done with him,¡± Tess finally said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with him in the future. And I won¡¯t let him find out about La¡±
Maria sighed, heavy with sorrow. She nodded slowly and asked, ¡°Did you get what you came for?¡±
1029 PM
Chapter 2 You Can¡¯t Run Away From Me
I did Tess adjusted her bag, making sure the documents inside were secure¨Cher 11), bank cards, passport, and the money she¡¯d earned as awyer. After three years of hard work; she had saved up three million dors.
This money was rightfully hers. She hadn¡¯t touched a single thing that belonged to Finn. Not even a penny,
¡°I got it all, but¡¡±
Her brows furrowed with uncase.
She had barely grabbed her things when Finn suddenly came out of the study. There hadn¡¯t been time to cover her tracks,
In their urgency, Maria and Tess left through the window.
Tess wasn¡¯t sure if they¡¯d left any clues in their rush,
All she could hope was that Finn wouldn¡¯t notice those details. She and La just wanted a quiet, ordinary life¨Cone free from threats and shadows.
Maria seemed to read her thoughts and felt a sting in her eyes.
She reached out and gave Tess a gentle push toward the gate.
¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. If anything happens, I¡¯ll take the heat.
¡°I¡¯m not part of the family, but even I couldn¡¯t stomach his cruelty when he sent you to prison.
¡°Go now, Mrs. Lock. Take care of your little one,
¡°And take good care of yourself
Tess turned back to her, biting her lip. She said, ¡°Maria, there¡¯s one more thing I¡¯d like to ask of you.¡±
But Maria already knew. ¡°You don¡¯t need to ask. As far as I¡¯m concerned, I never saw you tonight.¡± And with that, Maria closed the gate with a firm click and locked it.
Through the narrow gap in the gate, Maria gave onest wave with her weathered, wrinkled hand. There was a trace of reluctance on her face..
Years ago, it was Finn who had hired the bestwyers to send his wife to prison.
A man as cold¨Chearted and ruthless as him didn¡¯t deserve a good woman like Tess¨Cmuch less a sweet little girl like La.
Not far away, petals from the crabapple tree were still drifting down, stirred by the wind. Tess shivered.
Even La, fast asleep in her arms, seemed to sense the tension. Her tiny mouth puckered, signaling she might cry any
moment now,
Tess quickly held her tighter.
She picked up her pace, walking for a distance and weaving around the surveince cameras. Only when she reached a corner of the street and spotted the rideshare waiting did she allow herself to exhale and climb in. Not once did she look
back.
In the car, La curled peacefully in her arms, her breath soft and even. Tess nced out the window as the iron gates of Evermount Vi slipped out of view.
Kinn, may we never meet again.
What she didn¡¯t know was that back in the vi, inside the master bedroom, the search team had already returned.
One of the men reported, ¡°Mr. Lock, we¡¯ve reviewed the surveince footage and searched every corner. There was no sign of Mrs, Lock. But we did find this.¡±
He presented Finn with footage.
10.29 PM
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Chapter 2 You Can¡¯t Run Away From Me
¡°We¡¯ve already detained the person shown. This is her background information.¡±
A few momentster, a group of security guards arrived at the staff quarters and knocked on Maria¡¯s door.
One said, his voice cold and sharp, ¡°Maria, the cameras show you were the only person near Mr. Lock¡¯s bedroom. Ten minutester, it was broken into.¡±
The security guards didn¡¯t wait for a reply. They grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her back. ¡°Mr. Lock is being generous,¡± one of them said. ¡°You have two choices¨Cconfess and give it back, or ¡¡±
Maria¡¯s heart dropped. Before she could speak, the guards abruptly stepped aside, and someone walked in.
He had a tall frame, sinister eyes, and sharp features. He had the kind of presence that could freeze the air around him.
Finn rubbed his temples tiredly before sizing Maria up with a hard, unreadable gaze.
He didn¡¯t care what had been stolen. There was only one thing that mattered to him.
Finn slowly crouched down, his refined figureced with a quiet fury. He fixed his gaze on the audacious maid before him.
He said, ¡°Tell me. Did shee back? And where did she go?¡±
Maria¡¯s eyes widened.
She froze for just a moment, then quickly shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± she said, her voice trembling. ¡°No one came to the house tonight. I didn¡¯t see anyone, and I didn¡¯t take anything.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not going to talk, huh?¡± One of the guards stepped forward, ready to teach her a lesson.
But Finn waved his hand. ¡°Let her go.¡±
The guard was stunned, puzzled by themand, but he obeyed.
Maria exhaled a breath of relief. Maybe she¡¯d convinced them.
Then came his voice¨Ccalm but ruthless and intimidating. Finn said slowly, ¡°Maria, your file says you have a daughter who lives in Aetheris. She was married for five years before finally getting pregnant. Her husband¡¯s a mid¨Clevel manager. It took him six years of hard work to earn that role.
¡°They¡¯re a happy couple, right? They invited you to spend the holidays together. So, tell me¨Cwhat would happen if I had him fired tomorrow and cklisted in the industry? Nopany would hire him again.
¡°And if he finds out it was because of you¨Cbecause of something you did¨Cwhat do you think your daughter and son¨Cinw would think of you? What would your family be?¡± Th?s chapter is updated by Find_Novel(.
¡°Would you risk your happy family to keep the secret? Smart people like you always know how to make the right choice.¡±
By the time he finished, Maria had a mental breakdown.
Sweat poured down her forehead. Her back was soaked.
She stared at Finn in front of her in terror. This powerful, calcting man could destroy her family as easily as a walk in the park. Her teeth ttered uncontrobly.
¡°I ¡ I ¡¡±
¡°Where did Mrs. Lock go?¡± Finn asked again, his voice low and deadly. ¡°Did you help her?¡±
He smiled faintly, but there was nothing kind in it¨Cjust frost and warning.
If Maria hesitated for another second, he wouldn¡¯t give her another chance.
Facing the richest man in all of Aetheris¨Ca man with unimaginable influence and a temperament no one could predict~ Maria trembled. Her aging hands lifted in a pleading gesture. She knew, deep down, she had no choice.
10.29 PM &
Chapter 2 You Can¡¯t Run Away From Me
She whispered, choking back tears, ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt my daughter. I¡¯ll tell you. I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±
Finn paused mid¨Cstep.
Keepsake 3
Chapter 3 No Way Out
Ten minutes passed.
Maria copsed to the ground. ¡°I¡¯ve told you everything I know. Please, don¡¯t hurt Mrs. Lock. She¡¯s already been through enough. She-¡±
¡°She¡¯s been through enough?¡± Finn¡¯s voice dripped with scorn. ¡°With her status as Mrs. Lock, she still wasn¡¯t satisfied. She¡¯s ying this little game of cat and mouse with me. Does she really think she can win?¡±
With a cold sneer, he turned on his heel and strode off.
Behind him, the sea of security guards quietly dispersed, vanishing like a receding tide.
Maria remained on the cold floor, guilt eating away at her.
She muttered to herself, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mrs. Lock. This is as far as I can help you. I told them almost everything, except for the one thing that matters most.¡±
In the study.
¡°Mr. Lock, do you want us to bring Mrs. Lock back?¡±
Finn¡¯s gaze was dark and sinister.
He waved it off.
¡°No. If she wants to run, let her. Freeze all her assets¨Cevery property and every penny under her name. Let¡¯s see how long she canst out there with nothing to her name. She¡¯lle crawling back eventually.¡±
As he spoke, the fountain pen in his hand snapped clean in half.
His assistant shivered at his scheme.
¡°But Maria said Mrs. Lock is desperate for money. Are you sure we should leave her with nothing? Where will she even sleep tonight? How will she feed herself?¡±
Finn shot him a withering look. ¡°What, feeling sorry for her? Let her sleep on the streets and drink from the gutters. It¡¯s her choice. Are you pitying a felon now? Zane, are you serious?¡±
Zane ck quickly shook his head and exined, ¡°I¡¯m not pitying her, Mr. Lock. But isn¡¯t this a little cruel?¡±
¡°Cruel?¡± Finn¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Did she think about that when she sold me out to my biggest rival? If you ask me, she brought this on herself.¡±
He flung the broken pen across the room.
ck ink spattered across the rug and the wall. A storm was churning in Finn¡¯s
eyes.
Zane hung his head low and sighed softly.
Deep down, he knew that Mr. Lock had once truly loved his wife. What a shame!
¡°Ma¡¯am, we¡¯re at Evermount Heights.¡±
The rideshare car slowed to a stop in front of a luxury condominium. This text is hosted at find(?)ovel
It was past midnight, and La, who was in her arms, squirmed restlessly.
She reached down and touched La¡¯s diaper. It was soaked.
If she didn¡¯t change it now, it would soak through her clothes.
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s
Chapter 3 No Way Out
It was freezing outside. Tess couldn¡¯t even bear to imagine what would happen if La caught a cold¨Cor worse, came down with a fever. What would she do then?
Before leaving the house, she realized that thest pack of diapers she had brought from the prison was gone.
There was still some form left, but it was barely enough tost them three or four days.
Before heading inside theplex, she turned toward a baby supplies store by the gate.
The shop assistant saw her walk in with a restless baby in her arms and rushed over.
¡°Oh goodness, Ms. Ember! What brings you out thiste in the cold? Please, let me help. What do you need? I¡¯ll pack it up and deliver it to your door.¡±
The shop assistant remembered seeing Tess earlier that day entering Evermount Heights¨Cone of the city¡¯s most exclusive high¨Crises.
Anyone who lived there was either rich, influential, or, at the very least, a standout in their field.
At the time, Tess had been in old clothes, holding a baby. The shop assistant¡¯s coworker had quietly gossiped, figuring she was someone¡¯s mistress here to im a ce at the table.
But Tess had introduced herself as Ms. Ember, owner of a unit in Tower C.
Tower C¡ªthe crown jewel of the entire property.
She never would¡¯ve guessed it. This woman in shabby clothes, all alone with a baby in her arms, was actually the owner of a unit in Tower C?
Her respect for Tess shifted in an instant as she watched the security guard swipe her in with utmost courtesy. She found herself stealing a second look, then a third.
And suddenly, she felt ashamed of the gossip she and her coworker had exchanged earlier.
Even behind the mask, Tess was striking¨Cslim frame, delicate features, and, most of all, thoserge, clear, and expressive eyes. Like the moon, they were still and luminous¨Cquietly beautiful.
¡°I¡¯ll take three packs of diapers, size 3,¡± Tess said.
¡°And two cases of this Infant Form, and another two cases of the Follow¨COn from the same brand.
¡°These baby clothes, cotton, size 3 to 6 months. This whole row, wrap it all up.
Tess continued grabbing baby essentials, piling them high.
Then, finally, she turned to the young woman, who stood frozen with wide eyes.
¡°Sorry, is this too much?¡± Tess asked.
There was so much stuff, so it would take multiple trips just to carry it all. Tess hesitated, a flicker of difort creeping in. Was she troubling this young woman?
She never used to think this way. But after what she went through in prison, she¡¯d started to understand just how hard life could be for people at the bottom.
Back inside, she¡¯d been at the lowest rung of the prison hierarchy. And because Finn had made a point to personally see to it she was well taken care of, that made her a target. Everyone had taken a turn stepping on her.
Now, she did her best not to bother anyone. She avoided attention. She didn¡¯t want to owe anything to anyone.
Tess reached up and consciously touched her cheek. Under the face mask, which fully covered her face, were scars¡ªbone deep. She could feel them even without a mirror.
Her fingers trembled, and she lowered her gaze. The light in her eyes dimuned
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Chapter 3 No Way Out
Meanwhile, the shop assistant had snapped out of her trance.
Jackpot! This one sale would hit her monthly quota, and all it took was a single night shift. Heck, she¡¯d happily work nights every day for sales like this.
¡°No, no! It¡¯s not too much! Do you need anything else? I¡¯ll pack it up for you!¡±
¡°That¡¯s all for now. Thank you.¡±
¡°Of course. How would you like to pay?¡±
¡°Debit card, please.¡±
Tess dug through her bag. Tucked between her ID and other papers was her golden debit card.
As long as she had this, La would be okay. They¡¯d be okay.
She rubbed her thumb over the edge, then handed it over.
That¡¯ll be 1,500 dors, Ms. Ember. Please hold on just a moment.¡±
Beep! Beep!
The shop assistant frowned, puzzled.
She tried again and again, her gaze turning awkward.
¡°Um, Ms. Ember, do you have another card? This one¡¯s been declined. Insufficient funds.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Tess¡¯s stomach twisted uneasily. Something cold and heavy settled over her chest.
She remembered how easily she had found her cards earlier. Was it possible that ¡
¡°Please try these.¡±
She hastily pulled out the rest.
If she remembered right, each one had tens of thousands of dors. They were the rewards she¡¯d earned from solving some of Aetheris¡¯s biggest cases.
Beep!
Beep! Beep! Beep!
¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Ember. None of them are going through.¡±
The shop assistant¡¯s smile was clearly strained now.
Doesn¡¯t she live in a unit at Tower C? How could this be?
¡°Any other cards, Ms. Ember?¡±
Tess stood there, numb and deste. ¡°No, that¡¯s all.¡±
I see. So, about these items¡¡±
¡°I¡¯ll leave them. Thank you anyway.¡±
Tess forced a polite smile and turned away, dragging her feet.
How could this happen? All of it¨Cgone. Frozen. That¡¯s my money. I¡¯d worked for it. Fought for it. Why? Why does he get to do this?
M Ember¡ªwait!¡±
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Chapter 3 No Way Out
She¡¯d almost reached the door when the shop assistant called after her.
¡°Your baby¡¯s crying. She¡¯s probably hungry or wet. We have sample packs. Would you like to take one?¡±
Her reminder brought Tess back to the present. She looked down.
La.
Tess hugged her close.
A few minutester, she emerged from the shop¡¯s nursing room.
La had been changed into a fresh diaper, and the shop assistant handed Tess arge bag. She said, ¡°There are all kinds of trial packs inside¨Cdifferent diaper brands, form samples¡ We had some promotional tins too. I stuffed the bag full. Take it. It¡¯s for the baby.¡±
Tess hesitated. She shouldn¡¯t ept it, but the shop assistant said it was for La.
That was right. She could go without any food and items. But what about La?
¡°Thank you.¡± Her voice cracked.
Her nose stung, and her eyes burned.
Finn had driven her into a corner and taken everything. But this stranger¨Cthis shop assistant¨Chad given her a lifeline.
She had loved the wrong man.
¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± the shop assistant said gently. ¡°I don¡¯t have kids myself, but I can¡¯t stand to hear a baby cry. And I can tell that you love her very much. It¡¯s cold out. Please, get her home safe.
¡°No matter what you¡¯re going through, Ms. Ember, hang in there. Do it for the baby.¡±
She assumed Tess had a falling out with her family or something.
These rich folks froze a housewife¡¯s cards just because they have a problem with her?
Men like that are the worst. Total jerks.
Tess clutched the baby tighter and quickened her pace toward her house.
It was cold, just as the shop assistant had said. She couldn¡¯t let La freeze.
But now, with no money and no source of ie, how were
they going to survive?
Keepsake 4
Chapter 4 Mr Lock Doesn¡¯t Recognize His Wife
Chapter 4 Mr Lock Doesn¡¯t Recognize His Wife
¡°Stop right there! Who are you?¡±
The sudden shout from the security guard yanked Tess out of her daze.
She furrowed her brows and said, ¡°You saw me just this afternoon. I live in Tower C. Have you forgotten?¡±
The security guard cleared his throat awkwardly.
¡°I do remember. I was the one who let you in with my key card. But we¡¯ve just received a new notice¡ªyour unit¡¯s been frozen. Your creditor filed for a freeze on your property. Without your creditor¡¯s approval, you¡¯re not allowed to enter.¡±
¡°What? That¡¯s my house! Why can¡¯t I go in?¡±
Tess¡¯s voice cracked in disbelief.
I paid for this house in full.
What does it have to do with Finn?
The security guard gave her a once¨Cover and softened his tone. ¡°Look, since you¡¯ve got a kid with you, I won¡¯t make things harder. But you really should leave.¡±
¡°You ¡ What about my things? My luggage is still inside!¡±
The security guard shrugged and exined, ¡°Unless you¡¯ve got court documents lifting the freeze, we can¡¯t let you in. Maybe try calling your creditor? If they say yes and notify our office, we¡¯ll let you in temporarily.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t even know what creditor you¡¯re talking about.¡± Her lips turned pale.
¡°You need to figure it out.¡±
The guard didn¡¯t respond. He gave her a cold nce and turned back toward thefort of the heated security booth, shutting the door behind him.
Tess stood alone in the bitter wind, chilled to her bones.
From a legal standpoint, Finn did have the right to use her criminal record¨Cher conviction and time in prison¨Cas grounds to freeze her property and liquid assets, iming to be a harmed party.
In other words, a word from him could leave her utterly stranded with nowhere to turn to.
No money. No roof above my head.
Does he hate me that much?
I¡¯ve served my sentence. Why is he still haunting me?
¡°Finn, how can you be so heartless?¡± she murmured.
Holding La close, Tess had nowhere to go.
The security guard didn¡¯t want her lingering at the entrance, taking shelter from the wind and rain. In his eyes, she was a stain on the image of the upscale property. He chased her off more than once.
With no choice, Tess found herself standing on an empty street, shivering¨Cnot from the cold but from the fury rising inside
her.
She shut her eyes. She needed a way out¨Cfor herself and for La.
At that moment, a flyer fluttered to her feet. It was a job ad for a street cleaner.
Tess crouched down and picked it up with hands so cold they were turning blue.
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Chapter 4 Mr Lock Doesn¡¯t Recognize His Wife
¡°Amodation provided, two meals a day, 3,000 dors a month.¡± That was all it promised. She had a criminal record, so no respectablepany would take her in. Not even a decent chain restaurant would hire someone like her.
But a cleaning job? Maybe that was her best option.
Tess hugged La tighter and took onest look at the gates of Evermount Heights. Then, she walked away decisively, her pace quickening.
Later that night, a luxury sedan rolled out of Evermount Vi¡¯s main entrance.
Finn reclined in the back seat with his eyes closed, half¨Casleep.
Someone got into the car at Cora Bay.
¡°Finn, guess what I brought you?¡± the woman chirped cheerfully.
She had long, soft chestnut curls and wore a couture business suit.
Her wrist was adorned with a gold watch¨Can exclusive pre¨Crelease model¨Cnot yet avable to the public. The elegant gold face was encrusted with tiny diamonds, shimmering with quiet extravagance.
From head to toe, there wasn¡¯t a single detail on her that wasn¡¯t polished to perfection and screamed luxury.
She was all smiles and grace, holding out an artfully arranged breakfast.
But Finn, seated beside her, remained cold and silent. His profile looked icy.
When he didn¡¯t respond, her smile began to falter, and a flicker of concern crossed her face.
¡°You¡¯re in a bad mood today, aren¡¯t you?¡±
She lowered her hands and curled her fingers tightly on herp.
¡°I heard you went to pick Tess up yesterday. Is she still mad at me for reporting her back then?¡±
Finn¡¯s hand paused mid¨Cscroll on his tablet.
He had flipped through several pages, but he hadn¡¯t read a single word.
The tantalizing scent of the breakfast lingered in the air.
Tess used to make the same kind of bread rolls every morning.
He¡¯de downstairs to find her in an apron, busy in the kitchen.
Even if he had already eaten, he¡¯d still take one, unable to resist.
Now, he took a bite of a bread roll, but the delicacy in his memory tasted nauseating.
They looked the same, but they didn¡¯t taste right.
¡°She brought it on herself. Nadine, don¡¯t forget¨Cjust a year and a half ago, you single¨Chandedly beat the legendary firm belonging to the Hunts with that brief you wrote. You¡¯re a genius in the legal world. Mypany thrives because I have you by my side.
¡°As for her¡¡±
Finn set down the food and grabbed a bottle of water, twisting it open and drinking it down. Only after he¡¯d washed the taste from his mouth did the tension in his brow begin to ease¨Cbut the tight line of his lips was steeped in contempt.
¡°She¡¯s just a convicted felon who doesn¡¯t deserve your attention.¡±
The gleam of his luxury watch caught the light, its cold reflection matching the iciness in his voice. His lips tightened into a line after that speech.
270 Content originallyes from find~novel
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Chapter 4 Mr Lock Doesn¡¯t Recognize His Wife
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¡°But Tess was my mentor,¡± Nadine Ember said softly, as if she still carried some trace of guilt. ¡°She was the one who brought me into Lock Group as a legal intern.¡±
She let out a sigh, her tone heavy with apparent worry about Tess.
¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for her, you never would¡¯ve been stuck in that position for years. She was jealous of your talent. She stole your arguments and used them to skyrocket her career. She was conniving. And you were too kind.¡±
Finn gave Nadine a rare, gentle smile, his eyes brimming with nothing but scorn and disdain for Tess.
Nadine quietly let out a breath of relief.
Then, as if making an offhandment, shemented, ¡°Yeah, it still baffles me. Who would¡¯ve thought Tess would sell out thepany? She knew full well that the man from the Hunts was your sworn enemy¨Cand yet she still colluded with him, trying to trap you so that you¡¯d have no choice but to depend on her.¡±
She ced her hand on Finn¡¯s knee. She looked like she had been hit by a pang of fear, as though the memory still unsettled her.
Yeah. Thank goodness you¡¯re by my side.¡±
Finn patted her hand absentmindedly, his thoughts already drifting away.
That woman¡ Where is she now?
Wasn¡¯t she obsessed with bing my wife?
She didn¡¯t home night. Did she spend the night on the streets and digging through dumpsters for food?
Or secretly cooking up a grand scheme?
The thought made his lips curl into a cold smirk.
Across from him, Nadine¡¯s cheeks flushed in the intimacy of the moment.
But her eyes glinted with contempt.
So what if that bitch is out of prison? She¡¯s still beneath me.
A felon with a criminal record. No matter how brilliant she used to be as a star attorney, that bitch is as worthless as the dirt beneath my feet
now.
Tess, your title is mine now. And so is your husband.
Screech!
The sudden m of brakes sent Nadine tumbling into Finn¡¯s arms.
He caught her just in time and narrowly prevented Nadine from injuring herself.
His cold eyes bore into the driver in the front. He asked, ¡°What happened?¡±
Bill wiped the sweat from his forehead and apologized, ¡°Sorry, Mr. Lock. There¡¯s a street cleaner up ahead. I almost hit her.¡±
Finn looked out the windshield.
There, bent over in the early dawn light, was a woman bundled in a faded scarf and an oversized coat. She was sweeping the leaves and puddles on the road with a broom that looked far toorge for her frame.
She was small¨Calmost childlike.
Every motion was clumsy but painstakingly careful.
The hern of her pants was soaked, but she didn¡¯t seem to mind the biting cold.
Chapter 4 Mr Lock Doesn¡¯t Recognize His Wife
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The screech of the tires had clearly startled her. She nced over, then instantly ducked her head like she¡¯d seen something terrifying.
Finn narrowed his eyes.
That woman
She started sweeping faster, frantic, as if something monstrous were chasing her. The cold water sloshed around her ankles, but she didn¡¯t stop.
And then he noticed¨Csomething was strapped to her chest.
¡°A baby?¡± Nadine gasped. ¡°She¡¯s out here sweeping the streets with a baby? That woman must be out of her mind.
¡°A mother like her doesn¡¯t deserve to have children,¡± she added with a sneer, arms crossed in judgment.
Finn¡¯s frown deepened.
There was something about her frame¡ The way she moved ¡ Even the color of the baby¡¯s clothing looked familiar. He¡¯d seen it before.
Yes¨Coutside the prison. He had seen this woman on the bus, cradling a
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Chapter 5 Is That Mr Lock¡¯s Child?
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¡°Mr. Lock, what should we do? Should I go help her?¡± Bill asked softly, sympathy tugging at his voice.
He was a father too. Scenes like this were hard to watch.
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Finn said nothing, but before he could respond, Nadine frowned. ¡°You¡¯re Finn¡¯s driver, not some street cleaner. Helping her would be humiliating, Finn. Just drive around her.¡±
¡°But ¡ maybe we could wait for a minute or two, Mr. Lock. She¡¯ll be done soon,¡± Bill replied gently. Anyone with eyes could see what was going on. The road was narrow, and trying to swerve around the woman would ssh her with cold, dirty rainwater.
It was water that had been pooled there all night.
It was dirty and freezing cold.
She was carrying a baby too.
If they did that, that cleaner was bound to fall sick.
¡°If you want to me someone, me the weather. It rained all night. She just has to be sweeping this one flooded road. It¡¯s not our fault¨Cit¡¯s her luck,¡± Nadine said with a dismissive pout.
She nced at Finn¡¯s stoic expression, and her heart thudded at his reaction. Quickly, she put on a helpless expression and said, ¡°Finn, I do feel bad for her, but ¡ ¡±
Before she finished, Finn¡¯s cold voice cut through the air.
¡°She¡¯s just a street cleaner. Drive through.
¡°I know. You¡¯re worried about beingte for the meeting,¡± he added gently, patting Nadine¡¯s hand. But when he turned to Bill, his tone was ice. ¡°What, are you deaf now?¡±
Bill jolted in fear. He clenched his jaw and hit the gas.
The car sped forward. Rainwater surged up, spraying high into the air, but only a few drops returned to the ground.
Tess stood there, frozen like a statue, clutching La to her chest.
She didn¡¯t even have the strength to pick up the broom she¡¯d dropped.
The car roared past.
In the backseat, Nadine checked the rearview mirror with a triumphant smirk on her lips.
A filthy street cieaner like her dared to block her and Finn¡¯s path? It served her right. Hmph!
¡°Waaah! Waah!¡±
La was startled and started crying all of a sudden, her wails piercing through the quiet, cold street.
Even as the car sped far down the road, the crying didn¡¯t stop.
Bill¡¯s heart twisted with guilt.
In the backseat, Finn pretended to be reading documents, looking like he was not bothered by the incident. But the same page sat untouched on hisp.
¡°Shhh, La. It¡¯s okay,¡± Tess whispered through tears, rocking the baby strapped to her chest as she watched the vehicle disappear into the distance.
¡°Don¡¯t cry, sweetie. It¡¯s alright.¡±
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Chapter 5 Is That Mr Lock¡¯s Child?
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Pedestrians paused. Some took out their phones to record the scene. Finding it amusing, they uploaded the scene online.
¡°Look at this street cleaner, soaked in muddy water. What a sight! This is hrious,¡± one of them mocked.
¡°Man, this is gold. Tip me and I¡¯ll bring you to see this up close.¡±
Their mocking voices couldn¡¯t break Tess¨Cbut the sound of La¡¯s terrified crying did.
Her tears finally fell, sshing onto La¡¯s nket.
Tess quickly reached out, trying to wipe her tears away before they could soak through the nket.
But the moment her hand touched the fabric, she realized it was covered in muddy water. She had only made things worse.
La was screaming in her arms, her tiny face scrunched up. She was flushing and wet. No matter how gently Tess rocked her, she wouldn¡¯t stop crying. The sound tore through her like a de. And in that moment, Tess could no longer hold herself together. She bent down in the middle of the cold.
Tess had seen it. She hadn¡¯t missed the scene in that car¨Cthe man and woman holding each other close.
It was her ex¨Chusband and her sister and apprentice she had once mentored with care. Discover more novels at Find¡ïNovel
Now, they satfortably in luxury, high and mighty. All that was built on the ruins of her reputation and dignity. She had /fallen into the mud after they used her as a stepping stone to rise.
She had loved the wrong man, and this was her fault. She¡¯d given everything for him, and this was where she ended. Who could she me?
But she had La now. Tess clung tightly to La in her arms.
Her scarf slipped as she knelt, revealing the face hidden beneath.
It was a beautiful face, like a beautiful painting. Her eyes were full of life, her nose was straight and graceful, and her rosy lips had a natural flush to them. But a deep scar ran across her left cheek, ruining everything. It was the kind of scar that made people look twice¨Cand look away.
There, in the puddle¨Cfilled street, a young mother crouched silently, holding her baby and crying quietly.
The silence was deafening.
Even the streamer, who moments ago had been shouting enthusiastically and demanding gifts from his viewers, suddenly fell quiet in shame. His hands dropped, and his cheeks burned hot.
¡°I¨CI¡¯m sorry,¡± he muttered. ¡°I just wanted to get views.¡±
¡°That car was messed up,¡± someone else added. ¡°Want me to help you expose them?¡±
Tess quickly wiped her tears, though her voice was still raw.
She shook her head and pulled her scarf back up, tightly covering her face again. She said softly, ¡°Please, could you delete the video?¡±
The man looked into her eyes¨Cthose beautiful, almond¨Cshaped eyes still shining with tears. It was such a pair of beautiful eyes. What a shame¡
Those clear, tear¨Cfilled eyes¨Chow could anyone say no to them?
He fumbled with his phone. ¡°Yeah, yeah, of course. Look, it¡¯s gone. See?¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
Tess¡¯s voice was soft, barely audible. She offered a quiet word of thanks before turning away to pick up her broom and resume clearing the water.
Once she finished thisst puddle, her shift would be over for the day. And by then, little La would no doubt be hungry2/4
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Chapter 5 Is That Mr Lock¡¯s Child?
La, even if I have to sweep every gutter in this city. I¡¯ll still give you the sky.
A minuteter, she quietly pushed her cleaning cart down the street.
That slender figure¨Cfragile, yet unshakably steady¨Cslowly disappeared into the distance.
Only then did the bystanders snap out of their daze,
¡°She¡¯s so young. Why would she take a job like this?¡± someone asked.
¡°Maybe it¡¯s a social experiment or a real¨Clife video shoot?¡± another guessed.
And just like that, the scorn returned.
¡°These days, people will do anything for money.¡±
¡°Bet the whole thing was staged¨Ceven the car.¡±
¡°Ugh, anything for attention. No shame at all.¡±
¡°Ugh.
Only one car remained parked a short distance away. Inside, Max Hunt sat frozen, his eyes locked on Tess¡¯s retreating figure. His expression was unreadable. ¡°Was that Tess?¡± he murmured.
¡°H¨CHow did she end up like this?¡±
He had a mole resting just below his left eye. His features were striking, almost too perfect, but at this moment, disbelief clouded his face.
He wasn¡¯t sure if he was asking the man beside him¨Cor himself.
Max lowered his gaze, his longshes trembling slightly. His lips were pressed into a tight line. Somewhere behind the calm surface, a flicker of pain passed through him.
He had never regretted what happened back then.
And now, he had everything¨Cpower, reputation, and wealth. He could offer her a better life.
After all, she had only spent a year in prison.
She had nothing now. It didn¡¯t matter that she had served time. Her past didn¡¯t matter. He didn¡¯t care. He could take care of her and make it up to her.
¡°Mr. Hunt, that woman with the baby?¡± His driver blinked, clearly stunned.
¡°That can¡¯t be Ms. Ember. You must¡¯ve made a mistake.¡±
In his mind, Max had spent years pining after Tess. Maybe he would mistake every woman for the one he loved.
Even if she had been in prison, there was no way Tess was that woman in the oversized coat, cleaning the street.
Back then, Tess was the rising star of the legal world in Aetheris. She had that kind of quiet charm. A smile from her could make a defendant shake and a prosecutor sweat bullets.
Top firms had chased after her relentlessly, practically throwing job offers at her. But she turned them all down to take a modest position as lead counsel at Lock Group.
Some said she was too in love to think straight. But no one ever really knew what went on in her head.
Either way, a woman like her¨Celegant and brilliant¨Ccouldn¡¯t possibly be the same person who now stood covered in street grime, holding a baby while sweeping gutters.
Max curled his fingers and slowly clenched his hand into a fist.
The window of his luxury car slowly rolled back up. His profile¨Cexcessively handsome¨Cwas covered in the shadows, his beauty tinged with something darker and harder to name.
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Chapter 5 Is That Mr Lock¡¯s Child?
¡°I hope I¡¯m wrong,¡± he said quietly.
¡°Find out if she was released early.
¡°And that child ¡ Is it Finn¡¯s?¡±
n Hoffman, the driver who also served as his assistant, immediately dropped his casual smirk.
Was Max serious? Did he really think that woman was Tess? But that was impossible.
Still, he obeyednguidly.
¡°Yes, Mr. Hunt.¡±
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Chapter 6 Mrs Lock Wants a Divorce
The car moved slowly down the road.
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As if to confirm whether the woman pushing the cart was really Tess, n deliberately trailed behind her for quite a while.
That woman was pushing a heavy street¨Ccleaning cart along the road, one arm cradling a baby bundled in a nket.
The bitter wind howled as the woman trudged forward, slow and unsteady. She was wrapped in an old, puffy coat, with a thin, neon¨Cyellow safety vest thrown over it. But it waspletely useless against the cold. Her body trembled with every gust.
The cart she was pushing was heavy. She had no choice but to hunch over, straining with all her might just to keep it moving.
Just then, the cart bumped over a rock, jostling it violently. It tipped.
She instinctively tightened her grip on the baby and reached out with one hand to steady the cart, but it was toote.
The whole thing copsed, dragging her down with it.
Her knees mmed into the pavement with a painful thud. Her brows furrowed in pain, and for a long time, she didn¡¯t get up.
Only the baby in her arms remained unhurt. She squirmed slightly and pressed her tiny head against her mother¡¯s chest, clearly searching for food.
Her little lips began to pucker; she was famished and about to burst into tears.
? ? ? ?
The woman tried to soothe her, rocking her gently and whispering, but it was no use.
Realizing she wasn¡¯t being fed, the baby¡¯s hunger mixed with the shock of the fall, and she started wailing.
¡°Waaah! Waaah!¡±
Nothing broke a heart faster than a hungry baby¡¯s cries.
Tess gritted her teeth. Sweat covered her forehead, but she had to muster every ounce of strength to haul the cart upright again.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, La,¡± she whispered.
Just a little longer.
¡°Mornmy¡¯s almost done. We¡¯ll get food soon.¡±
The car had been tailing her for a while now, and it was only now that Tess noticed. For more chapters visit find[?]ovel
She nced back, alert and cautious.
Who is it? Is someone passing by?
n scoffed. He didn¡¯t believe it for a second.
As if!
How could such a pitiful, haggard woman be Ms. Ember?
He had no interest in wasting any more time on a street cleaner. He pressed down on the gas and sped off.
In the backseat, Max had no idea what n had been up to. His Bluetooth earpiece blinked with a soft blue light as he spoke fluently in a foreignnguage. He was clearly in the middle of an international business call. His suit was wless, and his elegant manner was on full disy. Obviously, he was a man born to lead.
As the car rolled over arge puddle, dirty water sshed high into the air and drenched Tess.
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Chapter 6 Mrs Lock Wants a Divorce
Of course, people who drove luxury cars rarely stopped to consider how much trouble their actions could cause others.
Tess turned her back just in time, shielding La from the icy spray.
La was all that mattered to her.
¡°La, did I see wrong?¡± she whispered.
¡°That car looked so familiar.
¡°No.¡± Tess¡¯s voice trembled with confusion. ¡°It can¡¯t be.¡±
It couldn¡¯t be him.
She had once confided in Max, treating him like her big brother. He was the only one she told everything to, even her secret crush on Finn.
Even though Max was Finn¡¯s sworn rival, she had never once doubted him.
But Max had used a ssified document to win awsuit against Finn. It earned him instant fame and the recognition of his family.
He rose from an illegitimate son to the rightful heir of his family.
Max rose to his prime.
While she fell into the mud.
Why me?
Why use me and step on me to climb higher?
He was the same man who had once promised her to be patient; he said he¡¯d represent her in court and defend her innocence.
The same man who, when it came time for the verdict, switched sides and became a witness for the prosecution.
Max was the Hunts¡® third son.
He gave a false testimony and sent her to prison. She was sure he had long forgotten the woman who ended because of him.
Tess¡¯s heart didn¡¯t even ache when she thought of him. It was numb.
She tightened her grip on La and pushed forward into the wind, walking faster.
Twenty minutester, they arrived at the dorms for sanitation workers.
up
behind bars
Tess had used part of her advance paycheck to buy a new baby bottle. She sterilized it with boiling water and prepared La¡¯s milk.
Once fed, La lookedpletely content. Her chubby hands held onto Tess¡¯s finger like it was the only thing she trusted.
Tess wiped La¡¯s face with a soft towel, catching a glimpse of a particr someone¡¯s features in her child.
He had a brooding face, sharp and cold, with a stern expression that rarely softened into a smile.
But La¡¯s smile was sweet, and her eyes curved like crescent moons.
Tess stared for a moment, lost in thought.
Even as a baby, La already gave away hints of being a stunning beauty. Tess didn¡¯t mind if life stayed hard, as long as she and La were together.
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Chapter 6 Mrs Lock Wants a Divorce
But that depended on one thing¨Cthat man could never find out about La.
If he did, he would take her away.
La was her only reason to keep going. If she lost her ¡ Tess shivered at the thought.
La, in her arms, seemed to sense her fear and let out a startled, pitiful sob.
Tess quickly set down the bottle and picked her up, pacing the tiny room as she hummed a soft luby.
La¡¯s eyes crinkled with joy again, and following the rhythm of Tess¡¯s voice, she stopped crying.
She giggled and babbled, sounding like she was trying to sing along.
She was practicing, Tess realized. In just a few months, La would start calling her ¡°Mommy¡°.
¡°Tess, you¡¯re back? Finished sweeping your section?¡±
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Tess had just gotten La to settle down when her roommate returned, pushing her own cleaning cart through the narrow dorm hallway.
When she saw Tess cradling the baby, she shrugged off her neon¨Cyellow vest, her wrinkled face lighting up with a rare, gentle smile.
She washed her hands before stepping closer.
¡°La¡¯s such a good baby,¡± she said warmly.
¡°But are you sure it¡¯s okay bringing her out there with you? She¡¯s so little. Can she handle the cold and the wind?¡±
Her roommate¡¯s name was Bessie Moon.
was
She had a kind heart and a down¨Cto¨Cearth manner. Even though they¡¯d only known each other for a day, she¡¯d already taken Tess and La under her wing.
Bessie had retired a few years back, but her husbandined that she was beingzy at home, and their son¨Cwho worked in another city¨Ccouldn¡¯t do much to mediate. Rather than let it be a family issue, Bessie simply took the job to earn a little pocket money and get out of the house.
Tess smiled faintly at Bessie¡¯s concern. ¡°La only wants her mother. She wants to be with me all the time.¡±
Bessie chuckled helplessly, shaking her head. ¡°I know. I even suggested switching shifts and figured I¡¯d watch her while you were out, and then we¡¯d swap. But your little one wouldn¡¯t have it. The second she can¡¯t see you, she cries like her whole world¡¯s falling apart.¡±
Tess pulled La closer and sniffled a little. ¡°We¡¯ve never been apart. Not since the day she was born.¡±
Bessie silently sighed. Poor thing!
¡°What about your man? He doesn¡¯t help out? No support, nothing?¡±
Tess hesitated. That question again.
¡°He¡¯s with someone else now, isn¡¯t he?¡± Bessie ventured, watching the uncertain expression flicker across Tess¡¯s face.
She pped her thigh knowingly. ¡°Thought so.¡±
Bessiemented, ¡°You¡¯ve got it rough, Tess. Raising a baby on your own. Take this.¡±
She reached into her cart and pulled out a baby rattle she¡¯d picked up during her shift.
It was still sealed in stic. Someone must¡¯ve dropped it.
¡°I found this carlier, and it looks brand new. I figured La could use it, so I brought it back for you.¡±
Chapter 6 Mrs Lock Wants a Divorce
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Then, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll check if I¡¯ve got any old baby clothes at home. My boy wore them when he was little. They might be a bit worn, but they¡¯re clean. I hope you can ept them.¡±
The kindness of strangers always struck Tess the deepest. Her voice caught as she thanked Bessie with gratitude, ¡°Hand¨Cme- downs are good luck. La and I are grateful. Really.¡±
Bessie nodded. ¡°That¡¯s what they say¨Cbabies who wear hand¨Cme¨Cdowns stay healthy and safe.¡±
Bessie looked down at little La, gently shaking the rattle in front of her. La reached out with both hands, babbling happily as she tried to grab it. Bessie couldn¡¯t help but praise, ¡°La¡¯s such a sweet baby and so well¨Cbehaved, but her dad just walked away like it meant nothing. La, sweetheart, when you grow up, you be good to your mama, okay?¡±
Then, she looked up again, suddenly looking thoughtful. ¡°Tess, do you still talk to your husband?¡±
Tess froze, then shook her head. ¡°No.¡±
Bessie blinked in surprise. ¡°Wait¨Cyou¡¯re nning to get a divorce?¡±
Divorce?
The word hit Tess like a jolt of electricity.
Yes. Divorce.
I¡¯m Mrs. Lock, but it¡¯s all on paper¨Ca hollow title.
As long as her marriage to Finn remained legally intact, she would still be his wife. And every single day she held that title, she would feel restless¨Clike she was in someone else¡¯s shoes.
That identity, once the happiness she had dreamed of, had be a prison.
But to file for divorce, she needed him to sign the papers.
A sudden thought took root in her mind.
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Chapter 7 Stipend for Single Mothers
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¡°Tess, marriage isn¡¯t a game,¡± Bessie said gently. ¡°Why don¡¯t you talk to your man again? La¡¯s still young. She can¡¯t grow up without a father.¡±
Tess had already made up her mind. She asked, ¡°Bessie, the Aetheris Courthouse ¡ That¡¯s nearby, isn¡¯t it?¡±
Bessie paused, then pointed. ¡°Just a couple of blocks down. It¡¯s really close. But Tess, are you sure about this?
¡°Maybe talk it over with your husband one more time?¡±
Tess pressed her lips together.
¡°What¡¯s the matter? He doesn¡¯t want the divorce? Then, there¡¯s still a chance-¡±
Tess shook her head.
She wanted to keep him in the dark.
¡°He doesn¡¯t know about it. But this time, I¡¯m done asking for his permission.¡±
Finn, you threw me into prison. All I want is to raise my daughter and get a divorce.
She figured Finn had long grown tired of their hollow marriage anyway. Maybe he¡¯d even been waiting for this moment so that he could finally give Nadine the title she¡¯d always wanted.
¡°But if he doesn¡¯t know, can you file the divorce?¡± Bessie asked, startled.
Tess lowered her eyes, a shadow cast across her face.
¡°I had aiready drafted the divorce agreement. He should¡¯ve signed it back then.¡±
That night, he was drunk. Tess had slipped the agreement in with a stack of work documents, hoping he¡¯d sign it without noticing.
He began signing, but he suddenly gripped her wrist.
That night, he was extremely drunk, and his strength was overwhelming. She couldn¡¯t break free and ended up being pulled into his arms.
The papers were scattered across the floor. He breathed next to her ear, hot and burning.
¡°Tess, didn¡¯t you want to tie me down for life?¡± he murmured. ¡°If so, I will grant your wish.¡±
She realized what was about to happen.
Desperately, she tried to run, but his tall frame pinned her easily. In a few swift movements, he had pulled off her dress. This update is avable on Find?Novel
Underneath him, she sobbed, her pleas broken and weak.
¡°Finn, I don¡¯t want this.*
That night, he did everything lovers did¨Cwithout a shred of love.
He had probably never even considered sleeping with her before that night.
But why¨Cwhy did it have to happen the moment she was ready to walk away?
She often wondered if he had been punishing her or if he really was just drunk.
But it didn¡¯t matter anymore.
A few days ago, she went to retrieve her documents. But she hadn¡¯t just grabbed those things.
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Chapter 7 Stipend for Single Mothers
She had also taken the divorce agreement that had been signed by him.
Tess always stored her documents carefully. The day she was taken away, she had just happened to file them away.
Eighteen months had passed, and no one had ever touched it.
Probably not even him. He likely never cared to look at her things after she was gone.
That was how she managed to get this far.
Still, he¡¯d need to sign it again to make it final.
Bessie didn¡¯t understand the full story. When Tess turned quiet, she let the topic drop.
She just sighed. ¡°Poor La, growing up without a dad.¡±
La, nestled in Tess¡¯s arms, reached for her baby rattle. She looked at it, then turned to gaze up at Tess.
Tess coaxed, ¡°It¡¯s okay, sweetheart. Mommy¡¯s here.¡±
Meanwhile, in the heart of downtown Aetheris, on the top floor of a gleaming skyscraper.
Inside a sleek office, Finn sat behind a desk, signing document after document.
He was exhausted. After signing thest of the documents, Finn rubbed his temples, weariness etched into his face.
Zane stood silently nearby. Once everything was in order, he stacked the files neatly and handed them off to an assistant to process.
Then, ncing at the man seated behind the desk whose eyes were half¨Cclosed in a light doze, Zane said, ¡°Mr. Lock, the donation for the street sanitation workers near the downtown district has been taken care of, just as you instructed.
¡°The supplies should already be in their hands by now.
¡°And, per your request, the single mother working as a street cleaner will be receiving a monthly stipend of 1,000 dors, withdrawn from your personal ount with no time limit. Everything has been arranged.
¡°We¡¯re also tracking Mrs. Lock¡¯s movements since her release. I expect we¡¯ll have news soon.
¡°is there anything else you¡¯d like me to handle?¡±
Finn didn¡¯t speak. He simply waved his hand, his eyes still fixed on the new stack of paperwork in front of him. Zane gave a respectful hod and turned to leave.
He didn¡¯t notice the elegant woman emerging from behind the outer office door the moment he stepped out. Nadine had shown up at just the right time, and she¡¯d heard every word of thatst conversation.
With her arms crossed, she scoffed under her breath.
¡°All that just because she got a little water sshed on her? Finn¡¯s dipping into his personal ount now?
¡°A thousand dors a month? Seriously? What makes her so special? Was she just waiting there, wanting to y the pity card like some con artist?¡±
She didn¡¯t even have that privilege, so how could a street cleaner possibly deserve it?
As Nadine contemted this, something dark flickered behind her calm gaze. A momentter, she picked up her phone, stepped aside, and quietly made a call.
The call connected quickly. Nadine¡¯s eyes were soft butced with venom.
Chapter 7 Stipend for Single Mothers
¡°Paul, I need a favor.
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¡°There¡¯s a female cleaner. This morning, she staged a little stunt and identally crossed paths with Finn¡¯s car. Of course, Finn, being who he is, didn¡¯t make a fuss. He even sent some money her way.
¡°You know how it is¨CFinn is a man of ss. He wouldn¡¯t waste his time on petty people who pull cheap tricks. But I can¡¯t stand it. So, I figured I¡¯d do the world a favor and teach her a lesson myself. Just don¡¯t let Finn find out. He doesn¡¯t need to be bothered with something this small.
¡°How? She¡¯s got a kid, right? Then start by docking her pay. Let her go hungry for a few days. That¡¯ll set her straight.
¡°And if she tries anything else, fire her. Let her freeze out there on the streets with her bastard child.¡±
With that, she ended the call. The icy look on Nadine¡¯s lovely face melted away in an instant.
Tossing her hair, she walked toward Finn¡¯s office.
She knocked on the door.
¡°Finn, it¡¯s me.¡±
¡°Come in.¡± His voice was as smooth and cool as always.
Nadine pushed open the door with a sweet smile. As her eyes fell on the striking figure inside, a subtle grin tugged at her lips. A quiet gleam of triumph lit up her expression.
No matter who it was¨CTess or that cleaner¨Cno woman would ever steal even a sliver of perks from Finn.
Finn belonged to her. And she wasn¡¯t about to let anyone steal his attention.
The clouds finally cleared, and golden sunlight spilled across the streets.
That afternoon, Riven Ash, the district supervisor, called all the street cleaners together for a meeting.
Several trucks rumbled in and parked along the alley.
Workers jumped down and began unloadingrge boxes.
Before long, the old, cramped yard was stacked with piles of supplies.
Among the rows of workers standing in line, a few middle¨Caged women leaned in, whispering excitedly.
¡°I overheard Mr. Ash earlier. Apparently, some rich guy drove by our district this morning and suddenly decided to do a good deed. He donated all this stuff¨Ccharity or something.¡±
¡°With the weather getting colder, he sent nkets and heavy¨Cduty winter coats. Real good ones too.¡±
¡°He must be a saint! My grandson¡¯s been needing a winter jacket for school.¡±
¡°Looks like some of these are even branded. I bet I could sell mine secondhand for a decent price.¡±
¡°But seriously, who just donates things out of the blue? What¡¯s his name? He didn¡¯t do something bad and wishes to make up for it, did he?¡±
¡°I think the supervisor said hisst name was Lock or something close.¡±
Tess, listening quietly to the chatter, couldn¡¯t help but stiffen slightly.
Bessie, standing right beside her, gave her a puzzled look. ¡°Where¡¯s La?¡±
She¡¯s sleeping. It¡¯s cold out, so I tucked her under the covers,¡± Tess replied.
Still, despite what she said, she kept ncing back toward the dorm, checking for any sign of La crying. Only when she was sure La was still sound asleep did she breathe a little easier.
Chapter 7 Stipend for Single Mothers
She lowered her head in thought. Did I hear that right? Did they say Lock?
Lock is rare. Locke is more .
It has to be a coincidence.
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Bessie didn¡¯t notice Tess spacing out. She gave her a nudge with her elbow when they reached the front of the line.
¡°Tess, heads up. Mr. Ash has been staring at you for a while. It doesn¡¯t usually mean anything good.¡±
Tess looked up and caught the bulky supervisor with the shy gold chain ncing away too quickly.
Her stomach tightened.
When the supplies were handed out, Bessie picked something from the stack and passed it to Tess.
¡°My son just sent me a new coat. You should take this one,¡± she said.
Tess was startled and hurriedly waved her hand. ¡°Bessie, I can¡¯t possibly-¡±
¡°Don¡¯t argue. It¡¯s not for you; it¡¯s for La! Cut it down into something that fits her. She needs it more than I do.¡±
Tess froze, still trying to think of something to say.
But Bessie was already walking off. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it on your bed. Once you finish here,e on up. If La wakes and doesn¡¯t see you, she¡¯ll cry.¡±
Tess watched her go, feeling an unexpected warmth stir in her chest.
They¡¯d only met, but Bessie already felt more like family than most people ever had.
Everyone else had collected their share and gone. Tess was just about to grab
¡°Hey, Tess Ember. Hold up.¡±
hers
rs when a voice called out behind her.
Keepsake 8
Chapter 8 La Comforts Her Mother
Tess froze in ce.
¡°Do you need anything, Mr. Ash?¡±
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Riven Ash was a middle¨Caged man with a shady past and a gold chain as thick as a garden hose hanging from his neck. He had a rounded belly and a fierce and intimidating face.
He looked Tess up and down and let out a crooked smile, like he¡¯d found himself a new prey.
Under his gaze, Tess¡¯s hands instinctively twisted together in unease.
He chuckled. ¡°Rx. I¡¯m not asking you to sell your soul. Just record a short thank¨Cyou video. Not too much to ask, right?
¡°We¡¯re not asking for much¨Cjust a quick thank¨Cyou video. That¡¯s fair, isn¡¯t it?¡±
In Riven¡¯s mind, the deal was simple. Some rich guy had donated supplies¨Cnot for money but for publicity.
So, why not give him the thing he probably wanted¨Cgratitude? On camera. If they buttered him up, who knew? Maybe he¡¯d keep sending more goods their way.
¡°Why me?¡± Tess asked quietly.
There were plenty of older women who could speak more eloquently than her.
She was the quiet one, the one who never talked back.
Why single her out?
¡°I don¡¯t want it anymore! No thanks are necessary, right?¡± Tess slowly ced the items back where she took them. She did need thern, that much was true¨Cbut if this was the price of gratitude, then she¡¯d rather go without.
Stunned, Riven failed catch up to her.
Tess had already turned and walked away when Riven jolted out of his daze and called after her.
¡°Hey! The CEO of Lock Group said he¡¯s giving you a personal monthly stipend of 100 dors!
¡°He¡¯s doing a good deed. It¡¯s only right for you to record a little thank¨Cyou video, right?¡±
Teas¡¯s steps halted.
200
24
A mocking grin tugged at the corners of Riven¡¯s mouth. As expected, Tess couldn¡¯t walk away from 100 dors, could she? If only she knew it was a lot more than that.
¡°You said Mr. Lock? From Lock Group? Which Mr. Lock exactly?¡±
Tess turned back to face him, her expression tight like she was bracing for something.
Riven gave a small cough and stepped closer, lowering his voice. ¡°Come on, who else would it be? You don¡¯t know Finn Lock? The richest man in all of Aetheris?¡±
Tess¡¯s voice began to tremble in fear. ¡°What? But if he¡¯s that rich, why would he suddenly donate supplies? And why would he specifically give me a monthly stipend? I don¡¯t even know him.¡±
No¡ No, no, no¡ He couldn¡¯t have found out about this. Tess felt dizzy, like the ground might give way beneath her.
Riven scoffed. ¡°He passed by this morning while you were sweeping the sidewalk and probably pitied you¨Csingle mom, pushing a cart in the cold. You think a scarred¨Cface woman like you caught his eye for any other reason?¡±
Tess felt her chest loosen, and her heart slowly dropped back into ce.
So, he just pities me for being a single mother. Nothing more.
10:41 PM
Chapter 8 La Comforts Her Mother
I thought¡
§ã
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¡°I understand now,¡± she said tly. ¡°But I don¡¯t want any of it. You can record the video yourself and keep the stuff.¡±
She rejected him coldly.
Riven narrowed his murky eyes when he realized she wouldn¡¯t give in, no matter how he pushed. His lecherous gaze lingered on her.
A feisty one, aren¡¯t you?
He moved closer, practically breathing in her scent. ¡°Come on now. y nice. I can get you your own room. It¡¯ll be nice and private. With me looking out for you, you¡¯d-¡±
Tess cut in, stepping back, ¡°Mr. Ash, I need to go take care of my child.¡±
Tess took a step back, dodging him.
Riven froze for a second. Then, in the blink of an eye, his fury red.
He lunged forward and yanked her by the hair. ¡°Bitch! I was being nice!¡±
At that moment, La¡¯s cries rang out from the dorm hallway.
Tess struggled to break free.
But Riven was far too strong. He yanked hard, forcing her head to tilt backward. The pain made it feel like her scalp might rip clean off.
¡°You think I don¡¯t know about your past?¡± He snarled near her ear. ¡°You¡¯ve been in prison, haven¡¯t you?¡±
been under
The words were barely more than a whisper¨Cbut to Tess, they exploded like thunder.
Her entire body stiffened.
¡°W¨CWhat did you say?¡±
¡°You heard me. You¡¯ve got
a record. I had someone dig into it. And you want to act all high and mighty? Give me a break. All I asked for was a thank¨Cyou video. What¡¯s a former inmate acting so stuck up for? Bah! Such a jinx!¡±
¡°My baby¡¯s crying. Let me go, or I¡¯ll call the police-¡±
He snorted. ¡°What? You¡¯ll call the cops? Are you threatening me now?
¡°Do you want me to have you and your kid kicked out of here? If you don¡¯t, record that video now!¡±
He grabbed her long hair, dragged her toward a nearby utility room, and mmed the door shut behind them.
Bam!
Inside the room was a bed.
Tess was shoved down onto the chair beside the bed, facing the camera. Her eyes were dry, hollow.
Her mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Riven stood nearby with his arms crossed, growing more impatient by the second.
He didn¡¯t even need to speak anymore. The threat hung thick in the air, letting Tess know that if she wanted to get out of here, she would have to obey.
¡°Can¡¯t talk? Fine. Read this!¡± He tossed a sheet of paper at her. It was a script.
¡°I can¡¯t read,¡± Tess said, staring back at him with a hollow gaze.
0.41 PM
Chapter 8 La Comforts Her Mother
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Heughed cruelly. ¡°Yeah, right. You expect me to buy that? Illiterate people don¡¯t exist anymore. Stop ying dumb. Do you want to get yourself killed? Think about your kid.¡±
He leered as he spoke.
Tess slowly closed her eyes, then reached for the paper with a trembling hand. Her eyes zed over the printed thank¨Cyou speech. She opened her mouth; her voice came out wooden and strained, like a broken puppet trying to speak.
¡°Mr. Lock¡ Thank you for your kindness¡ For the winter coat and warm nket. In this freezing weather, your gifts have given me and my child a ce offort. Your generosity¡ is something we¡¯ll never forget.¡±
She stumbled through the lines in a cracked voice.
The paper slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor.
Her face was ghostly white.
Riven, satisfied, turned off the camera. Then, he started toward her again.
His eyes dropped to her cor, where her skin peeked through the neckline of her shirt. He swallowed hard.
Tess, why don¡¯t you show me some gratitude now, huh?¡±
Bam!
Someone kicked the door open.
¡°Oh dear! Mr. Ash, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Bessie¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°The baby is crying so hard, calling for her mom.
¡°I tried everything, but she wouldn¡¯t stop crying. I had no choice but to bring her here. I hope we¡¯re not interrupting anything.¡±
Bessie stormed in with several older women trailing behind her.
The scene they walked into froze them in ce. Tess was sitting on the bed with her cor disheveled and one shoulder bare, exposing a huge area of her skin.
In her trembling hand, she clutched a bloody screwdriver. No one knew where she¡¯d gotten it.
Her eyes were bloodshot, her entire body shaking.
Across from her, Riven clutched a bleeding wound on his neck, his belt half undone. He was red¨Cfaced and cursing.
¡°You filthy tramp!¡± he roared. ¡°You¡¯re already knocked up and even dragging a kid around. Who are you trying to fool with that act?¡±
Then, noticing Bessie and the others, he was clearly thrown off.
¡°She came onto me, alright?¡±
But Bessie and the others had seen enough. They didn¡¯t need an exnation.
Though fear held them back from speaking their minds, they acted quickly.
One of them snatched the screwdriver from Tess¡¯s hand and tossed it aside. Another gently ced the crying baby into Tess¡¯s arms, then pulled her protectively behind them.
¡°Tess, you¡¯ve still got your afternoon shift on the streets,¡± Bessie said loudly, acting as if nothing had happened. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand here. Feed the baby. Can¡¯t you hear how hard she¡¯s crying?¡±
¡°Now, now, Mr. Ash. Don¡¯t be upset, another woman chimed in. ¡°Tess has a scar on her face and a child to care for. Why would she dare flirt with anyone?¡±
+10 Free Coins
Chapter 8 La Comforts Her Mother
¡°Besides, he oversees several streets. You really think he has time for all this?¡±
¡°Hey, even if she¡¯s eager to get a raise, she can¡¯t rush it, right? Mr. Ash, don¡¯t forget that we¡¯ve been sweeping these streets for years.¡±
¡°Exactly. We¡¯ve been loyal workers for so long. If you give Tess a raise, we¡¯d appreciate a little something too. Don¡¯t forget the old¨Ctimers here.¡±
The women surrounded Riven, their chatter buzzing like flies.
Riven¡¯s expression darkened with frustration, but with all eyes on him, he was too embarrassed to keep pushing.
With a grunt of anger, he turned and stormed out of the room.
Inside, the tension finally broke. Tess clutched La tightly, her body still trembling uncontrobly even though the storm had passed.
The older women peeked out the door, making sure Riven was gone before turning their eyes back to her. They were filled with concern and sympathy.
¡°Tess, are you okay?¡± Bessie asked softly, inching closer. ¡°He didn¡¯t take advantage of you, did he?¡± She cautiously approached, gently wrapping her arms around the mother and daughter. She patted Tess¡¯s shoulder.
Tess leaned into her, like someone drowning who had finally found something to hold on to.
She finally snapped out of it and returned to reality. Official source is
Tess bit down hard on her lower lip, shaking her head as tears streamed silently down her cheeks. They soaked into La¡¯s nket until it was damp.
Bessie¡¯s nose turned red. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she stood there, unsure how tofort Tess.
¡°Oh, poor Tess. Why did that awful jerk have to set his sights on you?¡± she whispered.
¡°Yeah, Tess,¡± another woman murmured. ¡°You¡¯re just too pretty for your own good. If it weren¡¯t for that scar and the baby, I would¡¯ve introduced you to my nephew myself.¡±
¡°Maybe it¡¯s time you found a different job?¡± said another gently. You¡¯re still young. Why stick it out here with us old cleaningdies?¡±
Their voices came in waves, soft and scattered, surrounding her like wind whispering through the cracks in an old house. Tes: held La close. Her legs were unsteady, and her body swayed like she might copse at any moment.
Finn¡
You¡¯ve been gone for so long. Why now? Why back and disturb the little peace La and I have managed to hold onto?
¡°Waahhh!¡±
Tess pressed her cheek gently against La¡¯s soft little face. Looking at La¡¯s quiet, trusting expression, she couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. A muffled sob escaped her lips.
¡°Ahh
Ahh¡¡±
La, still too young to speak, stretched out her hands and brushed Tess¡¯s face as if trying tofort her.
And just like that, something fragile and warm flickered in Tess¡¯s cold heart¨Ca hint offort.
But as the saying went¨Cwhen it rained, it poured.
Keepsake 9
Chapter 9 An Opportunity to Get Even
¡°Tess, your paycheck for this month is gone.¡±
At the break of dawn, the street supervisor, Esther Frost, threw a slip of paper at Tess with a sneer of contempt.
Morning had barely arrived; a faint glow hung over the horizon.
The wind bit at Tess¡¯s hands, making it almost impossible to hold her broom.
She turned around, stunned.
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¡°What did you say, Ms. Frost? That can¡¯t be right. It¡¯s only the second of the month. I still have 28 days left of work. How could I lose my whole paycheck already?¡±
This wasn¡¯t just a small sum of money. That 3,000 dors was her and La¡¯s lifeline.
Esther stood there in a shy faux fur coat, munching on a steaming roasted sweet potato.
Her over¨Cthe¨Cknee boots clicked against the sidewalk as she looked Tess up and down. She had drawn her eyes with a dramatic eyeliner look, and her lips were curled into a sneer. Checktest chapters at find~novel
¡°You really want to ask why?
¡°Someone reported that they lost a gold ne yesterday¨Cright here in your zone.
¡°You picked it up, didn¡¯t you? Look, we might clean streets, but we don¡¯t tolerate thieves. You should be grateful I¡¯m only docking one month¡¯s pay.¡±
Tess couldn¡¯t argue with Esther.
Her pale lips trembled as she struggled to find the right words, but her chest burned with fury.
She forced herself to stay calm and gently patted the sling wrapped around her chest where La squirmed restlessly.
¡°Ms. Frost, there must be a mistake. I didn¡¯t see any ne¨Cmuch less pick one up!¡±
¡°And you expect me to believe that?¡±
Esther tugged her sleeyes tighter against the cutting wind and took another huge bite of sweet potato. It tasted really good. ¡°Why else would I be out here freezing if not because of you? I gave up a perfectly warm office for this. I should¡¯ve never hired you in the first ce.
¡°Well, I¡¯ve said what I came to say. Get back to work. This street needs to be spotless.¡±
She gestured to the ground, where peels and bits of sticky sweet potato littered the pavement. The mess appeared ring on the ground.
Then, she turned to leave.
But Tess wouldn¡¯t have it. She grabbed Esther by the arm.
¡°So, you¡¯re saying I still have to sweep the entire zone even though I¡¯m not getting paid? I want to see the surveince footage. If there¡¯s a camera, it¡¯ll prove I didn¡¯t take anything!¡±
Esther¡¯s expression darkened as she shoved Tess away.
¡°The cameras weren¡¯t working. There¡¯s no footage.¡±
Then how can you use me? If there¡¯s no proof the ne was dropped in my zone, how do you know I picked it up?¡± Tess caught the w in her story andtched on.
10:41 PM
Chapter 9 An Opportunity to Get Even
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Esther clicked her tongue. ¡°You¡¯re real sharp, huh, Tess? If you think I¡¯m framing you, go ahead¨Ctake me to court. What a pain.¡±
She was confident. In her mind, Tess was just some uneducated single mom. What would she know about legal rights? She was probably bluffing.
With a dramatic wave of her hand, Esther turned on her heels and stomped off.
Tess stood there, powerless, on the verge of copsing.
She understood all too well that when they took this to court, once her criminal record came to light, it wouldn¡¯t matter what was true or false. In the eyes of thew, she¡¯d already be losing.
What now?
Was she supposed to just ept this?
Three thousand dors used to be pocket change.
But now, it meant La¡¯s form, diapers, and food. She had already taken an advance to cover this month¡¯s supplies.
But what about next month? And the one after that?
Was she really going to end up on the streets, begging with her baby in her arms?
She had seen women like that before, kneeling on sidewalks with their children bundled up beside them. Back then, she couldn¡¯t understand how they ended up there She never thought she might be one of them.
Tess clenched the slip of paper tightly in her fist, her expression darkening.
La stirred in her sleep. Tess lowered her head, meeting her daughter¡¯s rosy cheeks and clear eyes. She forced a soft,forting smile.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, La. Mommy¡¯s here.¡±
But deep inside, Tess felt lost.
At 9 a.m., after settling La down in the dorm, her coworkers gathered around her.
Everyone talked at once. ¡°Tess, we heard they cut your pay-¡±
¡°Did you really find a gold ne?¡±
Another defended her, ¡°Come on, Tess would never do something like that!¡±
Bessie, who had just returned from her shift, pulled Tess aside and whispered, ¡°Did you cross someone?¡±
Because of the incident yesterday, Bessie¨Cwho had stood up for Tess¨Cwas transferred from her regr zone to the dirtiest one near a trash nt.
She now looked gray with grime and chilled to the bone.
Tess rushed to get her hot water, grabbed a towel, and soaped it up to wipe Bessie¡¯s hands and face.
Tess wiped Bessie¡¯s hands and face gently, her eyes stinging with emotion.
Bessie forced a smile. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, really. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± She waved her hand like it was no big deal, pretending to be cheerful, but her eyes shimmered with tears.
She nced at La, who was fast asleep across the room, then quickly took Tess¡¯s hand to stop her. ¡°Come on now. Sit down. Why are you crying again?
¡°You¡¯re a mom now. Pull yourself together. La¡¯s going to need you.¡±
Tess ducked her head and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
Chapter 9 An Opportunity to Get Even
¡°It¡¯s just ¡ I feel awful. I dragged you into this, Bessie. I never meant to.¡±
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¡°Oh, stop with that nonsense,¡± Bessie said softly. ¡°I helped you because of La. Poor little thing. I¡¯m helping you for her sake, not just yours.¡± But the look in Bessie¡¯s eyes betrayed a deeper tenderness.
From the moment sheid eyes on Tess, she¡¯d treated her like the daughter she never had.
¡°Tess, be honest with me¨Cdid you cross someone?¡±
Tess paused, caught off guard. She looked up at her in a daze. ¡°Why would you say that?¡±
Bessie leaned in, her voice low. ¡°On the way back, I ran into Esther. She was sitting in a car on the phone and didn¡¯t notice me. I pretended to sweep nearby and overheard your name. She was talking to some guy¨CMr. Mitchell, I think¨Cmaking ns to mess with you.¡±
Tess¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°Are you sure she didn¡¯t say Riven?¡±
Bessie shook her head and confirmed, ¡°I¡¯m sure. It was Mitchell.¡±
Mr. Mitchell?
Who the heck is Mr. Mitchell?
Tess¡¯s mind raced, but she came up nk. Bessie frowned as well, trying to piece it together.
¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Bessie muttered. ¡°It¡¯s just you and La. Why would anyone go out of their way to make life hard for you? ¡°But Tess, Esther¡¯s not just anyone. She¡¯s in charge of this whole area. She¡¯s even higher up than Riven. And the way she was speaking to that man on the phone so respectfully¡ I¡¯ve got a bad feeling. If you ask me, you¡¯re about to lose this job.
¡°You need to start nning. I can tell you¡¯re not meant for this life. You¡¯re not going to spend the rest of your days pushing a broom with your baby strapped to your chest, are you?
¡°Oh, and one more thing¨CEsther¡¯s nephew, the one with the limp? He was sweeping the street just a block over from yours this afternoon. Avoid him if you can. That guy¡¯s trouble.¡±
With that, Bessie kicked off her vest and climbed onto her bed. She was asleep within moments.
Tess sat down beside La, her body heavy with exhaustion. The baby¡¯s soft, rosy face looked adorable in the dim light. Tess blinked, and her eyes grew ssy with emotion.
Since getting out of prison, she hadn¡¯t offended anyone.
And yet, someone out there clearly had it out for her.
Whoever they were, they knew this powerful man. They had the clout to give this man orders and get results. The culprit was bound to be someone with a high status.
A face shed through her mind¨Ccold and handsome with a quiet, unapproachable kind of power. Her gut twisted, but she quickly shook her head. No¨Cit couldn¡¯t be him.
If it were, she and La wouldn¡¯t still be safe here.
Tess sat there in silence, uncertainty wing at her chest.
Tess had one more shift that day, from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
She headed out in the afternoon, broom in hand, and swept her way down the long, empty street.
Thankfully, La was a quiet little thing. Either shey cradled in her sling, gazing curiously at the world with her round eyes, or she¡¯d grow drowsy from the steady rhythm of Tess¡¯s movements and drift off to sleep with her tiny head slumping to one side. She rarely gave Tess any trouble.
+10 Free Coins
Chapter 9 An Opportunity to Get Even
After a while, Tess took a short break on a bench. She pulled out a tissue, gently
shifted her into a morefortable position in her arms before getting up to ¡°ped the drool from La¡¯s chin, and
again.
Just then, a garbage truck rumbled up the road. Tess stood and emptied her bin into it.
That was when she noticed someone approaching. An elderly woman, silver¨Chaired and elegantly dressed, was walking briskly along the sidewalk, murmuring anxiously to herself.
When she reached Tess, she stopped short and asked in a flustered voice, ¡°Excuse me, dear. Have you seen a sapphire ring?
She looked near tears.
¡°My husband gave it to me when he was still alive. It was our engagement ring. I¡¯ve treasured it for decades. I even sleep with
it on.
¡°He¡¯s
gone now, and that ring is all I have left to remember him by. And now, I¡¯ve lost it. What am I going to do?¡±
The elderly woman grew panicked. She dabbed at her eyes with a crumpled tissue a couple of times.
Tess pondered about this as she took in the woman¡¯s distress. ¡°Ma¡¯am, don¡¯t worry. Let me help you look. Maybe we can still find it. Do you remember where you¡¯ve been today? When did you first notice it was missing?¡±
The woman thought about it, her expression lost and troubled. ¡°Oh, my memory isn¡¯t what it used to be. I went for a walk in the park earlier, but I¡¯ve already searched the whole ce twice and didn¡¯t find a thing. I think I must¡¯ve passed through these nearby streets too.¡±
She lookedpletely defeated, as if all hope had slipped through her fingers.
Tess¡¯s mind flickered with an image.
Just 15 minutes ago, she had seen Carl Tenny¨Cthe cleaner from the next block¨Cacting suspiciously. He had bent down quickly to grab sormething off the pavement, then nced around furtively before slipping it into his coat. His whole demeanor had been sneaky, so it was hard not to notice.
Tess gently guided the woman toward the bench and helped her sit down. Then, she handed over her water bottle. ¡°Here, have some water and rest your leg. Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s still a chance we¡¯ll find it.¡±
She knew that whatever that sapphire ring was worth, it was nothingpared to the love of the elderly woman¡¯s husband. Just then, several men in sharp ck suits came jogging over from the direction of the park. They came to a halt in front of the old woman and stood respectfully with their heads slightly bowed.
One of them said, ¡°Mrs. Vale, we¡¯ve searched the entire park. There¡¯s no sign of it.¡±
Whatever hope Jessie Vale had been holding onto disappeared from her eyes. ¡°Oh no, what am I going to do now?¡± she mumbled.
Tess stared at the men¨Ceach one dressed to the nines, towering and stone¨Cfaced¨Cand yet their demeanor toward Jessie was
borderline reverent.
Whoever this elderly woman was, she was clearly someone with a formidable background.
Tess couldn¡¯t help but reflect on how far she¡¯d fallen. She was reduced to a cleaner, and even her wages had been cut.
Once, she had been the rising star of Aetheris¨Ca brilliant young attorney who made headlines and took no prisoners in the courtroom. Now? She was a street cleaner with a baby in her arms, getting her wages cut by a petty supervisor who wouldn¡¯t even look her in the eye.
There was an old saying: ¡°If you want to beat the snake, you need a dragon.¡±
She looked at Jessie again¨Cpolished, respected, and clearly not powerless. And just like that, an idea sparked in Tess¡¯s mind. Tess stepped forward and said clearly, ¡°Ma¡¯am, I think I can help you find your ring.¡±
Keepsake 10
Chapter 10 Everything Depends on Her
¡°Come back by tomorrow morning, around 9:30 a.m. The ring will show up then,¡± Tess said calmly.
Jessie, worn out from a long day of searching, felt her hope rekindle at Tess¡¯s quiet confidence.
¡°Are you sure?¡®
She looked Tess up and down. She wore a cleaner¡¯s uniform and carried a baby in her arms.
She was a single mom sweeping the streets. Clearly, she was dirt poor.
And yet, there was something in her bearing that didn¡¯t match her appearance at all.
Jessie grew suspicious. Could this woman have found the ring and hidden it?
¡°You swear? If Ie tomorrow, I¡¯ll get it back?¡±
)-Yes;
¡°Yes,¡± Tess guaranteed confidently.
¡°What¡¯s yourst name, youngdy?¡±
¡°Ember.¡±
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Jessie nodded. ¡°Alright, Ms. Ember. I¡¯ll give you the benefit of the doubt¨Cfor your baby¡¯s sake. But if that ring doesn¡¯t turn up, you won¡¯t get away with this.¡±
She stood up from the bench with a bodyguard¡¯s help.
When Jessie left, Tess nced at the cleaner resting nearby. Carl was a typical young man with no family to lean on. He lived off scraps from distant rtives.
His carty abandoned by the walkway while he lounged across a bench near the greenery with his head buried under his jacket, napping.
Carl was Esther¡¯s nephew.
Tess¡¯s thought of Esther, who framed her and had her wages docked for no reason.
This time, she was taking a gamble.
By dusk, the fading sky grew darker, and the world slipped into the shadows. The streetlights flickered on one by one.
Underneath one of those lights, a slim figure was working hard on the sidewalk.
Tess had already cleaned most of the block. Just a few more minutes and she could take La home.
She was sweeping thest few leaves when a voice rang out behind her¨Cloud, arrogant, and unmistakably bossy.
¡°Hey, you! You¡¯re the one with the baby! Get over here and clean up my side foo! You hear me?¡±
A flurry of pistachio shells littered the ground at her feet.
Across the strip of greenery that was dividing the street, Tess saw Carl lounging with a self¨Csatisfied grin. His clothes were spotless despite the surrounding filth. He sat slouched on a bench with his legs spread. There was a nearly empty bag of pistachios beside him.
Tess blinked innocently and called out, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, do I know you?¡±
Carl scowled and sneered, ¡°Esther Frost¨Cshe¡¯s my aunt. Ring a bell now?¡±
He shoved a broom toward her with his foot. ¡°Go clean this whole area. When you¡¯re done, let me know, If I catch you cking off, I¡¯ll have my aunt fire you on the spot.
Chapter 10 Everything Depends on Her
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With that, he picked up his phone and started scrolling through videos, smiling lewdly at a livestream of some girl dancing
on screen.
Tess caught a glimpse of his username. He was the top tipper in that stream.
Tess picked up the broom and started cleaning the street.
Her time in prison had taught her one thing¨Cobedience was survival. If she did what she was told and didn¡¯t talk back, there was a chance she wouldn¡¯t get hurt.
And so, at Carl¡¯smand, Tess bowed her head and started sweeping without daring to pause or breathe wrong. She feared that any hesitation would bring his fist crashing down on her like a thunderstorm.
But after a few minutes, something inside her cracked. What was she doing?
She was out now. She was free. And yet people like Carl and Esther could still stomp on her like she was nothing.
Her throat burned from thirst.
She opened her bag and pulled out a bottle of water to moisten her throat.
Just as she unscrewed the cap, a hand snatched the bottle from her. Carl took a long swig, chugging half of it before wiping
his mouth on his sleeve.
¡°What are you drinking for? And what are you staring at? The sooner you finish sweeping, the sooner I can clock out, got it? You¡¯re making me miss my livestream! Now, get back to work!¡±
Carl tossed the pistachios into his mouth, one after another, washing them down with the water he¡¯d snatched from Tess. As the sky darkened and the air grew colder, Tess looked at him with eyes full of restrained hatred.
But she didn¡¯t dare fight back. This man was tall and strong. She was holding the six¨Cmonth¨Cold La. If things turned violent, she would end up as a punching bag.
Carl drained the bottle and flicked the empty stic bottle at her feet, then turned back to his phone. He muttered crudements at the girls dancing on screen.
Tess¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. Her gaze stayed calm, almost icy, as she held La close.
She couldn¡¯t do anything¨Cnot yet. But maybe tomorrow, if that elderlydy kept her word, Carl would finally get what he deserved.
Suddenly, Carl sat up straighter, his face twisting in difort.
¡°Ugh, what the heck? Why now?! Did you do something to me?¡± He growled, clutching his stomach as a loud gurgling noise erupted from deep within. He tightened his legs together in a panic, clearly on the brink of losing control.
Tess was shocked. She hadn¡¯t done anything!
Carl sneered, breathing heavily, ¡°Hmph. Figured you didn¡¯t have the guts. It¡¯s probably that lunch. I knew something was off about that pasta ce, but I still kept going back. Stupid cravings!¡±
Before stumbling away, legs still clenched tight, he snapped over his shoulder, ¡°You¡¯d better still be here when I get back! If you¡¯re gone just wait and see what I do to you!¡±
Tess dipped her head and nodded like an obedient child.
Only after he turned the corner did she lift her face.
She stared at his retreating figure as he hurried to the public restroom, her eyes full of disbelief.
Under themplight, Tess caught sight of something in the dustpan¨Ca crumpled water bottle. The expiration date stamped on thebel showed yesterday¡¯s date.
+10 Free Coins
Chapter 10 Everything Depends on Her
So, that¡¯s what happened¡
She let out a quietugh¨Cshort and sharp.
Not long after, she was nearly done sweeping.
Sweat drenched her forehead, soaking through her clothes. Each step forward was slow and dragging, her legs barely obeying
her.
From time to time, she would pause to massage the spot where her thigh met her calf. She had once broken a bone there. Now, with every step, it throbbed like tiny needles jabbing into her flesh.
In her arms, La stirred and let out a soft, whimpering cry. It was as if she were asking, ¡°Mommy, where¡¯s my milk?¡±
Tess nced at thest patch of sidewalk still left unswept. Then, she looked at La. And that was that. She clenched her jaw
and left.
Nothing was more important than her baby.
Muchter, Carl finally emerged from the public restroom, his steps wobbly and his face pale.
¡°Finally! Time to head home and get some real sleep,¡± he muttered with a smug grin.
But when he returned to the bench¡
¡°What the¡ªwhere¡¯d she go?¡±
The street stretched before him, nearly spotless¨Cexcept for thest hundred feet that were littered with dry leaves, wrappers, and trash. His discarded pistachio shells still sat there, exactly where he¡¯d left them, almost like a message.
¡°She just left?¡±
A cold wind swept through the empty street, rustling the leaves. He was alone.
Carl¡¯s smugness vanished, and his expression darkened. He snatched up the broom and began sweeping, furious. But no matter how hard he worked, the difference was obvious. Just across the divider, the street Tess had cleaned glowed under the lights¨Cneat, polished, and perfect.
His section looked like a trash heap. As he kicked aside another pistachio shell, he ground his teeth. ¡°Bitch! Just wait till tomorrow. I¡¯ll make sure she regrets it.¡±
When Tess got back to the dorm, Bessie came out to meet her, taking La¡¯gently into her arms.
¡°Did Esther¡¯s nephew mess with you again?¡± she asked quietly.
No.¡±
Tess paused, then said, ¡°No.¡±
But pain flickered across her face. She sat on the edge of the bed and rolled up her pant leg. The skin around her shin was swollen, red, and bruised.
¡°So, you¡¯re still lying to,me?¡± Bessie snapped, her voice shaking with anger. ¡°I knew he¡¯s been bullying the other cleaners, but I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d go after a single mother like you. Lord have mercy! When will someone put a stop to that scumbag?¡±
Tess didn¡¯t answer. She lowered her pant leg, gently ced La on the bed, and began changing her diaper. But Bessie¡¯s words stirred something deep in her chest¨Ca ripple of emotion she couldn¡¯t quite name.
She told herself that what happened next would depend on that elderlydy tomorrow.
Tess lowered her head and gently brushed her delicate, upturned nose against La¡¯s soft, rosy cheek. In her heart, she whispered a silent prayer.
The next morning, before Tess could even leave the dorm, she was met with chaos. Esther stormed in through the door with two other workers in tow.
¡°Tess!¡± she barked. ¡°You swept your trash into someone else¡¯s sectionst night! Does that seem like proper behavior to
to you 4
104
Chapter 10 Everything Depends on Her
Get over there and apologize to Carl!¡±
Today was Tess¡¯s daytime shift. She didn¡¯t have to leave early like usual.
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She stood calmly at the door, cradling La in her arms. She looked up just in time to see Esther¡¯s self¨Crighteous expression -like she was catching Tess red¨Chanded in some shameful crime.
Faced with Esther¡¯s aggression, she didn¡¯t waste her breath arguing. Instead, she went along with the conversation, letting Esther think she had the upper hand.
She simply said, ¡°I¡¯m happy to apologize¨Cbut only after I¡¯ve seen the street for myself. I want to make sure that trash actually came from my section.¡±
She stood there with quiet resolve, holding La firmly in her arms.
La blinked up at the angry woman before them with wide, curious eyes, her little face full of innocence.
¡°Trash is trash,¡± Esther scoffed. ¡°You think you can recognize your trash?¡±
Exactly,¡± Tess replied evenly. ¡°If even I can¡¯t tell, then how did Carl figure out the trash came from my street in the first ce?¡±
¡°You¡± Esther¡¯s voice caught in her throat. She hadn¡¯t expected Tess to push back¨Clet alone make sense.
A few nearby workers began to gather, whispering among themselves. ¡°Esther¡¯s bullying the single mom again. Where¡¯s her conscience?¡±
Since public opinion had turned on her, Esther huffed and finally snapped, ¡°Fine! You want to go look, so let¡¯s go look. But if you can¡¯t prove that trash isn¡¯t yours, you¡¯ll pay for it out of your own pocket. Or else you can pack up and get out of here.¡± Follow current nov?ls on find?novel
¡°I don¡¯t have the money,¡± Tess said inly.
¡°Then we¡¯ll dock it from your paycheck!¡±
Tess froze. Dock my paycheck again?
Keepsake 11
Chapter 11 Tess Outsmarts Esther
Chapter 11 Tess Outsmarts Esther
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A crowd of sanitation workers began to gather, surrounding Tess with a mix of sympathy and helplessness. After all, trash had no name, no voice. How could you prove ownership of something like that?
To them, Tess had already lost before this even started.
Momentster, a group of workers followed behind Tess and Esther as they headed toward the street.
The roadside greenery from yesterday was a mess. Cigarette butts, stic bags, greasy tissues¡ Wet and dry garbage alike
had piled up in thendscaping, giving off a stench so strong that people covered their noses.
Tess nced up at Carl, who stood smugly behind Esther with his chest puffed out, showing no hint of guilt. It was as if it had nothing to do with him.
She lowered her eyes.
¡°I won¡¯t take the me for this.¡±
¡°What did you say? The evidence is right here,¡± Esther scoffed with her arms crossed, her expression dripping with disdain. ¡°You think just saying you didn¡¯t do it is enough?¡±
If she wanted to abuse her authority, she could simply dere Tess guilty and hand out punishment right then and there. No one would question it.
But Esther preferred to put on a show¨Cto make it seem like justice was being served.
Tess lifted her head. ¡°I have a witness.¡±
¡°A witness?¡± Esther barked augh and looked around mockingly. ¡°Where?¡±
What witness? One of these workers sweeping the streets? Esther almost burst outughing.
Tess twisted her fingers nervously. She was anxious too.
1
Will that elderly show up?
Just then, a luxury SUV rolled to a stop nearby. A woman dressed like a housekeeper stepped out and respectfully helped another woman down from the vehicle.
¡°Is that the cleaningdy you mentioned, Mrs. Vale?¡±
¡°Yes, that¡¯s her,¡± Jessie replied firmly.
The crowd buzzed in confusion as the two women made their way toward Tess.
Jessie began, her voice clear, ¡°Ms. Ember, I lost a family heirloom here yesterday¨Ca sapphire ring. Now that I¡¯m here, may I have my ring back?¡±
The surrounding workers gasped.
¡°Tess really went and got herself into trouble? Is she trying to dig her own grave? Why did she get the ring owner here?¡±
¡°Yeah, what an idiot.¡±
Tess gently patted La in her arms. La had just woken up from a nap and was blinking her round eyes at the unfamiliar surroundings. Tess lifted her out of the sling and rested her in the crook of her arm.
Then, she looked up at Jessie and said, ¡°Ma¡¯am, you must be mistaken. I didn¡¯t take your ring.¡±
Jessie stole a nce at La. The little one looked uncannily like her grandson.
But as far as she knew, Finn didn¡¯t have a child. Maybe it was just a coincidence.
Chapter 11 Tess Outsmarts Esther
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When Finn¡¯s mother passed, Jessie returned to Kagan in grief. Word was, Finn had married someone from a prominent family¨Cbut beyond that, she knew little.
There were two purposes behind her trip back¨Cshe wanted to meet her grandson¡¯s wife and visit her daughter¡¯s grave.
Before Jessie could say anything, Esther stepped in, her voice icy. ¡°Tess, picking something that doesn¡¯t belong to you is theft. That ring is worth over a million dors. People go to prison for things like that.¡±
Before Jessie could say a word, Esther cut in coldly, her eyes sharp as ice. ¡°Tess, I may be your supervisor, and sure, I¡¯ve gone easy on you before out of pity. But now that the rightful owner is here, the facts are clear¨CI can¡¯t cover for you anymore.¡±
She turned to Jessie, ying the part of the righteous authority. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯ll make sure she repays what she owes. Once Tess works for two more months and pays back Carl, I¡¯ll see to it that she¡¯s fired. She¡¯ll be held fully responsible for the loss of your property.¡±
Esther acted like she was doing Jessie a favor, as if Tess had dragged her into a huge mess and she was making the best of a bad situation.
The housekeeper standing beside Jessie muttered, ¡°This supervisor seems like a decent person. Mrs. Vale, maybe we should report the theft to the police? Let them help recover your ring.¡±
But Jessie ced a hand gently over her housekeeper¡¯s.
She said calmly, her gaze fixed on Esther, ¡°Mrs. Ember, why don¡¯t you just tell us what this whole act of yours is really about?¡± ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find(?)ovel
Tess finally turned to face Esther. ¡°I told you¨CI have a witness. And that witness is thisdy.¡±
She then looked at Jessie and asked evenly, ¡°Yesterday, when you came to find me, what was I doing?¡±
Jessie recalled without hesitation, ¡°You were sweeping the street. I saw you dump all the garbage into a garbage truck that happened to be driving by.¡±
Tess continued, ¡°So, all these dead leaves, cigarette butts, stic bags, and tissues¨Cnone of them came from my section of the street?¡±
¡°Of course not!¡± Jessie arched a brow. ¡°It¡¯s obvious this trash came from whoever was supposed to be cleaning this side. They clearly cked off. What¡¯s that got to do with you?¡±
Jessie¡¯s housekeeper mumbled again under her breath, ¡°But this doesn¡¯t really exin the missing ring, does it?¡± She was starting to get the feeling that Jessie and this cleaner weren¡¯t strangers, after all.
Tess turned back to Esther. ¡°So, Ms. Frost, can we now agree that I¡¯ve cleared my name?¡±
Esther¡¯s expression changed dramatically.
¡°Fine!¡± she snapped. ¡°But don¡¯t start celebrating just yet. Even if Carl was the one cking and the trash wasn¡¯t yours, what about the ring? That still doesn¡¯t exin where it is. Until we get to the bottom of this, I¡¯m not letting you walk away.¡±
Someone in the crowd shouted, ¡°Yeah! You¡¯re not leaving until that ring turns up!¡±
Tess, however, just smiled. She continued calmly, ¡°Ma¡¯am, your ring is currently in the bushes¨Cright at Carl¡¯s feet. I wasn¡¯t sure before whether he was carrying it with him or if he had stashed it somewhere. But just now, when you used me of stealing your sapphire ring, he panicked and tried to move it.¡±
The reason she¡¯d let Esther go on for so long was simple¨Cshe had been buying time, waiting for Carl to mess up. Yesterday, she¡¯d seen him pick something up, but she hadn¡¯t been sure what it was. Even if she had told Jessie right away, there was no guarantee he¡¯d still have it on him by the time she arrived.
Tess had guessed Carl didn¡¯t know the ring¡¯s true value and wouldn¡¯t risk selling it too soon.
And sure enough, after a night with no one asking questions, he thought he was in the clear. He carried it with him, nning to keep it hidden until the fuss died down. But the second he heard Jessie use Tess of theft, fear kicked in¨Cand he made
his move.
+10 Free Coins
Chapter 11 Tess Outsmarts Esther
Carl had likely nned to wait until the dust settled, then quietly sell the ring and make a fortune off it. Who would ever suspect him?
What he didn¡¯t count on was the surveince camera silently recording everything.
As Tess calmlyid out the entire sequence of events, Carl¡¯s face turned beet red. He snapped, ¡°You¡¯re lying! The cameras on this street have been broken for months. Are you trying to set me up?¡±
Tess exchanged a knowing look with Jessie.
That was when Jessie¡¯s housekeeper suddenly gasped. ¡°Oh! So that¡¯s why you asked me to go to the Department of Motor Vehiclesst night and rush the request to repair the cameras!¡±
The truth came out¨Cand the crowd finally understood everything.
Esther, realizing what was happening, immediately tried to wash her hands of the mess. ¡°I¨CI didn¡¯t know anything about this! I¡¯m not involved with him!¡±
One of the sanitation workers blinked. ¡°Isn¡¯t Carl your nephew? How could you not know?¡±
Another chimed in, ¡°Exactly! You were practically demanding Tess give her hard¨Cearned wages to your precious nephew. Funny how you didn¡¯t say anything about not being involved back then.¡±
Jessie¡¯s housekeeper turned to the officers, who had just arrived. ¡°Officers, these two are definitely in on it together.¡±
One of the officers said, stepping forward, ¡°Both of you areing with us.¡±
Due to the high value of the stolen item and the public nature of the case, both Carl and Esther were handcuffed and taken into custody.
As she was led away, Esther couldn¡¯t stop ncing back at Tess, still trying to figure out how a broke, baby¨Ctoting cleaning woman had yed her so perfectly.
She hadn¡¯t even realized she had walked straight into Tess¡¯s trap.
The sapphire ring, retrieved from the bushes and sparkling like it had never been touched, was bagged as evidence. It would be photographed, cataloged, and returned to its rightful owner in due course.
Tess watched it all unfold and let a small smile tug at the corner of her lips.
It should¡¯ve ended there.
But Tess wasn¡¯t finished.
Stepping forward, she said, ¡°Excuse me, officers. I¡¯d like to file a report of my own.¡±
Keepsake 12
Chapter 12 Another Villian Takes Esther¡¯s Spot?
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Tess stepped forward while holding La close, her eyes glistening with tears. ¡°A few days ago, someone falsely used me of stealing a gold ne and not returning it. But I swear¨CI never saw any ne, let alone took it. Since you¡¯re already investigating what happened on this street, could you also help clear my name?¡±
The two officers exchanged a look.
Five minutester, they handed Tess a pen and asked her to write an official statement.
¡°We¡¯ve received your report,¡± one officer said. ¡°We¡¯ll conduct a thorough review. If your ount proves true, we¡¯ll clear your name of wrongdoing. Any disciplinary action from your employer will also be nullified. We¡¯ll ensure they retract the penalty.¡±
Esther¡¯s face went pale as she stared at Tess in shock.
In a panic, she blurted out, ¡°Tess, what nonsense are you spouting? So, it was you! All this over the 3,000 dors I docked? You¡¯ve been holding a grudge this whole time, haven¡¯t you? Well, let me tell you something¨CI¡¯m not even the one who wanted to take you down. It was-¡±
Tess asked quietly, ¡°Then tell me. If not you¡ who set me up?¡±
But Esther mmed up. Her face was pallid as if she¡¯d almost let slip a dangerous secret.
Tess could see it¨Cpushing for answers now wouldn¡¯t help.
She inhaled deeply, her voice steady. ¡°Ms. Frost, you said you just took 3,000 dors from me? That¡¯s not just money. That¡¯s the money I¡¯m earning to keep myself and my daughter alive. That¡¯s my blood, sweat, and tears¨Cearned inch by inch from sweeping these streets. And you¨Ctargeting someone who works sanitation¨Cwhat won¡¯t you stoop to? You didn¡¯t end up in this mess because of me. It¡¯s because you were too greedy.¡±
Esther stood frozen. She couldn¡¯t argue with that.
Soon, she was escorted into a patrol car. The sirens faded into the distance.
¡°Ms. Ember, that woman is no longer your supervisor,¡± Jessie said, noticing how pale she seemed. She stepped over to Tess and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s finished. She broke thew, and there¡¯s no way she¡¯s getting her job back.¡±
¡°Well done, Tess.¡± Her coworkers chimed in, followed by several others giving her a thumbs¨Cup.
But Tess didn¡¯t feel triumphant. She only shook her head, her heart still racing. She knew none of this would¡¯ve happened if not for Jessie stepping in.
She didn¡¯t do it for glory; she did it for La so that they could survive in Aetheris.
Before parting ways, Jessie smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve done me a big favor, dear. How can I repay you?¡±
Tess shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve already received what I wanted.¡±
Getting Esther punished and getting her money back was enough. In truth, she was the one who owed Jessie thanks for punishing those viins.
But Jessie pressed on. ¡°Are you sure you want to keep cleaning the streets forever with your child in tow? My grandson¡¯s got some pull in Aetheris. Why not let him find you something better?¡±
¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Jessie¡¯s housekeeper added. ¡°Most people would kill for a promise like that.¡±
Tess turned down the offer politely. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. I actually like this job.¡±
Each morning, as the sun rose, she would sweep the city clean. By dusk, she would watch it light up with life and bustle. The job of a
a street cleaner was grueling, no doubt about that¨Cbut now, Tess felt there was nothing more fitting for her.
Only while sweeping¨Cwatching the trash slowly vanish and the streets return to spotless order¨Ccould she momentarily. forget the shadows of her past.
10:421
Chapter 12 Another Villian Takes Esther¡¯s Spot?
Jessie sighed with regret. ¡°Well then, I suppose we¡¯ll meet again if fate allows, Ms. Ember.¡±
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As she turned to go, Jessie couldn¡¯t help ncing once more at the baby in Tess¡¯s arms. Such a sweet, beautiful child. She looked so much like Finn when he was little.
Jessie couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Ms. Ember, may I ask where¡¯s the baby¡¯s father?¡±
Tess looked down at La, her heart twisting in pain. ¡°He passed away.¡± In her heart, he was already dead.
Jessie paused for a long moment, then said softly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss.¡±
She left. And Tess, cradling her daughter, quietly picked up her broom and returned to work.
¡°Tess! Mr. Lock said we¡¯re to give you special treatment from now on!
¡°You think he cares just because you¡¯re pregnant? Don¡¯t be naive! Finn Lock is the wealthiest man in this city. You think he¡¯d acknowledge a bastard with a convict mother?¡±
It had gone on and on.
Those words still echoed in her mind. Tess didn¡¯t dare forget a single one.
She bit down on her lip until it bled.
The ambitious, celebrated attorney she once was felt like a lifetime ago.
The next afternoon, Tess carried La to the municipal office to speak with Vanessa Payne, the woman in charge of sanitation.
As soon as she stepped into the finance department, Vanessa waved her over.
¡°Perfect timing, Tess. The city reviewed what happened, and it turns out Esther had no right to dock your pay. Here¡¯s the notice revoking the penalty. If it all looks good, sign here.¡±
She slid the paper across the table. ¡°Your lost wages will be reimbursed soon, so no worries there. We¡¯ve also reported to the police that Esther falsely used you. You¡¯re in the clear now, so just keep doing your best. You¡¯re still young; you have a bright future.¡±
Vanessa¡¯s lips curled in a smirk. She nced Tess over with an edge of contempt.
A bright future?
A single mother sweeping streets for a living? What a joke! Can someone like her turn the table? What¡¯s next? Will she marry the richest man in Aetheris?¡±
Vanessa didn¡¯t even try to hide her disdain. They were permanent employees. Tess? She was just a temp¨Cdisposable. She could step on her anytime she wanted.
Vanessa said, ¡°Alright. Once you¡¯ve signed, you can go. Make sure you close the door on your way out. Don¡¯t let the heat escape. It¡¯s freezing out.¡±
She poured herself a steaming cup of tea and sank back into her chair with azy grin.
Tess lowered her head. Her hands, cracked and raw from early mornings in the cold,
stung
with
every movement.
Around her, people whispered and stared.¡±
¡°She really caused a scene, didn¡¯t she? Mrs. Vale personally went to bat for her.¡±
¡°Of course, she¡¯s smug. She¡¯s got Finn Lock¡¯s grandmother backing her.¡±
¡°I thought Tess proved her own innocence? She managed to get rid of Esther.¡±
¡°Oh, please. You know nothing. Esther had connections. You really think a street cleaner could take her down?¡±
Chapter 12 Another Villian Takes Esther¡¯s Spot?
¡°Who¡¯s backing Esther, then?¡±
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¡°No idea, but it¡¯s someone powerful. You could see it in the way she acted this past month, full of arrogance. It was like she¡¯d hit the jackpot.¡±
¡°Haha, Tess thinks she¡¯s so clever. Just wait¨Cher bad luck¡¯s only getting started. She really thinks Esther is the only person she has crossed here on South Street?¡±
Tess held La tight and stepped out. The murmurs floated behind her, but she didn¡¯t stop to listen.
She didn¡¯t know how important Jessie truly was¨Conly that she¡¯d never crossed paths with her before. Back when Tess was a force in Aetheris, their worlds had never collided. And now, all Tess wanted was to raise La in peace. Therefore, shecked the interest to find out more.
Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the revocation notice.
She was overjoyed.
With her full month¡¯s wages restored, she and La finally had some breathing room.
For once, she¡¯d earned justice through her own efforts.
To Tess, nothing mattered more than La.
But just then, a tall, imposing figure suddenly came into view. The sidewalk was wide with plenty of room, but the man marched straight toward her as if on purpose. Tess flinched and dodged aside. When she looked up, she saw him sh a twisted smile.
He sneered, ¡°Tess, we¡¯re not done yet.¡±
It was the same supervisor she had once stabbed in the neck while fighting him off. He now stood right in front of her, his eyes gleaming with a sinister glint as he stared at her.
The moment she saw him, Tess¡¯s breath caught. The memory of that night¨Chis attempt to vite her¨Cshed through her mind. A shudder ran down her spine.
Why is Riven here?
Riven seemed to savor the panic rising in her face, eyeing her from trembling from unease.
His smile was slow and poisonous¨Clike a snake flicking its tongue, savoring the fear before the strike.
Then, without another word, he turned and knocked on the office door.
¡°Ms. Payne, I¡¯m here,¡± he announced.
¡°Well, look who it is! Perfect timing, Riven,¡± Vanessa said in a bright voice. ¡°Now that Esther¡¯s gone, you¡¯re taking her spot. Do a good job, alright? And keep the others in line. These days, it seems like anybody thinks they can file aint against their supervisor.¡± Content originallyes from f?ndnovel
Moments ago, Vanessa had spoken to Tess with polite calm. Now, her voice was thick with sycophantic praise. Half¨Chidden behind the office door, her eyes rolledzily, part mocking, part dismissive.
Riven nced back,
Tess stood just outside, frozen. Her eyes met theirs, and a chill shot through her.
Esther is gone. Now, Riven is here to take her ce. How did things to this?
10.42 PM
Chapter 13 Will You Recognize Me, Finn?
Chapter 13 Will You Recognize Me, Finn?
Tess left the municipal office in a daze.
On the way home, her mind kept reying memories she couldn¡¯t suppress.
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When La was just born, she was tiny and wrinkled, weighing barely five pounds. She desperately needed proper nutrition.
But Tess didn¡¯t produce much milk, so she had to eat more to feed La.
?
Yet her cellmates, who¡¯d bullied her for years, stole her food and left her with scraps and leftovers.
Back then, La couldn¡¯t adapt to the prison environment and cried constantly.
She was such a tiny newborn, no bigger than a hand, and those women actually discussed drugging her with sleeping pills just to keep her quiet.
One stormy night, Tess woke up with a jolt and discovered La had been stolen from her side.
They had taped La¡¯s mouth shut with adhesive tape.
If Tess hadn¡¯t pounced like a madwoman, that tape¨Cwrapped around La¡¯s mouth and nose¨Cmight¡¯ve taken La¡¯s life that night.
All because they were afraid La¡¯s crying would attract guards and interrupt their poker game.
What had she done to deserve this?
Why did everyone seem to hate her? Why were she and her child treated so cruelly?
She had already learned her lesson.
Was it really just because she was all alone¨Cwithout connections and a single mother¨Cthat they thought they could trample on her with impunity?
¡°Did you hear? Riven just reced Esther.¡±
When Tess returned to the dorm, the other women were gossiping
¡°Esther¡¯s job was a goldmine. Every holiday, gifts flowed in, and she never distributed them. No one dared to speak up since she controlled everyone¡¯s work assignments. Everyone wanted that role. How did Riven get so lucky?¡±
¡°Esther¡¯s barely gone, and herees Riven. Didn¡¯t he try something with Tessst time? That poor girl¡¯s life really is tragic.¡±
¡°I heard Riven pulled strings for that job,¡± added another woman, whose husband worked security at the municipal office.
¡°What kind of strings?¡± the others asked eagerly.
¡°They say it¡¯s the richest man in Aetheris¨CFinn.¡±
¡°What? Riven has ties to the wealthiest man in Aetheris? Why would he stay in a low¨Clevel job, then?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not family ties. Word is, he sweet¨Ctalked Finn¨Cjust one favor, and boom, Riven¡¯s promoted.¡±
Across the room, Bessie sat silently, eyes filled with worry.
But Tess didn¡¯t notice.
She couldn¡¯t hear the rest of the gossip.
Her ears rang, and she felt like invisible hands were dragging her into an abyss.
The women¡¯s chatter had already moved on.
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Chapter 13 Will You Recognize Me, Finn?
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¡°Tess?
¡°Tess? La¡¯s crying!¡±
The baby¡¯s wails and Bessie¡¯s urgent calls snapped Tess back to reality.
She looked down and realized she had been clutching La too tightly. She was terrified and crying hard.
She quickly loosened her hold, guilt flooding her heart. She began to soothe La in a broken, trembling voice.
Her eyes turned red, and her lips trembled as she bit down hard. Though the room wasn¡¯t cold, she was shaking all over.
Her beautiful eyes brimmed with tears, streaming down her cheeks. She was crying, but her twisted smile made it hard to tell whether it was grief or madness.
She clutched La close.
¡°I need to look him in the eyes and ask¨Cwhy me? Haven¡¯t I suffered enough? What¡¯s left for him to take? My life?¡± Her voice splintered, raw with grief.
She stood up suddenly, grabbed the baby sling, and strapped La in.
¡°Tess, where are you going with the baby?¡±
By the time Bessie realized what was happening and ran after Tess, her frail figure had already vanished.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Bessie muttered to herself.
Just then, crack of thunder split the sky.
A chill crept into Bessie¡¯s chest as she looked up at the heavy clouds, feeling increasingly uneasy.
Those women who had been gossiping also fell silent. They nced at each other in confusion. What had triggered Tess¡¯s breakdown?
All they did was mention Aetheris¡® richest man¨CFinn.
On the rain¨Cslicked street, Tess¡¯s figure moved through the rain and mist.
Her destination was clear¨Cthe towering, magnificent Lock Group where she had once worked.
She was going to see Rinn. She wanted answers.
A year and a half might not seem long, but the suffering in prison had been enough to reshape herpletely.
Her beauty remained, but her heart had gone numb.
Time flies. Finn, after all these years, will you still recognize the woman you once knew?
Meanwhile, in the CEO office of Lock Group, Finn¡¯s expression turned icy after he heard the report.
¡°You¡¯re saying a street cleaner stole my grandmother¡¯s ring?¡±
Zane replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Lock. Since it concerns Mrs. Vale, the police assigned a special officer to handle it. ording to the housekeeper, Jade, the ring has been recovered.¡±
¡°But
Zane pinched the bridge of his nose, bewildered. ¡°It wasn¡¯t the police who found the ring; it was some quick¨Cthinking street cleaner who set a trap, caught the thief, and returned the ring. Mrs. Vale took a real liking to her.¡±
Zane continued, ¡°Here¡¯s the twist. You¡¯ve met this janitor before. She¡¯s the one who got drenched by your car and whom you helped afterward. The one who cleans with her baby strapped to her back.¡±
Finn remembered.
So, it¡¯s her.¡±
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Chapter 13 Will You Recognize Me, Finn?
He stood by the panoramic window, tall and silent. He recalled seeing her on a bus outside the prison once, cradling her baby gently.
Later, when his car identally sshed her, she didn¡¯tin and just shielded her baby without a second thought.
He kept thinking of her after that. He didn¡¯t know why. He¡¯d met countless women, yet something about her stayed with him.
Despite all the suffering in the world, for some reason, he had money transferred from his private ount to help her. He even broke protocol to donate supplies specifically to street cleaners like her. Th?s chapter is updated by Find[?]ovel
Now, hearing about her again brought her in yet unforgettable image back to mind.
Finn massaged his brow. Thest time a woman disrupted his thoughts like this was Tess.
¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± he asked, then waved it off. ¡°Never mind. It¡¯s just a street cleaner with a kid. Since she helped my grandma, call her supervisor. Tell them not to let anyone push her around. That¡¯s the least we can do.¡±
¡°Understood.¡± Zane then added, ¡°Regarding the donation, her supervisor said she recorded a thank¨Cyou video. It¡¯s in your inbox. The PR team asked if you¡¯d like to do a promotional feature.¡±
Finn pressed his lips into a thin line.
¡°No need.¡±
He clicked a few times on his mouse, then stood up, his tall figure straight and cold as he strode toward the meeting room.
Zane quietly closed the office door behind him. Silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint blue glow of the monitor.
In the trash folder of Finn¡¯s email, the thank¨Cyou videoy unseen.
After the meeting, Zane called the chief of the South Street District to ry Finn¡¯s directive that the street cleaner and her child should receive special treatment.
After hanging up, Zane hesitated. What if they pocketed the money and mistreated her? Scrolling through his contacts, he called her direct supervisor¨CRiven. He was the one who¡¯d sent the thank¨Cyou videost time.
At that moment, Riven had just finished his promotion paperwork and was on his way to the dorm to pick a fight with Tess.
He never found her. But his phone rang with a call from Zane himself.
Grinning, Riven answered it. ¡°Zane! Any special instructions from Mr. Lock¡±
Zane¡¯s voice turned serious. ¡°Riven, Mr. Lock personally said that the street cleaner and her child will be under his protection.
¡°No one¡¯s allowed to bully them. Help them however you can. If you handle this well, he might even rmend you for another promotion before you retire. Got it?¡±
Riven froze. For a moment, it felt like the heavens had dropped a golden opportunity onto hisp. Stammering, he blurted out, ¡°R¨CRest assured! From now on, she¡¯s my little sister! Her baby¡¯s my niece! I¡¯ll make sure no one daresy a finger on them!¡±
As soon as he hung up, Riven¡¯s legs buckled, and he sank to the floor.
Cold sweat soaked his clothes.
Tess¡ Did she have that kind of connection with Finn? So, it hadn¡¯t been a random act of kindness, after all. Finn had singled her out from the start!
Why else would she be the only one to get the money while the others got nothing? He¡¯d thought it was just a pity gesture after that luxury car sshed water on her.
Turned out, Finn was into her!
Tess¨Ceven with scars on her face and a baby in tow¨Chad a slim figure under that oversized coat. That unadorned face hag/4
Chapter 13 Will You Recognize Me, Finn?
its own charm¨Cjust the type rich men liked!
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If Riven had known sooner, he wouldn¡¯t have tried anything. Sure, he hadn¡¯t seeded, but even a rumor reaching Finn¡¯s ears could ruin him!
Now, even though nothing had happened, if word got back to Finn, he¡¯d lose his job and his current promotion too!
Thinking of this, Riven broke into a cold sweat.
Clutching his phone, he barked at the women in the dorm with a dark expression, ¡°Where did Tess go with her kid?¡±
Meanwhile, Zane hung up, feeling pleased.
He looked up to see Finn sipping coffee from a white porcin mug, wearing a cryptic smile.
Zane rubbed the bridge of his nose, silently turning things over in his mind. He had followed Finn¡¯s instructions to the letter. There was no way he¡¯d misunderstood¡ right?
But he saw that slight upward curve of Finn¡¯s lips and knew he had yed it just right.
Zane immediately swelled with pride. This was exactly as he¡¯d expected! So what if he¡¯d embellished the mother and child¡¯s situation a little? The real point was driving it home¨Cthat woman and her baby were under Finn¡¯s personal protection.
¡°The person I asked you to find¨Cwhere is she?¡± Finn¡¯s icy voice cut through the air as he lightly gripped his coffee cup with slender fingers.
Huh? He had to be referring to Tess, his wife! There were already some leads! But before Zane could respond, his phone suddenly rang.
The receptionist¡¯s nervous voice came through. ¡°Zane, there¡¯s a strange woman here in the lobby. She won¡¯t exin anything and just insists on seeing Mr. Lock. Oh¡ªand she¡¯s holding a baby who looks to be about five or six months old!¡±
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Chapter 14 Watching Him Choose Nadine
A woman carrying a six months old baby was asking to see Finn?
No matter how hard Zane tried, he just couldn¡¯t connect the dots between the two.
He scoffed, ¡°A scammer, maybe? Is she mentally unstable? Just send her away.¡±
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But the receptionist hesitated. ¡°Zane, the baby really looks like Mr. Lock. Are you sure we should just send her away?¡±
Sending away a stranger was fine. But if she identally sent away Finn¡¯s precious daughter, that would be a colossal mistake. She was torn.
Looking at the little baby in the woman¡¯s arms and those wide, glittering eyes, her own heart melted despite not being married or a mother herself.
¡°Send her away. Ms. Nadine will be here any minute. Don¡¯t create trouble for Mr. Lock,¡± Zane¡¯s cold voice urged over the phone.
Setting down the receiver, the receptionist gave a polite but apologetic smile. ¡°Miss, I¡¯m afraid Mr. Lock isn¡¯t avable right now. Maybe you coulde back another day?¡±
On a regr day, it might¡¯ve been possible. But with Nadine visiting, showing up with a baby that bore a striking resemnce to Finn was just too conspicuous.
Tess bit her lip. Her arms trembled slightly as she held La.
She was furious¨Cand cold.
She was soaked from the downpour¨CLa too¨Cand now, Finn had shut them out.
She let out a hollowugh.
Ha!
Sheughed through her tears.
She had been trampled to this point by Finn, but she couldn¡¯t even step through the elevator doors to see him.
The nearby security guard, catching a nce from the receptionist, fixed his eyes on her¨Cdaring her to take even one step toward the elevator. If she moved closer, he¡¯d throw her and her baby out of the building.
Of course, Tess didn¡¯t look anything like the aplished attorney from a year ago.
People came and went at thepany. It wasn¡¯t surprising no one recognized her anymore.
The rain was relentless. Not a single car had stopped for them on the way there.
She had taken off her coat to shield La but still had to watch helplessly as the rain soaked her child.
Sweet little La, nestled against Tess¡¯s chest, didn¡¯t even cry. She just shivered quietly and clung tightly to Tess¡¯s fingers. Her gaze was unwavering, as if to say, ¡°Whatever happens, I¡¯m with you.¡±
Tess parted her pale lips. ¡°Tell Finn, I¡¯m Tess.¡±
But before she could finish, a flurry ofmotion erupted at the entrance.
A tall woman strode in wearing a figure¨Chugging crimson dress, her two¨Cinch heels clicking against the floor. She was surrounded by staff¨Cbodyguards holding umbres, an assistant carrying her purse, a maid draping a down jacket over her shoulders.
She walked with confidence, radiating privilege. People stepped aside and admired her as she passed.
Tess¡¯s mouth fell open slightly, and her eyes turned bloodshot. She knew that woman. She was one of the very people who¡¯d
10.42 PM
Chapter 14 Watching Him Choose Nadine
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sent her to prison¨CNadine, the Embers¡® adopted daughter and once Tess¡¯s closest ¡°sister¡°. She had imed to act out of fairness and justice when she testified against Tess.
¡°It¡¯s Nadine ¡¡±
¡°That¡¯s Nadine? The rising star inw? She¡¯s gorgeous.¡±
At that moment, Finn¡¯s private elevator opened, and a tall, poised figure stepped out, wearing an uncharacteristically gentle smile.
Seeing Finn, Nadine lit up. She ran to him joyfully and threw herself into his arms. ¡°Finn, I knew you¡¯de greet me in person!¡±
Finn gently ced his hands on her shoulders and nudged her away slightly. ¡°Enough, Nadine. Mr. Mintz from the legal association said your performance was excellent. You gave sharp insights and had fresh ideas. He told me to praise you in person.¡±
Zane stood respectfully nearby. ¡°Ms. Nadine, Mr. Lock nned a special wee dinner to celebrate your return. He¡¯s been thinking about you the whole time.¡±
Hearing ¡°Ms. Nadine¡± made her expression freeze momentarily. But aside from the title, she liked everything else.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, hooked her arm through Finn¡¯s, and was about to walk forward¨Cuntil her gaze /swept over a corner of the crowd. She locked eyes with a pair of eyes filled with both mockery and sorrow.
In that instant, a chill ran down her spine. It was her.
¡°What are you looking at?¡± Finn noticed the woman holding a baby earlier, but Nadine had distracted him. Now, his eyes followed hers.
Nadine¡¯s heart thudded. She quickly tried to divert his attention. ¡°Finn, I¡¯m not looking¡¡± She stopped.
The woman was gone. That piercing gaze had disappeared like a dream.
Nadine steadied herself. ¡°Just a lot of unfamiliar faces. Looks like thepany has hired some new people while I was away,¡± she said with a softugh.
¡°Mm.¡± Finn nodded faintly. Nothing was there now¡ªjust a puddle of rainwater. He turned his gaze elsewhere.
¡°Everything Nadine has now was supposed to be yours, Tess.
¡°In fact, Finn and I both know that she¡¯s nothing but a poor imitation.¡±
In a lounge around the corner, a man leaned close to Tess¡¯s ear and whispered. Tess angrily shoved his hand away. ¡°Let go of me! Max, what are you trying to do?¡±
Max¡¯s eyes were red, his breathing ragged. He hade to handle some business. He hadn¡¯t expected to run into Tess.
He fought to control his emotions, his eyes flicking between her and the baby in her arms. The more he looked, the more shaken he became.
Taking a deep breath, his striking eyes narrowed with sarcasm. ¡°You saw it, didn¡¯t you? Finn only has eyes for Nadine. Showing up here will only humiliate you. I was trying to spare you that. You should thank me.¡±
¡°Spare me?¡± Tess snapped. ¡°You mean I should thank you for testifying falsely and sending me to prison? For betraying my trust and handing all my hard¨Cearned research to Nadine at the most critical moment?
¡°Max, don¡¯t tell me you were never in love with Nadine. You did everything for her. Was befriending me from the start part of your n?¡±
Tess couldn¡¯t even look at him without feeling sick.
She¡¯d nursed a viper in her shirt, and it had bitten her.
She and Max had grown up together.
Chapter 14 Watching Him Choose Nadine
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When the Hunts rejected him, she stood by him. She believed in his talent and genuinely thought he could seed on his
own.
He became a rising star in the business world, standing toe¨Cto¨Ctoe with Finn.
And then he destroyed her.
She had treated him as her best friend. As a child, she¡¯d had few friends. Socialites flocked to Nadine and ignored her, but she never cared. After all, she had Max.
But now¡
¡°Even looking at you makes me sick.¡±
Hugging La tight, Tess brushed past him.
¡°Tess, I know you¡¯ll never forgive me, but that¡¯s okay. I can protect you now. Even Finn can¡¯t hurt you anymore!¡±
He reached out to grab her arm again. Max¡¯s eyes were tinged with red, those usually yful eyes now filled with longing.
But Tess looked at him with pure scorn.
¡°Save
your performance for Nadine.¡± For original chapters go to find[?]ovel
She yanked free, tempted to p him.
If not for the fear of retaliation¨Cif not for La¨Cshe wouldn¡¯t have held back.
With a child, she had a new weakness. Tess walked several steps forward.
Max¡¯s assistant was waiting nearby. He looked at her with a mix of surprise and pity.
Even Max¡¯sckeys pitied her now. Tess sneered. ¡°Tell your mutt to move.¡±
Max clenched his jaw, then reluctantly waved his hand.
His assistant stepped aside.
¡°I know you won¡¯te with me, but it¡¯s still raining. I¡¯ll have a car take you home.¡±
¡°Max, I came to see Finn. Don¡¯t block me just to protect Nadine!¡±
But Max shouted after her, ¡°Tess, don¡¯t bring the baby to see Finn. Nadine is pregnant! You and your child will only be obstacles to them!¡±
Tess stumbled but didn¡¯t look back.
She didn¡¯t return to the reception; she headed straight outside.
¡°Mr. Hunt, when did Ms. Nadine get pregnant? I didn¡¯t hear anything about that,¡± Max¡¯s assistant asked, feeling puzzled. He was Max¡¯s top intel guy, so how did Max know something he didn¡¯t?
Watching Tess walk away, the assistant turned and saw the icy calction on Max¡¯s handsome face.
¡°Leak a story to the media that Nadine is pregnant. Tell her not to deny it. I don¡¯t care how she exins it to Finn. I just want Tess to give up on going back to him..
¡°Also, get me a car. Bring me the keys.¡±
The rain was heavy. Tess managed to hail a Volkswagen Jetta.
She didn¡¯t check the car te number and just got in quickly with La.
It was warm inside. She held La close, her tears falling uncontrobly.
Chapter 14 Watching Him Choose Nadine
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¡°I¡¯m mute and can¡¯t speak. Just tell me where you¡¯re headed. The driver passed her a handwritten note. He wore a gray sweater, a mask, and a ck cap. His face was obscured.
Tess gave the address and murmured, ¡°I guess we¡¯re both in the same boat.¡±
The driver handed her two clean towels, pointing at her and then La.
They smelled like fresh cotton. Tess understood. ¡°Thank you! We really needed this. Let us pay you.¡±
Then, she remembered that he couldn¡¯t speak.
Quietly, she tucked a bill for a hundred dors at the front passenger seat. He didn¡¯t seem to notice and just kept driving.
Thankfully, La¡¯s inner clothes were dry. Tess peeled off the wet outeryer and wrapped her in the towel before drying herself with the other.
She closed her eyes for a moment. Her forehead burned, and her body swayed.
She had a fever.
One and a half years in prison had left her weak. Every time she got caught in the rain, she woulde down sick. It was like
clockwork.
But she couldn¡¯t close her eyes. La was here.
Through the rearview mirror, the driver watched her struggle to stay awake. Each time she was about to pass out, she¡¯d pinch her leg to jolt herself back.
Behind his mask and cap, the man¡¯s smoldering eyes widened with disbelief. When had this once¨Cfragile girl grown so strong?
What had she endured in prison?
Max¡¯s eyes lingered on the scar across her face. A sharp pain pierced his chest.
If she had to hate someone, it should be Finn. At worst, he¡¯d only been the aplice.
Tess, I never meant to hurt you.
His gaze shifted to the sleeping baby in her arms. One look was enough; it was clearly Finn¡¯s child.
but hadn¡¯t Nadine said Finn and Tess were already at odds before the incident went down? How had Tess gotten pregnant and carried the baby to term?
Keepsake 15
Chapter 15 All for Nadine
Honk, honk!
Max pressed the car horn.
The car had already stopped.
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Tess slowly opened her eyes, disoriented. She realized they had arrived at the small road leading to the employee dorms.
¡°Thank you.¡±
She weakly pushed herself up¨Cone arm protectively holding La, the other struggling to open the door.
What used to be an effortless task now felt like she had a thousand¨Cpound weight strapped to her wrist.
Tess staggered toward the dorm building.
Max pulled off his mask and cap, his striking eyes locked on her fading silhouette as his brows furrowed with worry.
A man stepped out of the vehicle that had been trailing them at a distance.
It was Max¡¯s assistant. He had been following behind, keeping
O cars apart the whole time.
He respectfully approached Max¡¯s window and lowered his head slightly.
¡°Mr. Hunt.¡±
The window rolled down.
¡°Send her some fever medicine.¡±
Max¡¯s voice was hoarse, his thoughts tangled as he recalled the pale, exhausted look on Tess¡¯s face. It made his chest ache with suffocating difort.
How could his once¨Cglowing Tess end up like this?
Max took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.
His assistant promptly made a call to arrange a medicine delivery.
Meanwhile, Tess had no energy to consider what was going on outside. She swayed as she pushed open her dorm door.
Her head was spinning) but the first thing she did was change La into dry clothes.
After warming some form and feeding her, she cradled the baby close, her vision flickering in and out.
¡°La, be good¡ Mommy¡¯s just ¡ really tired. Just a little nap¡
Her voice trailed off, her consciousness sinking into a swamp.
¡°Waaah!¡±
¡±
La¡¯s sudden wailing jolted Tess awake. She hadn¡¯t even realized she¡¯d passed out.
Knock, knock.
¡°Ms. Ember, your delivery.¡±
A firm yet measured knock came from the door. Tess realized the sound must¡¯ve startled La awake.
Holding her aching head, she got up to answer it. A delivery guy stood outside.
¡°You must have the wrong ce. I didn¡¯t order anything.¡±
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Chapter 15 All for Nadine
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¡°It was ordered by a rideshare driver. He said it¡¯s for you¨Cand here¡¯s a hundred dors that you apparently left in the car.¡±
He handed her the package and turned to leave.
Tess stood frozen at the door, a strange feeling welling in her chest.
It must¡¯ve been that kind driver. He saw a sick mother and child and was willing to help.
She felt a deep, quiet gratitude toward the mute driver and quickly forced her aching body to prepare the medicine.
She couldn¡¯t afford to be sick. Who would take care of La if she copsed?
But something felt odd. How did he know herst name was Ember?
Maybe she had mumbled it while half¨Cconscious.
After about two hours, her mind began to clear and the fever started to subside.
Tess let out a breath of relief and went to check on La. Almost immediately, her heart clenched.
It was already evening. La usually got fussy around this time, crying for milk. But today, she was too quiet.
rmed, Tess peeked into the nket.
La¡¯s usually rosy, chubby cheeks were flushed deep red, her tiny nose crinkled in difort.
Her breathing wasbored. Tess touched her forehead, only to find it burning hot!
Tess jerked her hand back as panic seized her.
La had a fever!
Her breath caught. Without thinking, she grabbed her phone to book a ride, then dashed into the street to g down a taxi.
Not far away, inside a luxury car, Max quietly watched Tess¡¯s frantic movements. But he didn¡¯t step forward.
After a long moment, his smoldering eyes narrowed, and the engine purred to life as he drove away.
He left behind a shivering mother clutching her feverish baby. Her tears were streaming down her face in the cold wind.
A whileter, the taxi stopped at the nearest private hospital.
¡°Nurse! Pediatrics! It¡¯s an emergency!¡±
Tess rushed to the reception, breathless and desperate.
Seeing her panic, the nurse didn¡¯t dy and quickly registered her before directing her to the consultation room.
Tess barely managed a thank¨Cyou before sprinting down the hall with La in her arms.
Right after she left, a young nurse hurried to the reception, eyes wide with excitement and cheeks flushed.
¡°Did you hear? Mr. Lock is here! I heard Ms. Nadine hurt her ankle, and he came with her. His face was stone¨Ccold when they walked in!¡±
¡°Oh my God, Ms. Nadine is his favorite. He probably freaks out if she loses a single hair. Imagine how he¡¯d react if she actually got hurt!¡±
Several nurses gathered together, their eyes sparkling as they whispered and giggled.
Meanwhile, inside the hospital¡¯s VIP suite¡
Nadine lounged with her bare legs crossed, her delicate face twisted in a pout. She pointed to a shallow scrape on her ankle, blinking pitifully. ¡°Finn, do you think it¡¯s infected? It really hurts.¡±
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Chapter 15 All for Nadine
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Finn¡¯s expression was frosty as he nced at the minor wound. ¡°Call the hospital director. I want every relevant specialist here to examine her.¡±
¡°Yes, Mr. Lock! Right away!¡±
The hospital director soon rushed in, smiling nervously. After understanding the situation, his mouth twitched slightly¨Cbut one look at Finn¡¯s icy face reminded him who owned the hospital. He quickly scurried off to gather the doctors.
On the other side of the hospital, Tess noticed something was wrong. The pediatric department was in chaos. Doctors were being pulled from their stations and running in the same direction.
She stood up in confusion, grabbing the head nurse for help.
¡°I just got word that Ms. Nadine scraped her ankle. Mr. Lock personally brought her here. Who cares about the rest of you? Every doctor has been redirected to check on her.¡±
The head nurse sneered at Lay?a in Tess¡¯s arms with detached indifference.
At this hour, they were the only pediatric patients. It was bad luck to need help on the same day as Nadine. Compared to her, they didn¡¯t matter.
Maybe if the head nurse impressed Finn today, she¡¯d get a promotion.
¡°Just wait here. Maybe it¡¯ll take half an hour or a couple hours. Once Ms. Nadine¡¯s done, the doctors wille back to see your kid.¡±
With that, she clipped her badge and ran toward the growing crowd.
Tess clutched La close, feeling her baby¡¯s heat rise with every passing second¨Cwhile her own heart grow colder.
But La was her life. No matter how hopeless it felt, she had to keep going¨Cfor her child.
She touched La¡¯s forehead again. It was scorching hot, the heat stinging her fingers.
And yet La, despite the raging fever, looked up at Tess with tearful, trusting eyes. She was silent but clung with all her might.
Tess was a first¨Ctime mom. She had no idea how to handle a baby¡¯s fever. She hated her helplessness, but there was no time to wallow.
She grabbed thest doctor she saw running. She pleaded with desperation, ¡°Please! Where are the pediatricians? Adults don¡¯t need pediatric doctors for a scraped ankle!¡±
Her eyes were bloodshot as she tried to hold back tears.
The doctor paused and nced at the flushed infant, his expression softening in sympathy.
The baby clearly had a high fever. At that age, even a small fever could turn dangerous.
But¡
He clenched his fists, looking conflicted, and finally exined, ¡°They say Ms. Nadine is pregnant, so everyone¡¯s extra cautious. Even the emergency pediatrician was reassigned.¡± ?????? ???? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
Tess nearly cked out. Her knees gave way, and the world seemed to tilt.
scraped ankle required the entire pediatric staff?
What about her child? What about La?
She stood in the waiting room, utterly alone. Her face was hidden behind strands of damp hair, and her eyes were hollow, overflowing with heartbreak and fury.
¡°Try physical cooling methods. If you can, buy some fever medicine. As long as she doesn¡¯t start seizing, it should be okay. Just wait for us toe back.¡±
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Chapter 15 All for Nadine
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¡°What cooling method? Which medicine brand? Can you write it down?¡±
She handed him her phone, but the doctor was already turning impatient..
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He wasn¡¯t a saint¨Cjust an employee. Finn owned the entire hospital. If the director saw he wasn¡¯t at Nadine¡¯s side, his job would be at risk.
With that, he picked up his pace, quickly leaving Tess and La behind.
Tess stood there, stunned. Her heart clenched in agony.
She looked down at her daughter.
La¡¯s soft cheeks were damp with tears¨Cand sometime during all this, her tiny eyes had closed.
¡°La!¡±
A piercing, anguished scream echoed through the hallway.
Keepsake 16
Chapter 16 Get out of the Way!
Tess¡¯s face was filled with worry as she gently cradled La¡¯s tiny body in her arms.
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La still showed some signs of awareness earlier¡ªshe¡¯d frown a little and twitch her nose¨Cbut now her eyes stayed tightly shut, and hershes stayed still without the faintest tremble.
In a panic, Tess touched La¡¯s forehead. It was even hotter than before, like it could scorch her palm.
She nced around desperately. The waiting area waspletely deserted, leaving only a bleak chill settling in her chest.
Finn, if anything happens to La, even the slightest bit, I swear I¡¯m dragging you down to hell with me!
She¡¯s just a child! Haven¡¯t you already tormented me enough all these years? Now you want La to suffer because of you too?
Tess clenched her teeth in frustration and, with a burst of resolve, ran toward the hospital elevator.
But just then, another wave of doctors surged out like a tide. Tess was instantly swallowed by the crowd and had to raise her arms to tightly shield the child in her arms.
The crowd was jam¨Cpacked, chaotic, and overwhelming, creating a spectacrmotion.
The doctors were clearly excited, swatting people aside like bodyguards. When they encountered Tess in their path, they didn¡¯t hesitate to shave her away.
She was pushed so hard that her head spun. All she could feel were hands pressing against her shoulders and back. The thin air made it hard for La to breathe. Her eyes squinted into narrow slits as she let out weak cries.
Tess wanted to take the stairs instead, but there was no way out anymore.
¡°La, sweetheart. Don¡¯t cry. Be good, okay?¡±
Tess coaxed her gently, arms wrapped tightly around La in full protection.
¡°Get out of the way! If you dy Mr. Lock and Ms. Nadine¡¯s check¨Cup, you won¡¯t be able to afford the consequences!¡±
1-
Leading the pack was the hospital director, Darren Caldwell. La¡¯s crying had caught his attention, and he gave the inly dressed Tess and the child in her arms a quick nce before pushing her aside with annoyance.
Tess staggered from the rough push. The moment she heard the words ¡°Mr. Lock,¡± she froze on the spot.
And in that split second of shock, she saw the two people surrounded at the center of the crowd.
Nadine sat in a wheelchair, her smooth, fair legs exposed, with a small adhesive bandage stuck around her ankle.
Finn was pushing Nadine¡¯s wheelchair, followed closely by his assistant and Nadine¡¯s maid.
¡°Finn, it¡¯s just a little scrape. If it weren¡¯t for the stomachache and the risk of info we wouldn¡¯t need all this fuss.¡±
Nadine blushed, her eyes brimming with sweetness as she looked shyly up at Finn and then lowered her gaze with a smile. Finn¡¯s voice was low and cool. ¡°Let the hospital¡¯s top doctors run a full check¨Cup. That¡¯s the only way I¡¯ll feel at ease.
¡°You¡¯re the Lock Group¡¯s chief legal counsel. For you, this is nothing.¡±
Nadine stared at his face with adoration, her heart thudding in her chest.
Listening to their conversation and observing their interaction, Darren suddenly lit up. His eyes flicked back and forth between them, full of amusement. ¡°Mr. Lock is really head over heels for Ms. Nadine!¡±
Hearing that, Nadine blushed even deeper. She gave Darren a yful re and mumbled, ¡°What nonsense are you talking
about?¡±
Though she chided Darren on the surface, Nadine¡¯s gaze was full of anticipation and nervousness as she looked at Finn,
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Chapter 16 Get out of the Way! The rightful source is f?ndnovel
clearly eager to see how he would respond.
When Darren saw how Nadine visibly brightened at his words, he got carried away and was about to throw in something about them being ¡°a match made in heaven¡± But just then, Finn looked down at him, his expression distant, then turned his gaze away. ¡°Don¡¯t make assumptions. This is just for the employee.¡±
Darren had just opened his mouth, but the words stuck in his throat. He shrank back awkwardly. ¡°Oh, right, right!¡±
What was he even thinking? Even if Finn did have feelings for Nadine, everyone knew he had a wife! And yet he had made such a bold joke about the two of them right in publict
Finn¡¯s personal matters weren¡¯t something he had any right toment on.
Only now did Darren break into a cold sweat, realizing just how out of line he had been.
Tess¡¯s eyes cut through the crowd and locked onto the two people surrounded at the center.
Everything in front of her turned a bleak, grayish white. The noise around her was so overwhelming that it felt like her ears had gone deaf.
Right now, the only color she could see was Nadine¡¯s flushed cheeks. They were soft and pink, like peach blossoms in early spring.
Their open affection in front of so many people made Tess, Finn¡¯s still¨Clegally¨Cwedded wife, look like aplete joke.
But she had long stopped harboring romantic feelings for Finn. All that remained was hate.
She hated that a man like him, a titan of the business world, would wield his power to trample on the basic rights of ordinary people.
He didn¡¯t go soft even when that person was his own flesh and blood,
La¡¯s tiny body burned hot in her arms, her tear¨Cstreaked face a mirror image of Finn¡¯s.
Her eyes, big and grape¨Clike, shimmered with tears as she looked on with Tess at the lively scene unfolding before them¡ Even when she was serving as the Lock Group¡¯s top legal counsel, she had never once received this kind of attention from him.
That must be the difference between the loved and the unloved.
Tess bit her lip. A few strands of hair fell across her face, shielding the self¨Cmockery swirling in her eyes.
Her simple outfit stood out starkly among the sea of whiteb coats. The moment Finn looked away from Nadine, he caught sight of her figure in the corner.
A strange sense of familiarity swept over him, and Finn narrowed his eyes.
The woman only revealed part of her pale profile. But even from so far away, it felt like he could see the silent mockery beneath hershes.
Keepsake 17
Chapter 17 I Didn¡¯t Mean It
Chapter 17 I Didn¡¯t Mean It
Finn¡¯s heart gave an involuntary jolt, and his pupils constricted dramatically.
His breath stalled, and the next moment, he realized the woman had already turned away.
La¡¯s fever kept raging. If it didn¡¯t get treated soon, her life could be in danger!
She could no longer wait here and do nothing!
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Tess forced herself to tear her thoughts away from the hatred she felt toward Finn and decided to hail a cab back to the staff dormitory.
The abrupt disappearance of that figure sent a pang of dread through Finn. He hesitated, then shouldered past the crowd and strode after the departing woman.
Tess!
He sprinted all the way to the nurses¡® station at the hospital entrance, but he never caught sight of her again.
A biting wind whipped at his dark, tailored suit coat, and Finn clenched his fist.
Panting lightly, he wondered whether he had been chasing a mirage.
¡°Poor thing, that woman¡¯s child still has a raging fever, but given thatmotion, she could only leave with her child.¡±
At that moment, the entire hospital¡¯s attention was on Nadine. The nurses¡® station remained idle, and the nurses¡® gossip drifted into Finn¡¯s ears.
Finn¡¯sshes trembled, and his breathing gradually steadied.
A child¡ Tess couldn¡¯t possibly have a child.
Convinced the figure wasn¡¯t Tess, Finn rubbed his brow, ming the vision on stress and overwork.
He let out a long breath and turned, only to find Nadine being wheeled toward him.
¡°Aren¡¯t we going into the consulting room?¡±
Finn adjusted his breathing and spoke gently.
Nadine cast him a wounded, aggrieved look. ¡°Then why do you walk away? You know I¡¯m terrified of hospital tests alone,
Finn. You know that.¡±
Noticing he was distracted, she was surprised he didn¡¯tfort her as he usually did.
¡°Finn, what¡¯s wrong?¡±
Noticing the slight change in Finn, she craned her neck toward the direction he had just stared. She saw nothing unusual, so she asked in confusioni
¡°Nothing. I thought I saw someone I knew. It was a mistake.¡±
Finn answered calmly and took hold of Nadine¡¯s wheelchair.
¡°I see¡¡±
Nadine nodded half¨Cunderstandingly. Just before she was wheeled into the consultation room, she nced back once more.
Tess gged down a cab the moment she left the hospital, jumping in as if her life depended on it.
There she sat, next to the half¨Copen window. Wind rushed in as the vehicle sped up,shing at her cheeks like whips, but Tess didn¡¯t even blink. She just kept urging the driver to go faster.
Chapter 17 I Didn¡¯t Mean It
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The sky outside had already gone dark. Clouds loomed overhead like ink, pressing low against the horizon¨Cjust like the chaos clouding Tess¡¯s heart.
Before long, Tess stumbled into the dorm with La in her arms. The lights inside were fully on.
The children¡¯s fever medication she¡¯d ordered in advance was already in Bessie¡¯s hand. As soon as she saw Tess, Bessie stood up straight. ¡°Tess, why did you buy this kind of fever medicine? You got the wrong one. These are capsules. You need the ibuprofen syrup with the dropper. The delivery guy knocked, but you weren¡¯t here, so I brought it in. Is La running a fever?¡±
She nced down at the bundle in Tess¡¯s arms and gasped the second she saw the child¡¯s face. ¡°Oh God! La¡¯s running a fever, isn¡¯t she?¡±
Bessie pped her thigh and eximed, ¡°I came back earlier and didn¡¯t see either of you. I thought maybe you got caught in the rain or stuck in traffic. But it turned out La had a fever, and you took her to the hospital. But wait¨Cif you went to the hospital, why would you still be buying fever medicine on your own?¡±
Bessie had a loud, husky voice, and when she shouted, it rang out like thunder. Tess¡¯s eyes immediately reddened when she heard her.
She didn¡¯t want to recall what had happened at the hospital.
¡°There¡¯s no time to exin. Bessie, please help me. You¡¯ve raised a child before. What should I do?¡±
Tessid La down on the bed, eyes brimming with tears. In her helplessness, she even bowed to Bessie.
Bessie jumped in fright and quickly held her up. ¡°Don¡¯t do that. We¡¯re coworkers and colleagues. Of course I¡¯ll help! Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: you go get a basin of hot water, and I¡¯ll call a few people over to help.
¡°Just don¡¯t panic!¡±
Tess nodded through tears and fumbled her way to grab a basin.
Bessie started knocking on nearby doors. Soon enough, several women had crowded around La¡¯s bedside.
¡°Oh no, a child this young with such a high fever? What if it ends up affecting her brain?¡±
¡°My grandaunt¡¯s kid had a high fever around this age too, and he ended up ¡ not so bright¡¡±
¡°Hey! Why are you saying such things? You¡¯re freaking Tess out!¡±
One of the women who had been mumbling earlier was suddenly smacked on the back by Bessie. Startled, she immediately
up and nced nervously at Tess, her voice full of remorse. ¡°Tess, I didn¡¯t mean it. I¡¯m just worried about La.¡± Content originallyes from Find¡ïNovel
shut
Tess shook her head, but tears welled up in her eyes, stubbornly clinging to hershes. She looked both pitiful and resilient.
She knew the woman only meant well for her and La, but hearing those words when she was already overwhelmed made her feel even more hopeless.
¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±
Bessie grabbed a clean towel from the side, dunked it into the basin, and began wiping La¡¯s body. Her hands never stopped moving as she barked orders at the others. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there! Get over here and help!¡±
Keepsake 18
Chapter 18 Raising a Kid Alone Isn¡¯t Easy
¡°Oh, right!¡±
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The women quickly snapped back to their senses. Some changed La¡¯s diaper, and another started feeding her medicine. Bessie single¨Chandedly wiped down La¡¯s entire body, while someone tossed Tess a baby bottle and told her to go prepare
some milk.
The lights in Tess¡¯s dorm stayed onte into the night. It wasn¡¯t until the redness on La¡¯s cheeks faded and her temperature dropped to 99¡ãF that everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then, they sprawled out in exhaustion on Tess¡¯s bed.
Tess held La in her arms to make room for them, gently rocking her while a wave of warmth bubbled in her chest.
If it hadn¡¯t been for these women, she honestly wouldn¡¯t have known what to do.
A group of strangers had gone all out to help La, yet her own father had nearly cut off her lifeline.
Something unreadable flickered across Tess¡¯s eyes, thick with bitter irony.
La slowly opened her eyes. They were round and sparkling like ck grapes.
After finishing a bottle of milk, her fever had gone down, and she was full of life again, ying with her little hands and letting out soft coos.
It looked like the high fever hadn¡¯t caused any serious damage to her.
Tess let out a breath of relief, though she was still on edge. She silently vowed to take La to another public hospital for a proper check¨Cup the next morning.
¡°Look at this girl! She just got over a high fever and is already full of energy. She¡¯s bound to be a lucky child!¡±
Bessie, who had done the most through the whole ordeal, was still full of energy. She had barely rested before getting up again to y with La
Tess looked at Bessie with deep gratitude. Her nose stung, and her gaze lingered on La.
She didn¡¯t need La to be blessed or extraordinary. She just hoped she could live a safe and happy life. Read full story at FindN0vel
¡°Thank you all so much for helping with La¡¯s fever. I¡¯ll never forget what you¡¯ve done for us.¡±
Tess solemnly bowed with La in her arms, but Bessie quickly stopped her. ¡°Come on, you just got better yourself. No need for that. Just go rest with your baby.
¡°You really are pitiful. It¡¯s just the two of you, with no one around to help. We¡¯re all women, so we couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch. Of course we¡¯d help.¡±
Bessie patted her chest and then helped gather the other women sprawled on the bed, ushering them back to their rooms.
At this hour, the night outside had grown so dark it was pitch ck outside the window. Bessie tiptoed to the doorway, ready to leave. As she closed the door, she hesitated for a moment, then turned back and said, ¡°Tess, you¡¯re still young. You¡¯ve got your whole life ahead of you. Raising a kid alone isn¡¯t easy. Once she grows up, she¡¯ll probably ask about her dad. Raising a kid without a man¨Cthat path is never easy.¡±
Tess was stunned. She immediately understood what Bessie was getting at.
She wanted Tess to consider finding a dependable man to marry someday.
¡°But there¡¯s no rush for that kind of thing. At the very least, we all love La. If it¡¯s hard for you to manage on your own, we¡¯re happy to help out!¡±
Noticing Tess¡¯s difort, Bessie quickly switched the subject, gave her shoulder a light pat, and left.
Once Bessie left, a heavy stillness settled over the room, leaving only Tess and La.
10:43 PM
Chapter 18 Raising a Kid Alone Isn¡¯t Easy
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She lowered her gaze toward the baby in her arms. La was calmly sucking her pacifier, unusually well¨Cbehaved, her big eyes blinking as she smiled up at her.
Tess¡¯s arms tightened around La.
She knew Bessie meant well. But after what happened with Finn, she no longer wanted to trust anyone.
The next morning, Tess had specially taken a day off to bring La to Trinity General Hospital for a follow¨Cup.
La had already regained her energy, but Tess still worried that there might be some untreated aftermath.
She had just picked up her approved leave slip and reached the door when she ran into Bessie, who was heading out to work.
Bessie seemed to guess her intentions and said first, ¡°Work can wait. Your kides first. She¡¯s still so young. Don¡¯t let her end up with anysting problems.¡±
Tess was deeply moved by Bessie¡¯s concern and nodded several times in response.
While they were waiting for their respective rides, Bessie made small talk with her as she waited for the other sanitation
workers to arrive.
¡°Tess, didn¡¯t you take La out yesterday? Why are you going to the hospital again today?
¡°It couldn¡¯t be for getting medicine again, right?¡±
Hearing that, Tess couldn¡¯t help but recall what had happened yesterday. Her heart ached all over again.
She had stood there holding La, isted and helpless in the center of the hospital¡¯s waiting area, while every doctor flowed away from them like a retreating tide. That scene would haunt her forever.
¡°Yeah. I couldn¡¯t get a consultation yesterday, so I¡¯m going to try another hospital today.¡±
She bit her lip and offered a vague exnation.
Bessie couldn¡¯t make sense of it¨Cwhat kind of hospital wouldn¡¯t treat a child? But seeing Tess¡¯s wary expression, she decided not to press the issue.
Just then, Tess¡¯s taxi arrived. She quickly thanked Bessie and got into the car.
The cab drove off in a cloud of exhaust. Watching Tess flee the scene like that, Bessie stood in ce, scratching her head in .confusion.
This time, Tess didn¡¯t choose the nearby private hospital run by the Lock Group. Instead, she deliberately chose to go out of the way to Trinity General Hospital.
She didn¡¯t want to run into Finn or Nadine ever again. In fact, she hoped they would vanish from her worldpletely.
Right after she finished registering, she overheard some idle nurses at the reception desk gossiping.
Keepsake 19
Chapter 19 Never Show Your Face in Front of Me Again!
¡°Have you heard about what happened yesterday at Lock Group Private Hospital?
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¡°Mr. Lock actually mobilized the entire hospital staff just to run tests for Ms. Nadine¡¯s scraped ankle. It was insane!¡± ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? fin?novel
¡°But I heard the whole thing caused some minor issues, too. Since all the doctors were reassigned, some patients were affected. Word is, someone even filed aint¡¡±
Tess walked off with her registration slip in hand, feeling nothing but annoyed.
Why is it that everywhere I go, I keep hearing about Finn and Nadine¡¯s love affairs?
¡°I also heard that Lock Group is looking for a woman with a child, saying they want topensate her¡¡±
The nurse¡¯sst sentence was carried off by the wind before it could reach Tess¡¯s ears.
She didn¡¯t hear it, because she was already waiting outside the pediatrics consultation room for their turn.
¡°La Ember.¡±
As the nurse called out, Tess carried La into the exam room.
After the check¨Cup, Tess went outside and sat on a bench to wait for the results.
Her gaze wandered idly around the area, until it suddenly locked onto the entrance of the ultrasound room nearby.
Nadine was holding a copy of an ultrasound scan, her brows slightly furrowed. Standing next to her was a strikingly handsome man.
When he turned around and Tess saw his face clearly, her mind felt like it exploded on the spot.
It was Max.
Why was Max the one with Nadine?
Tess double¨Cchecked the name of the department, and in the next instant, her mind jumped to the rumors that had been going viral online these past few days.
Was Nadine here for a prenatal check¨Cup?
A bold thought, popped into her head, and the more she considered it, the more it seemed like the only usible exnation.
i
Her
e turned sharp as a mocking expression appeared on her fa
So the two of them really had been involved all along.
She couldn¡¯t help but remember the day she¡¯d taken a desperate leap of faith and decided to look for Finn.
Max had yed the role of a devoted man and acted as if his love for her ran deep. But now, it seemed more likely that he¡¯d used her as a stepping stone to bring Nadine and Finn back together.
He truly was noble¨Cso noble he could give up his own happiness for Nadine¡¯s sake.
Tess let out a coldugh.
And just as that mocking curl of her lips hadn¡¯t yet faded, her gaze suddenly met Max¡¯s.
Her smile froze. She paused for a beat, then straightened her expression and quickly looked away.
She just wanted to pretend they were strangers.
Max felt a sharp twinge in his chest. Even though he knew he couldn¡¯t let Nadine find out Tess was here,
his
eyes still couldn¡¯t
1043 PM O
Chapter 19 Never Show Your Face in Front of Me Again!
help drifting back to her.
Tess kept her face down. The loose strands at her forehead slid naturally, revealing a pale neckline.
She didn¡¯t spare him another nce.
Those charming, deep¨Cset eyes ultimately hid the storm of emotion swirling beneath them.
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But the shift in Max¡¯s expression didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Nadine. She instinctively nced around. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Hunt? Is Finn¡¯s people nearby?¡±
Just imagining it made her shiver, and she quickly lifted a hand to shield her face.
She was here at the hospital today because of stomach pain.
Unlike yesterday¡¯s act of weakness, this time it was real.
And it just so happened that Max hade to discuss something about her case, so they ended uping together.
But she was terrified someone on Finn¡¯s side might spot her.
If word got back to him, she couldn¡¯t even imagine what would happen.
She definitely didn¡¯t want to end up like Tess¨Cutterly despised by Finn!
¡°You take a cab hometer.¡± Max gave the instruction curtly and stayed where he was. ¡°I¡¯ve got something to do.¡±
Nadine shot him a strange look but didn¡¯t dare question it. Biting her lip, she quickly slipped away, trying to cover her face as she went.
Tess had already been feeling anxious from waiting too long, so she got up to wait by the entrance.
Even if they were still some distance away, she didn¡¯t want to risk meeting Max and Nadine face¨Cto¨Cface.
¡°Tess.¡±
But she was still a step toote. The heavy thud of leather shoes stopped behind her, and then a familiar, gentle voice sounded above her head.
Tess¡¯s hand clenched tightly beneath her sleeve. On the surface, she pretended not to hear and tried to walk away from the
scene.
But just as she turned, her wrist was grabbed.
¡°What do you even want from me?¡±
Tess spun around in anger, flinging his hand off.
Meeting the woman¡¯s angry gaze, Max found himself at a loss. ¡°I ¡¡±
He opened his mouth, but all he could feel between them now were the gaping wounds of the past.
¡°Let me exin ¡¡±
¡°Why should your exnation matter to me?¡±
Tess shot back with cruel sarcasm.
Max¡¯s words caught in his throat, and the affection in his eyes dimmed. ¡°Tess, you¡¯d rather go back to Finn than spare me a nce? We used to be so close. Have you really forgotten?¡±
To Tess, it was the most ridiculous thing she¡¯d ever heard. She didn¡¯t even try to hide the icy mockery in her voice. ¡°Forgot? Of course I haven¡¯t. I wouldn¡¯t dare forget. After all, Max, didn¡¯t you already use me up as much as you could?
Just looking at you now makes me sick.
Chapter 19 Never Show Your Face in Front of Me Again!
¡°Do me a favor. Never show your face in front of me again!¡±
Tess stared coldly at Max, every word cutting and decisive.
Max finally looked into her clear eyes, but what he saw in them was pure indifference and loathing.
His longshes fluttered ever so slightly, and even his heartbeat nearly came to a halt.
Keepsake 20
Chapter 20 Shadows and High Heels
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Tess had barely finished her sentence when a nurse¡¯s voice called out. She quickly turned and carried La into the exam Checktest chapters at find?novel
room.
¡°The fever¡¯s gone. Lungs look clear on the scan, too.¡±
The doctor¡¯s words were a huge relief. Tess smiled gratefully and nodded to both the doctor and nurse before heading toward the exit.
Her movements were smooth and practiced, but she left one personpletely ignored¡ªMax.
He stayed rooted to the spot, eyes glued to Tess¡¯s back. From his angle, he could still catch a glimpse of the child¡¯s profile.
Too much like Finn.
So much so that just looking at the kid made his chest tighten with frustration.
Max¡¯s fists clenched slowly at his sides. But instead of backing off, his eyes only burned brighter¨Chis gazeced with something far darker than disappointment. Almost obsessive.
Tess, I couldn¡¯t do anything for you before. But now? I can protect you. I can choose you.
She would have no choice but to rely on him.
He forced his hands to rx and returned to his usual calm, polished demeanor.
No rush. As long as Finn didn¡¯t find her, he had all the time in the world to make her see him clearly.
The nurse cast a wary nce his way.
He tapped the desk with two fingers. ¡°Delete her medical record from today.¡±
The nurse hesitated, but knowing who he was, she gave a respectful nod. ¡°Yes, Mr. Hunt.¡±
Only after watching her do it did he finally leave.
Earlier, he¡¯d seen the intake form¨CTess¡¯s child hade in with a high feverst night.
Something clicked. That woman who showed up at Lock Group Private Hospital, could that have been Tess?
Finn had people looking for her¨Cand she¡¯d walked right under his nose without him realizing?
Heh.
Max¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile as he walked off.
Tess kept her head down as she carried La through the hospital hallway, focused on leaving as fast as possible. She didn¡¯t stop until a sudden shadow blocked her path. A pair of designermbskin heels appeared in her view.
Her heart skipped. She lowered her head even more, instinctively wanting to turn and walk the other way.
But those heels followed her closely, cutting her off again and again.
Finally.
¡°Tess, it is you.¡±
The voice was soft and sugary, with a high¨Cpitched, fake¨Csweet lilt that practically oozed condescension.
Tess¡¯s fingers trembled around her baby. Her temples throbbed.
¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person.¡±
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Chapter 20 Shadows and High Heels
¡°Oh,e on. How could I mistake you, Tess?¡±
Nadine¡¯s eyes narrowed, gaze locked in like a predator, practically boring holes through her.
¡°I said¨Cyou¡¯ve got the wrong person.¡±
Tess kept her head down, voice dry and t, repeating herself like a broken record.
At the same time, she adjusted the baby in her arms, shielding La¡¯s facepletely from view.
Her voice had been deliberately lowered¨Craspy and unnatural, sounding much older than she looked.
She was dressed inly, almost shabbily, the kind of outfit that screamed forgettable.
Nadine frowned, eyeing the bundle in Tess¡¯s arms.
Could she really have the wrong person?
This woman had a baby.
But still, even if Tess had been in prison for a year and a half, she had once been a brilliant, high¨Cprofile attorney. How could she have fallen this low?
Nadine¡¯s expression, twisted into visible disgust. She scanned Tess from head to toe and instinctively stepped back, putting distance between them.
Maybe it really was someone else¡ªa washed¨Cup woman who just happened to resemble Tess a little.
¡°Whatever. You can go,¡± Nadine said, waving her hand like she was brushing off some bug.
She didn¡¯t even notice she was blocking others from walking past.
Tess gritted her teeth but didn¡¯t say a word. She lowered her head even further and practically bolted, rushing away like she was fleeing from a fire.
Nadine lifted her chin and crossed her arms, shooting a final contemptuous nce at the slim figure hurrying away.
Just being near someone that pathetic made her feel like the air stank of poverty.
She pinched her nose dramatically and swatted the air in front of her face like she could wave away the imaginary stench.
Instead of calling a taxi like Max told her to, Nadine summoned a subordinate from the Lock Group¡¯sw firm to pick her up personally.
While Tess waited in silence for a cab, Nadine headed straight to her private ride, which had been parked and ready for a while.
Nadine, with her striking figure and understated velvet designer dress, looked every bit the rich youngdy¨Cwealthy, elegant, and untouchable.
Even though she kept her style toned down, she still attracted stares from nearly everyone she passed.
Tess, meanwhile, didn¡¯t dare show her face too openly. Hiding behind therge tree outside the hospital entrance, she kept a low profile¨Cwatching every bit of Nadine¡¯svish disy from the shadows.
Her hands tightened involuntarily, and her eyes darkened with a rising wave of loathing.
It must feel incredible, stepping all over me just to climb to the top.
Da¨Cda¨Cda.
A soft cooing came from her arms.
Tess looked down. La was blinking up at her with wide, innocent eyes and a smile tugging at her little lips.
16.43 §²§®
Chapter 20 Shadows and High Heels
She babbled again, the babyish sybles sounding almost like ¡°Daddy.¡±
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Tess¡¯s chest tightened. Was it just random baby talk? Or was it like Bessie had said¨Cdid every child need a father?
She looked at her daughter¡¯s sweet little face and felt her anger begin to melt. Lowering her head, she gently pressed her forehead to La¡¯s smooth, warm one. And nuzzled close.
Keepsake 21
Chapter 21 Lightning in the Rain
A dull ache tugged at Tess¡¯s chest.
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Maybe sensing the shift in her mood, La reached up and tugged gently at a strand of Tess¡¯s hair. Her big eyes shimmered and dark, full of innocent curiosity.
The weather had been clear just a moment ago, but the sky suddenly darkened. Tess frowned. Great. Rain¡¯s .
Right then, her ride pulled up. She climbed in with La, and they headed toward the employee dorms.
By the time they arrived, rain was alreadying down in sheets.
As soon as they got inside, Tess changed La¡¯s clothes. Just as she finished, her phone started ringing.
It was an unknown number. Her gut immediately twisted with reluctance.
She hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen, ready to hang up¨Cyet somehow, her feet carried her to the window as she picked up.
¡°Hello, is this La¡¯s guardian?¡±
The voice on the other end sounded formal, almost rehearsed.
Tess froze for a beat, then snapped to attention. ¡°Who are you?¡±
No need to be rmed.¡±
On the other end, Zane scratched his head. The woman¡¯s voice was softened by the background of pouring rain, but something about it tugged at a vague familiarity.
¡°I¡¯m Zane, assistant to Mr. Lock of Lock Group Private Hospital. We got your contact information from the hospital¡¯s registration system.¡±
He introduced himself politely. But Tess¡¯s heart just about stopped.
She instantly regretted answering.
¡°What do you want?¡±
Her voice dropped low, blending with the pattern of rain to sound muffled and heavy.
The strange familiarity from before started to fade.
The call was on speaker.
Zane nced at Finn beside him. Seeing no reaction, he continued, ¡°We wanted to sincerely apologize for yesterday and check on how your child is doing.¡±
So that was it. Tess let out a humorlessugh.
¡°Doing great¨Cexcept for the fact that we wasted precious time at your hospital and nearly dyed her treatment!¡±
She didn¡¯t even know why she snapped like that. But the second the words left her mouth, the anger just kept rolling.
Zane was caught off guard.
This woman was fierce.
Ever since bing Finn¡¯s assistant, people always spoke to him with deference¨Ceven those higher up. Everyone treated him with respect because of his proximity to Finn.
This was the first time someone cursed him out while knowing exactly who he was.
10:43 PM
Chapter 21 Lightning in the Rain
But then again, they had screwed up.
¡°I¡¯m really sorry for the trouble we caused. We¡¯re happy to offer appropriatepensation-¡±
¡°No need.¡±
Tess cut him off coldly.
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Zane fell silent. Then her voice came again, sharper now. ¡°Just tell Mr. Lock this¨Cstop throwing his weight around. Regr people¡¯s lives matter too.¡±
The words were like daggers. Zane broke into a cold sweat and instinctively nced over at Finn.
To his surprise, there wasn¡¯t a flicker of anger¨Cjust a dazed, almost lost expression.
That voice¡
Finn¡¯s mind instantly shed back to an old video.
A courtroom clip. That case had shaken all of Aetheris. He remembered the woman standing at the defense table, her voice calm and precise, slicing through the prosecution¡¯s case.
It was Tess. The one no one expected. Regal and sharp, like a pine tree standing tall on a snowy peak.
Just one m of her palm on the table had sent the opposing attorney into a cold sweat.
And now, the woman on this call¨Cher cutting words, her steady tone¨Cit all ovepped with that memory.
Too familiar. Too sharp, Finn¡¯s calm exterior cracked ever so slightly.
His pupils tightened as he stared at the phone in Zane¡¯s hand.
¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±
Her voice was smooth again, but the rain had picked up, washing away that lingering trace of familiarity.
Finn blinked, snapping out of his daze.
What the hell am I even thinking?
He was losing it.
The woman on the phone had a child. A mother.
And here he was¡ªconnecting her to Tess, fresh out of prison.
He rubbed his temple, the pressure in his head building.
If she didn¡¯t wantpensation, fine. He wasn¡¯t some saint desperate to hand out favors.
He waved a hand at Zane to hang up. But before Zane could politely end the call, the call ended with a sharp beep. The line went dead. She¡¯d hung up on them first.
The corner of Zane¡¯s mouth twitched.
Finn¡¯s jaw tightened. The irritation that had been simmering inside finally broke the surface.
Tess¡¯s disappearance had left a hole in his ns, and frankly, he was tired of wasting time.
If she was still his wife, then she needed to be back where she belonged¨Cwith him.
He tapped the desk once. ¡°I want to see her. Tonight. At Evermount Vi.¡±
Zane blinked, then realized who he meant by ¡®her.
Chapter 21 Lightning in the Rain
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He hesitated, clearly troubled. Finally, he spoke.¡°Mr. Lock, I¡¯ve already sent someone to Evermount Height. Their people said her card was frozen, and without that, she couldn¡¯t stay in the house. She was evicted a while ago.¡±
Keepsake 22
Chapter 22 No ce to Hide
The unspoken truth was¨Cright now, he had no idea where Tess had gone.
Zane snuck a nce at Finn¡¯s unreadable expression and quickly lowered his head.
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Tess was the kind of woman who couldn¡¯t lift a box or carry groceries if her life depended on it. She¡¯d grown up pampered, born into a powerful family, went straight intow school, and quickly became a top attorney¨Chands never even touched dish soap, let alone real hardship. Now, she was broke, homeless, and alone. Zane honestly couldn¡¯t imagine how she was managing to survive.
Even he, someone close to the situation, sometimes felt that Finn had been too ruthless with her.
But he was just the assistant¨CFinn was still his boss.
¡°We found out that she opened a new bank ount,¡± Zane said carefully. ¡°Small amounts of money have been deposited regrly.
He noticed the ice¨Ccold look on Finn¡¯s face flicker ever so slightly.
Pushing forward, Zane added, ¡°She doesn¡¯t have any family in Aetheris, no close friends either. We don¡¯t know how she¡¯s getting by, but if we freeze that ount too, chances are, she¡¯ll be forced toe back on her own.¡±
His voice trailed off toward the end,cking confidence.
¡°Do it,¡± Finn said coolly, eyes narrowed.
¡°Yes, sir.¡±
Zane turned and left quickly, closing the door behind him.
Finn¡¯s eyes drifted back to the stack of documents on his desk¨Cbut not a word of it registered.
The pen slipped from his fingers, ck ink bleeding across the white paper like a spreading stain¨Cjust like the chaos in his head. Original content can be found at f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
His chest felt tight as he walked over to the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows.
From his office high above the city, people and cars below looked like insects in a ss maze.
Tess, out of all these people, where are you hiding?
His hand clenched slowly at his side, and he let out a low breath, his gaze dark and unreadable.
Did she really think she could just walk away from him?
Whether she was throwing a tantrum after getting out of prison or ying hard to get¨Cit didn¡¯t matter. He¡¯d given her enough time and patience.
He wasn¡¯t some lovesick fool who¡¯d waste time chasing a woman.
Tess had no idea any of this was happening on the top floor of the Lock Group tower. After she hung up the phone, it felt like a weight had settled on her chest.
The longer Finn¡¯s shadow hovered over her life, the more anxious she became.
She looked down at the baby in her arms, gaze steadying.
La was her entire world. She couldn¡¯t let either of them be found by him.
Pushing those thoughts aside, she gently pulled La¡¯s fingers out of her mouth¨Cit was feeding time. The baby must have been getting hungry.
Tess stood and walked to the cab to scoop out the form, only to find there was barely a thinyer left at the bottom of
Chapter 22 No ce to Hide
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the can.
She sighed and carefully poured out everyst bit.
Raising La wasn¡¯t cheap.
Even with a budget¨Cbrand form, it was still pricey. And no matter how much she scrimped, she constantly worried she couldn¡¯t give her daughter the life she deserved.
Still, payday wasing soon.
That thought alone gave her a sudden spark of motivation.
Even without Finn¨Cwithout the morous life¨CLa would still be happy with her.
They¡¯d lean on each other¨Cjust the two of them.
La had been fast asleep for a while now,forted by Tess¡¯s quiet voice.
Tess felt exhausted and finally caught up with her. She figured she might as well take a nap, too¨Cthis was her first real break in days.
She had just changed into morefortable clothes and climbed into bed when a soft but insistent knock came at the door.
Tess got up and opened it to see Bessie, cheeks flushed from the sun.
Sweat beaded across her forehead, and she looked uneasy¨Cbut when she met Tess¡¯s clear, calm eyes, her words caught in her throat. She nced inside and asked quietly, ¡°Is La asleep?¡±
Tess nodded. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Bessie?¡±
She could tell something was bothering Bessie. Without pressing, she gently led her inside and handed her a towel.
Bessie took a few shaky breaths. It was hard to say, but she knew she had to. ¡°Riven¡¯s a damn scumbag,¡± she spat bitterly.
Tess blinked, confused but suddenly uneasy.
Bessie grabbed her hand, her face red with frustration. ¡°They hired a new cleaner today. And Riven¡ He gave away your
bed!¡±
Tess froze. ¡°What about me?¡±
¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying! He hasn¡¯t even been in charge for long, and he¡¯s already making life hard for you like it¡¯s no big deal. Just wait. Someone wille ¡®inform¡® you any second now.¡±
Fuming, she recounted everything she¡¯d overheard while resting under the tree, not leaving out a single word.
Tess¡¯s face went pale. Unlike Bessie¡¯s righteous fury, she felt nothing but cold creeping into her limbs.
Right on cue, a knock came again.
The two women looked at each other.
Of course there was Riven, standing outside with a young woman behind him.
¡°Tess, we¡¯ve got a new hire. You need to vacate your bed.¡±
He spoke casually like it was no big deal. But he didn¡¯t dare meet her eyes¨Chis head turned slightly away, gaze tilted up, avoiding herpletely.
To be honest, he¡¯d been thinking about it for a while now: someone like Tess just didn¡¯t belong here.
Keepsake 23
Chapter 23 No Room for You
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In Riven¡¯s mind, it made more sense to kick Tess out than pretend she¡¯d suddenly turn over a new leaf.
Better to cut ties clean¨Cat least then, she couldn¡¯t go crying to Finn and drag him down with her. That kind of fallout would end his entire career in Aetheris.
He snuck another nce at Tess but quickly looked away.
Sure, she was beautiful, but way too dangerous. He might be a sleazeball, but he wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew some women were out of his league¨Cway out.
Impatiently, he barked, ¡°Move it already!¡±
¡°Why?¡±
Tess met his eyes, calm but firm.
¡°Why? Who¡¯s in charge here¨Cyou or me?¡±
His voice shot up an octave. Then, as if he¡¯d just remembered something, he waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Oh, and you¡¯re fired.¡±
Tess stared at him in shock. Riven shoved the new girl through the doorway and practically ran off.
Even Bessie, usually quick¨Cwitted, was too stunned to react right away.
¡°Wait, he didn¡¯t just kick you out of the bed? He fired you?¡±
She finally pieced it together.
Tess clenched her fists, lips pressed tightly together.
The new girl stood there awkwardly, clutching two suitcases, unsure if she shoulde in or wait.
¡°You cane in. Just set your things down,¡± Tess said gently, forcing a smile.
This wasn¡¯t the girl¡¯s fault.
After all, this had nothing to do with the young girl in front of her. She was a mother now¨Cand whenever she looked at someone so young, so untouched by the world, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little more patient, a little more forgiving.
Still, the whole situation had hit her out of nowhere. And that dry, forced smile on her face? It looked more like she was about to cry.
¡°Th¨Cthank you.¡±
The girl nodded shyly and wheeled her bags past Tess, avoiding the empty bed and sitting down near the one beside it.
Tess nced toward her sleeping baby, then turned and marched straight to the management office.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the decision¡¯s final. It¡¯s already been signed off¡±
Vanessa shoved a stamped document across the desk.
Tess picked it up, scanning the contents. It was a formal termination notice.
¡°But we signed a contract. What you¡¯re doing is a vition of¡ª¡±
Bang!
Vanessa mmed her cup down hard. Her bored look vanished.
¡°You wanna lecture me onborws?
10 43 PM
Chapter 23 No Room for You
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¡°Tess, let¡¯s be real. Everyone else in the dorms? They¡¯re full¨Ctime employees. On the books. You? You¡¯re just a temp.
¡°Now, if you leave quietly, you¡¯ll still get your paycheck for the month. Make a scene, and it¡¯s not gonna end well¨Cfor either of us.¡±
She met Tess¡¯s eyes directly. No subtlety in the threat.
Tess¡¯s whole body trembled. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to steady herself.
The truth was, Tess didn¡¯t have much ground to stand on. She was technically still in a probationary period. Even if she tried to sue for wrongful dismissal, that would take weeks, if not months. And who had the time or money to fight that battle?
She sucked in a slow breath.
¡°The paperwork¡¯s already been stamped¡ªchanging it now wouldn¡¯t be easy. Besides, you¡¯ve already seen the girl taking your ce.
¡°She¡¯s an orphan. Poor kid. This world¡¯s full of people with hard lives¨Cit¡¯s not just you.
Do you understand?¡±
Seeing Tess start to waver, Vanessa switched tactics, softening his tone. This content belongs to find?novel
¡°Think about your child,¡± she said. ¡°At least we¡¯ve made sure you¡¯re getting this month¡¯s paycheck.¡±
That¡¯s right¨Cthere was still La.
She was running low on form and diapers again.
¡°My paycheck for this month¡¡±
She pressed her lips together, her eyes shining with defiance.
¡°It¡¯s already been transferred. Now pack and go.¡±
Curt
Vanessa¡¯s voice rxed, but her eyes openly sizing Tess up now. It made Tess¡¯s skin crawl.
Still, she held it together. She needed to find a ce to stay. A new job. Fast.
Without another word, she turned and walked
Vanessa watched her leave, her half¨Clidded eyes gleaming through the steam of her teacup¨Cpart amused, part smug.
Ballsy. Marching in here to make a scene.
If Riven hadn¡¯t personally asked her to help smooth things over, she wouldn¡¯t have even bothered.
She nced down at the termination paperwork and then tossed it in the trash..
As for the orphan girl? Total fiction. Riven made that part up and told the new¨Cgirl to y the part.
He¡¯d also warned her that Tess might be connected to Finn somehow.
Not that she believed it.
A broke single mom working sanitation and raising a kid? With Finn, Aetheris¡¯s wealthiest man? Please.
She scoffed under her breath, already thinking about what to eat for dinner.
Tess returned to the dorm to find bags and boxes piled just outside the door.
Her eyes narrowed. She stepped closer. It was all her stuff. Hers and La¡¯s.
The fire in her chest reignited on the spot. Without thinking, she rushed inside.
10:43 PM
Chapter 23 No Room for You
There was the new girl¨Cholding La, looking unsure of where to put her.
¡°What are you doing?!¡± Tess shouted.
Keepsake 24
Chapter 24 The Last Line
Chapter 24 The Last Line
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Tess¡¯s heart clenched as she rushed forward and snatched La of the girl¡¯s arms.
The young woman gave her a sweet smile. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were leaving? I¡¯m just helping move things along.¡±
Tess stared at her in shock.
When they first met, she seemed shy and harmless. But now ¡
The girl standing in front of her, all charm and ease, felt like aplete stranger.
¡°Fine!¡±
Tess almost let out augh¨Chalf out of disbelief, half out of fury.
She wasn¡¯t stupid.
No wonder Riven had insisted shee back herself.
She swept her gaze over the girl¡¯s face, biting back regret for ever treating her kindly.
¡°If you touch any of my things again,¡± Tess said coldly, ¡°you¡¯ll regret it.¡±
Her voice turned cold and razor¨Csharp¨Cdead serious.
The girl froze,pletely taken aback. Fear flickered across her face.
Wasn¡¯t this woman just some regr single mom? Where the hell was this overwhelming pressure from?
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While the girl stood there stunned, Tess clutched La in one arm and started throwing their belongings into a suitcase with the other.
She hadn¡¯t lived here long and hadn¡¯t bought anything new¨Cmost were baby items La used, so packing was quick.
Tess was a naturally gentle person.
But La was herst line.
The moment she saw that girl holding her baby with that nasty look on her face, her blood had surged straight to her head.
When she finally stepped out of the dorm with La in her arms, she found several of the women who¡¯d always treated her kindly waiting outside. Bessie stood front and center.
They¡¯d clearly heard themotion from inside. When Tess opened the door, all of them shot cold, warning nces toward the girl.
The girl shrank back under the pressure and hurried to m the door shut.
¡°Sweetheart!¡±
Bessie waved Tess over and grabbed her hand, shoving arge stic bag into it. ¡°We heard about what happened, that they let you go. We don¡¯t have much, but we all chipped in and got a few things for the baby.¡±
Tess¡¯s nose stung. She tried to decline, but Bessie gave her a re. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to say no. You know how hard it is to return stuff these days. And it¡¯s for La Don¡¯t insult us by turning it down.¡±
With that, she looped the bag over Tess¡¯s suitcase handle and gave it a firm pat, satisfied.
¡°Everyone, thank you so much for taking care of me, Tess said and gave them a deep nod of thanks.
Once a tycoon¡¯s wife and a topwyer, she was now working as a janitor. The fall had been crushing¨Cbut the warmth of these kind, down¨Cto¨Cearth women helped her get through it.
Chapter 24 The Last Line This content belongs to find(?)ovel
Owner now don¡¯t get all emotional. It¡¯s what neighbors do.
Bee raned her voice for the group.
#yow ever moc you can alwayse back and visit
Ak grow go fast. I wanna see how beautiful La gets as she grows!¡±
up
The women joked and teased, trying to lighten the mood and take the sting out of the farewell.
Tes left under their watchful eyes. Even tough¨Cas¨Cnails, Bessie had tears in hers.
Alright, alright¨Cthe show¡¯s over. Back to work, all of you!¡±
She wiped her eves and waves them off
Mokhing La with one arm and dragging a suitcase with the other, Tess wandered aimlessly along the street.
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She soon found a cheap apartment listing on a rental app and was just about to pay for half a month upfront, when her mobile banking app refused to process the payment.
After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she made her way toward the nearest bank.
She could pay thendlord in cash.
When she reached the ATM, she slid in her card. Error.
The screen refused to process her withdrawal.
Her brows furrowed.
Didn¡¯t Vanessa say her sry had been deposited this morning?
Feeling increasingly unsettled, she called her.
¡°I already processed payroll this morning. If the money¡¯s not showing up, it¡¯s your card¡¯s problem, not mine. I¡¯ve got the transaction confirmation right here¡ªdon¡¯t try to y games. You think you¡¯re getting double pay or something?¡±
Her voice wasced with mockery and suspicion, every word sharp and grating.
Tess¡¯s chest tightened/with panic. A terrible suspicion started to form. She hung up on Vanessa and rushed to find a bank teller.
After checking her ount, the staff gave her the result. Her card had been frozen.
¡°When?¡± she asked, her voice barely steady.
¡°Around noon today.¡±
Tess staggered back a step, nearly copsing on the spot.
The sun zed overhead, her vision swimming. Or maybe it wasn¡¯t the sun making her dizzy.
She shielded La from the harsh light, but it felt like she was sinking¨Clike some invisible web was tightening around her chest, pulling her into a ck hole with no air
The sunlight beat down on her pale skin. Sweat broke out across her forehead, but still, she shivered.
Who else could freeze her ount without her permission? Only Finn. There was no one else.
Tess but her lip, eyes rimmed red¨Cnot from sorrow, but from a white¨Chot fury.
Did he really have to crush her and La like this? Did he want to push them off a cliff and make sure they never got back up?
Clutching La close, Tess felt the smooth sidewalk beneath her feet turn jagged and impossible.
Keepsake 25
Chapter 25 Crossroads
Chapter 25 Crossroads
s
Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message from thendlord. ¡°Have you decided on a time to view the apartment?¡±
Tess gripped her phone tightly. With no other option, she forced out a polite excuse and declined.
Sliding the phone back into her bag, she looked out at the crowd moving past her on the street, her gaze filled with confusion and helplessness.
No money. No ce to stay. Where were they supposed to go? Original content can be found at Find~Novel
Her eyes drifted aimlessly. She strolled, almost stopping with each step until she came to a halt in front of a wall stered with small loan ads.
Dazed, Tess looked up¨Conly to realize the building belonged to a privatew firm.
She stood still outside the door, her heart heavy with emotion.
Law used to be her passion. A profession she¡¯d loved and respected with all her heart.
But that life felt a million miles away now.
Lowering her head and holding La close, she forced her eyes back to the loan flyers, pretending to focus.
As she started jotting down the phone number, a cool sensation brushed her forehead¨Cfollowed by a shadow falling over
Someone held an umbre over her head.
Startled, Tess caught the faint, crisp scent of pine drifting from beside her.
¡°Tess, came a soft, familiar voice. ¡°Come with me.
¡°I¡¯ve got a vi waiting for you. It¡¯s been ready for a long time. You can hire a nanny to help with the baby¨Cwhatever you need.¡±
Max had appeared out of nowhere. He stood beside her, his voice gentle, eyes full of longing. When he looked at her, it was as if she were the only thing that mattered in his world.
Tess instinctively took a step back, chilled to the bone.
The distance between them widened instantly. Max¡¯s expression dimmed, and even his voice grew hoarse. ¡°You just lost your job. You¡¯d rather be homeless than lean on me, even a little?¡±
His words were low and bitter, each one heavier than thest.
But Tess had long since made up her mind¨Cshe wanted nothing more to do with any of them. She turned her face away, jaw tight, refusing to waste her breath. But the moment she heard the following sentence, she whipped around, eyes zing. ¡°You¡¯ve been watching me? Following me?¡±
She scanned the area in panic, searching the crowd for any suspicious bystanders, looking every bit like a frightened rabbit.
Seeing her like that sent a sharp painncing through Max¡¯s chest.
Is that really what you think of me?¡±
Her eyes were guarded, suspicious¨Cbut that one sentence made her pause.
Maybe she¡¯d overreacted. Perhaps he wasn¡¯t stalking her.
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Chapter 24 Crossroads
A hesitant voice broke the tendon
Tea turned toward the sound Across the street, the ss door to thew office swung open. A hand pushed the door open- slender fingers, pale and clean and then came a face she hadn¡¯t seen in a long time.
Their eyes met the man¡¯s expression lit up, instantly softening the stern vibe of his ck suit. The contrast was almost boyish
He looked both shy and passionate
¡°Mx Ember! It¡¯s you!¡±
¡°Charles¡® te blinked, surprised¨Cand then united.
Her gaze swept over him, taking in the changes
Gone was the shy, awkward young intern she remembered. He looked more mature now. The chunky ck¨Crimmed sses had been reced with sleek gold frames that made him took refined and calm.
They felt like long¨Clost friends crossing paths by fate. Her throat tightened with emotion.
She never thought she¡¯ll see Charles again.
Hack when she was still one of the country¡¯s topwyers and before prison¨Che had been just a quiet intern, always hovering on the edges of the room. He rarely spoke up, and the tasks she assigned him were oftenpleted clumsily. Everyone thought he¡¯d be the first to get cut.
But she¡¯d seen something in him an instinct for detail, a sharpness that couldn¡¯t be taught. He didn¡¯t have the sh, but he had the substance. So she mentored him, even brought him to court to observe her debates up close.
And now, barely a year and a halfter, helt started his own firm?
She didn¡¯t know what to feel. Was it pride¨Clike a teacher seeing her student seed? Or a kind of wistful ache, knowing that the world was no longer hers?
She had once been a living legend in the field. But a year ago, she went to prison for stealing corporate secrets. That stain would follow her forever. And now, standing in front of a former student, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit out of ce.
¡°Congrattions, she said, recovering quickly.
She extended her hand with genuine warmth.
Charles froze for a second, staring at her outstretched hand like it was glowing
¡°Thank you so much!¡±
He gave a slight, respectful nod and gently took her hand¨Cjust like he used to, as if she were someone significant.
Just like the socially anxious intern he¡¯d once been
Tess felt a sting behind her eyes.
¡°Ms. Ember, I, uh, I overheard some of that just now Are you having trouble finding a ce?¡± He hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. I have an old apartment. It¡¯s not as fancy as what Mr. Hunt can offer, but it¡¯s clean, and it¡¯s yours if you want it Rent¡¯s not a problem¨Cyou can pay whatever you feelfortable with. If you don¡¯t mind the ce, that is¡¡±
His eyes were bright with sincerity, but there was a flicker of unease, too¨Che nced sideways at Max¡¯s face.
Sure enough, the moment he finished speaking. Max¡¯s expression darkened That usually soft, elegant face turned cold, his eyes fixed on Charles with unmistakable displeasure
Keepsake 26
Chapter 26 Not Just Kindness
Chapter 26 Not Just Kindness
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Even under pressure, Charles remained calm and patient, quietly waiting for Tess¡¯s answer.
I¡¡±
Tess nced down at the baby in her arms, clearly torn.
Max took a step forward, subtly trying to wedge himself between her and Charles. ¡°Tess.¡±
¡°Alright. Thank you,¡± she said firmly, cutting him off with a grateful smile directed at Charles.
Immediately, a pink flush crept up Charles¡¯s cheeks.
s
Tess couldn¡¯t help but chuckle under her breath. Even after bing a capablewyer, he was still the same bashful Charles.
¡°I¡¯ll take you there now!¡± he said eagerly, turning around and heading back into thew firm to wrap things up.
As soon as he left, Max stepped closer again, reaching for Tess¡¯s wrist. ¡°Tess, even if you hate me, the baby still deserves a good life.¡±
He hated using the child to plead with her, but right now, it was the only leverage he had.
The truth was, he¡¯d disliked the sight of her child from the very first moment.
But he knew¨Cit was the only way to get her to give in.
In an instant, the warmth on Tess¡¯s face vanished. She turned to Max with eyes like ice. ¡°Get your hands off me. You make my skin crawl.¡±
¡°Apologies, Mr. Hunt.¡± Charles¡¯s voice cut in just in time. He was back, now dressed in casual clothes, clean and straightforward. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ll go help settle Ms. Ember in.¡±
Tess yanked her arm away from Max, nodded to Charles, and didn¡¯t even spare Max a second nce.
Charles loaded her suitcase into the trunk, and just like that, the two of them drove off¨Cleaving Max behind in the dust.
He stood there frozen, eyes glued to the shrinking car like he could burn a hole through it with his stare.
When it finally disappeared, he dropped his head, messy bangs falling over his eyes, turning his usually gentle features into something dark and unhinged.
In the backseat, Tess cradled La gently. Meanwhile, Charles hadn¡¯t stopped blushing the entire drive.
i
Through the rearview mirror, he snuck a nce at the baby in her arms. ¡°Ms. Ember, the baby¡ Is she
At the mention of La, Tess¡¯s stern expression softened. She stroked her daughter¡¯s chubby cheek with delicate affection. ¡°My daughter.¡±
Charles¡¯s hands froze on the steering wheel. He¡¯d suspected as much from the way Tess had held the child so protectively, but hearing her say it outright still caught him off guard.
¡°You have a daughter?¡± he murmured, more to himself than to her.
There was a flicker of something indescribable in his voice¨Cbittersweet, maybe.
Tess missed the emotion behind his words. She smiled, a little resigned. ¡°Life doesn¡¯t always go how you expect.¡±
Her voice trailed off like mist in the wind¨Clight and a little tired.
Charles looked away for a moment.
Silence fell over the car. The only sound was Tess¡¯s quiet whispering as she soothed La to sleep.
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Chapter 26 Not Just Kindness
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¡°We¡¯re here.¡±
The car pulled into a narrow, peaceful alleyway. At the end stood a small building with its front yard gate wide open.
¡°It¡¯s an old ce. I hope you don¡¯t mind,¡± Charles said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck as he helped unload her luggage.
Tess quickly shook her head. ¡°Thank you¨Creally for both me and La,
¡°Oh, and please, no need to call me Ms. Ember. Those days are long gone. Just Tess is fine.¡± Latest content published on
Her smile was soft, but Charles could see the sorrow behind it¨Cthe lingering ache of losing a part of her identity.
He pressed his lips together, hesitating for just a beat before nodding.
¡°Okay, Tess.¡±
He stumbled slightly over the new title, but she responded with a smile and a gentle nod.
¡°There are a bunch of empty rooms inside. Feel free to pick whichever one you like, Tess,¡± he said as he tugged her suitcase behind him, clearly morefortable with the second use of the name.
At the door, Charles suddenly stopped and turned to her, his face serious.
¡°Even if you never practicew again, you¡¯ll always be the bestwyer I¡¯ve ever known. You¡¯re still my role model.¡±
He said it without a trace of hesitation, eyes burning with admiration.
Tess nearlyughed at how serious he looked, but more than anything, she was touched.
¡°That means a lot.¡±
After helping her settle in, Charles returned to the office.
4
Only then did Tess learn that, although he had founded his own practice, he still technically worked at Lock Group, rarely visiting and usually staying for only an hour or two in the afternoons.
In his own words, ¡°Lock Group was my first real job. Hard to let go.¡±
Once everything was arranged, Tess finally had a moment to breathe.
La had finished her bottle and fallen asleep, a faint smile on her lips as if dreaming something sweet.
Tess tiptoed to the window, lost in thought.
Charles had called it an ¡°old house,¡± but the lighting inside was perfect¨Csunlight poured into every corner.
She¡¯d chosen a room close to the bathroom, fully furnished and far cozier than her former dorm. The mattress was soft, a far cry from the hard beds she¡¯d grown used to.
Leaning her cheek against her palm, she stared out the window at a tree branch, where two little birds perched on the branch together.
Suddenly remembering something, she reached into her suitcase and pulled out the divorce agreement she¡¯d signed before going to prison.
Not wanting to wake La, she slipped quietly into the living room and spread the papers across the coffee table.
Keepsake 27
Chapter 27 No Looking Back
Chapter 27 No Looking Back
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Her eyesnded on her own signature at the bottom of the page. For a moment, Tess felt herself drift.
If she hadn¡¯t run into Charles by chance, she and La might¡¯ve been sleeping on the streets tonight.
She nced out the window at the sky streaked with red twilight. An image shed in her mind¨Cshe and La wandering helplessly through the city with no clue where to go. Latest content published on FindN0vel
A chill ran through her. She saw herself again that day at Lock Group Private Hospital¨Ccold, broken, alone.
But now, Tess lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
She was going to get Finn to sign those divorce papers.
From this day forward, they¡¯d have nothing to do with each other.
Only by cutting him offpletely could she finally start fresh¨Cget a job, raise La in peace, and live an everyday life.
With Charles¡¯s permission, she used the printer in the apartment and drafted a new copy of the divorce agreement.
She signed her name again.
This time, each stroke was steady, resolute.
But her heart was in a very different ce than it had been a year ago.
Back then, it had also been evening. The rain had poured down as she stood at the vi in Evermount Vi, watching the rain drip off the tree branches outside long after the storm had passed until night fell.
At that time, she still loved Finn¨Cbut the heart that once beat so wildly for him was already worn out.
And now-
She ran her fingers over the bold title=¡°Divorce Agreement.¡± Her gaze was calm, almost empty. Only when she thought of La sleeping in the next room did a flicker of warmth return to her eyes.
It wasn¡¯t that her heart had died. It was that she was finally awake.
¡°Tess!¡±
A knock sounded at the door. She quickly set the divorce agreement back on the coffee table and went to open it.
Thought we should celebrate our little reunion,¡± Charles said, standing there in a sharp suit, cheeks slightly flushed, eyes bright. ¡°Dinner on me¨Cwhat do you say?¡±
She was surprised he¡¯de back so quickly. And even more surprised at the offer.
You¡¯ve already done more than enough by letting us stay here,¡± she said, instinctively trying to decline. ¡°I can¡¯t let you treat us
too.¡±
¡°If we¡¯re keeping score, you were one of the topwyers in the field back then,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°You had the patience to coach me one¨Con¨Cone. I still owe you for those private lessons.¡±
Then he gave her a mock¨Coffended look. ¡°Come on, Tess. You treat me like a stranger now?¡±
His fake pout made her chuckle despite herself.
Seeing that the mood had lightened, Charles pped his hands. ¡°Alright then¨Cit¡¯s settled. Go get La. I¡¯ll bring the car
around¡±
Faced with such direct words, she couldn¡¯t argue further. Her expression softened, and she turned to head toward the bedroom.
2:26 PM
Chapter 27 No Looking Back
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Charles let out a satisfied breath and waited in the living room.
But the moment he sat on the couch, his eyes caught sight of a document on the coffee table.
Curiosity got the better of him. He picked it up¨Cand immediately realized it was a signed divorce agreement.
Just then, Tess came out holding a sleepy La in her arms. Their eyes met.
Charles scratched his nose awkwardly, lifting the paper in his hand. ¡°This is ¡
¡°You¡¯ve really made up your mind?¡± he asked, his eyes scanning the signature again in disbelief.
s
world, the other a titan in business. Their marriage had once
Tess and Finn¨Cthe golden couple. One was a star in the legal been the stuff of headlines.
But those who knew the inside story understood all too well¨CTess¡¯s obsession with Finn and his indifference in return.
She pressed her lips together but didn¡¯t try to hide anything. She nodded openly. ¡°I was the one who wouldn¡¯t let go. But I¡¯ve finally figured things out.¡±
She smiled faintly, her gaze lowering as a soft strand of hair fell
across her cheek.
At that moment, she looked like a wildflower blooming from stone-
-fragile yet defiant.
Charles¡¯s heart skipped a beat. His mind felt like a mess. He quickly lowered his head, trying to hide the expression on his face.
Could a year in prison really change someone this much?
He stole another nce at her.
In his memories, Tess had always been strong but gentle¨Cyet back then, she¡¯d lived in quiet heartbreak over Finn.
She used to shine like the morning sun, but her world had revolved around that one man. Now, the sharp edges were gone. What remained was softness, restraint¨Cand scars.
¡°I¡¯m d you did,¡± he murmured, then quickly changed the subject. ¡°La¡¯s probably hungry. I¡¯ll grab the bottle.¡±
They didn¡¯t linger in the past any longer.
Charles took Tess and La to a newly opened riverside restaurant. La, who had still been half¨Casleep when she got in the car, was now wide awake, her big dark eyes looking around curiously.
When she looked at Charles sitting next to Tess, she seemed to sense his kindness¨Cand gave him a sweet, innocent smile.
It hit something in Charles¡¯s chest.
Raising a kid wasn¡¯t such a bad idea after all.
Tess barely touched her food, as usual. She¡¯d told Charles not to order too much, and in the end, only ate a little.
The table he booked had a window view¨Cright outside was Aetheris¡¯srgestke.
The surface shimmered in the evening light.
Tess set down her knife and fork, drawn in by the breathtaking scene outside.
Charles¡¯s gaze was already fixed on her. It lingered on the faint scar on her cheek, and something tugged painfully in his chest. Even his eyes softened with ache.
Keepsake 28
Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Back then, Tess had told him, smiling so brightly, that being awyer was her greatest passion in life.
But now, she said she hadn¡¯t been awyer for a long time.
What exactly had happened during her time in custody that year?
Charles swallowed hard, suddenly finding the exquisite food in his mouthpletely vorless.
Under the table, his hand slowly clenched into a fist.
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He nced at his phone on the table, then furrowed his brows and said apologetically, ¡°Sorry, Tess, something just came up. An emergency meeting at the office¡ªI have to go.¡±
Tess nodded considerately. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I just finished eating anyway.
What a shame,¡± she added with a soft sigh. ¡°I booked a private screening at Aetheris Cinema, near the office. Can¡¯t get a refund either.
Charles looked at her, a bit torn.
She hesitated, but before she could say anything, he spoke up again.
He nced at his watch. ¡°The meeting shouldn¡¯t take more than an hour. How about this¡ªI¡¯ll take you and La to the theater, and once I¡¯m done, I¡¯lle pick you up.¡±
Tex wasn¡¯t particrly interested in the movie, but when she met his puppy¨Cdog eyes, pleading and warm¡ª
She suddenly understood. This was his way of helping her move on.
¡°Alright
At her response, Charles let out a quiet breath of relief.
He walked them all the way to the theater entrance and handed her two movie tickets.
Be good. La. I wille pick you and Tess up real soon.¡±
He gave La¡¯s little hand a yful rug, then pulled a shawl seemingly out of nowhere and handed it to Tess. ¡°It¡¯s getting chilly tonight. Don¡¯t catch a cold¡±
She did feel a slight breeze and a chill on her arms¡ªso she didn¡¯t argue.
Tess held La tight, then turned and headed into the theater. But Charles didn¡¯t head toward thepany.
He got into the car and drove the other way. His phoney silent beside him¡ªhis work group chat was still muted, and there was no mention of any emergency meeting.
Lock Group Headquarters.
When Charles walked in several employees looked genuinely surprised.
Mr. Jackman? What brings you here at this hour?
Everyone knew that Charles had been promoted back when Tess was in charge. Now that Nadine had taken over as the cbmpany¡¯s lead counsel, there¡¯d been tension between them. Ever since getting approval from Finn, Charles had barely shown up at the office.
¡°Is Mr. Lock still in his office? I¡¯ve got a document that needs his signature.¡±
He held up a fairly thick folder.
He¡¯s still here. Just go right in.¡±
2:26 PM
Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Charles nodded, thanked them, and turned to knock on Finn¡¯s office door.
¡°Come in.¡±
¡°Mr. Lock, this is urgent. I need your signature on this.¡±
Finn looked up, his b
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slightly raised when he saw who it was. ¡°What kind of document needs you to deliver it personally?¡±
His voice was deep, a little hoarse from working long hours.
Sweat beaded in Charles¡¯s palms, sticky and ufortable.
He lowered his head, avoiding Finn¡¯s gaze. ¡°Just
Finn¡¯s eyesnded on the folder.
mered it suddenly. Didn¡¯t want to trouble anyone else.¡±
¡°Leave it. I¡¯ll have Zane take care of it before the end of the day.¡±
¡°It¡¯s kind of urgent,¡± Charles insisted. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here while you sign it¨Cno need to bother Zane.¡±
His behavior raised Finn¡¯s suspicions. He nced at the stack of documents on his desk, his brows tightening.
¡°Just leave it,¡± he said coldly, rubbing his temples.
Charles heard the impatience in his voice and bit his lip. He had
O choice but to leave the office.
But as soon as the door shut behind him, he could hear the pounding of his own heartbeat in his ears.
He¡¯d actually done it. He had secretly slipped Tess¡® finalized divorce to Finn!
Only now did the weight of what he¡¯d done begin to hit him.
jelent into the documents¨Cand handed it straight
But he had no other choice. He had to help Tess¨Cwho once radiated warmth and strength¨Cbreak free from that terrifying man once and for all!
ncing nervously at the closed door, he sat down on the nearby sofa, waiting anxiously.
Knowing Finn¡¯s personality, there¡¯s no way he¡¯d let Tess wander the world freely¨Cespecially not with his child in tow.
That could only mean one thing. Tess had run away. Maybe Finn didn¡¯t even know he had a kid. And clearly, she didn¡¯t want him to find out.
Charles kept running through the possibilities in his head, tightening his grip.
Tess wanted out, away from Finn. Discover more novels at find~novel
And him¨Che had his own reasons, too.
He could only hope Finn wouldn¡¯t notice anything.
Inside the office, Finn paused mid¨Csignature. He nced at the folder that had been set aside.
Charles¡¯s behavior had been off.
He flipped open the so¨Ccalled ¡°urgent documents,¡± giving them a quick scan. They all looked like routine contracts requiring his signature.
His suspicions faded¨Cfor the moment¨Cand he continued signing page after page.
Until the pen halted on a sheet that felt just slightly different under his hand.
He casually pulled it out¨Cand in the next second, his pupils contracted as his eyes locked onto the name at the bottom of the final page.
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Tess.
His expression darkened. Gripping the hard shell of the folder, he scanned the contents of the page from top to bottom..
Chapter 28 A Risk Worth Taking
Keepsake 29
Chapter 29 Following Tess
Chapter 29 Following Tess
¡°The Divorce Agreement.¡±
Finn¡¯s chest tightened suddenly,
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How the hell did Charles end up with a divorce paper Tess had already signed? And why would she even do that on her own?
He kept thinking about how weird Charles had been acting ever since he walked in¨Clike everything had to happen right now.
Finn¡¯s breath hitched. His eyes¨Calready dark¨Clooked even colder now, like all the warmth had been drained out.
So that¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t track her down?
She hadn¡¯t gone back home¡ She¡¯d been with Charles this whole time?
Finn¡¯s eyesnded on the name ¡°Tess,¡± and he just stared, like he was trying to burn right through the page.
Did Charles hand over the divorce papers by ident, or was he purposely trying to fool Finn into signing and going along with the split? /
Or¡ was this actually what Tess wanted?
¡°Zane,¡±
Finn hit the inte button, his tone t and ice¨Ccold.
While waiting on Zane, Finn went ahead and signed every contract Charles had handed over¨Cexcept the divorce one. That spot for his signature stayed empty.
When Zane finally walked in, he saw Finn locked in a cold stare at just one sheet on the desk.
¡°Mr. Lock?¡±
Zane asked quietly.
Snapping out of it, Finn grabbed the divorce paper and signed it without even blinking
Zane leaned in to see better, and the moment he spotted the words ¡°Divorce Agreement, his eyes went wide. ¡°Mr. Lock ¡ is¡.. is this for real?¡± he stammered.
He blinked hard, almost like he didn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. Tess¡¯s name was right there at the end¨Cclear as day.
It wasn¡¯t until Finn quietly slid the paper back into the pile that Zane, quick as ever, noticed the signature.
Finn.
Zane was stunned.
After deciding there was no way his boss had changed his name, Zane nced up and locked eyes with Finn¡¯s nk stare,
A momentter, the two walked out of the office one after the other. Finn handed the stack of papers to Charles with a smirk. ¡°Mr. Jackman, you¡¯re really looking out for your staff. Would¡¯ve been rude of me to keep you waiting
He gave a slight smile, but his eyes stayed cold and empty, like a deep, ck void,
Out of nowhere, a shiver ran down Charles¡¯s arms.
Finn had never been easy to read, but there was something different in his eyes now¨Csomething that made Charles uneasy, maybe even scared.
Whatever calm he had managed to hold ontopletely vanished.
Did Mr. Lock¡ know something?
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Chapter 29 Following Tess
Charles snuck another quick look at Finn, but his face gave away nothing. With no other option, he reached out and took the
papers.
¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now, Mr. Lock.¡±
Charles turned around and started walking away, unaware of the sharp, icy stare Finn shot at his back.
¡°Keep an eye on him.
¡°Track her down.¡±
Charles didn¡¯t realize someone was following him. Once inside his car, he took the divorce agreement out of the pile.
After seeing Finn¡¯s signature, he finally let out a breath of relief.
Holding the papers firmly, Charles drove straight to the old apartment.
The movie was almost over, so he didn¡¯t look at the divorce papers again. Instead, he left them at home and rushed to the theater.
Worried that Charles might wait too long, Tess left early, carrying La in her arms.
¡°Is La getting sleepy?¡±
The baby, wrapped up snugly, had her eyes shut. Charles spoke in a softer tone on purpose.
Tess gave a small smile and nodded, then got into the back seat with La.
The view outside the car slid by in reverse. Neither of them said a word, like it was silently agreed.
Tess slowly turned her head to face the window. The sky was fully dark now, and trees cast faint shadows along the sidewalk.
La felt weightless in her arms. Tess looked down at her bundled baby with a soft, loving gaze.
Since she lowered her head just then, she didn¡¯t catch the intense stareing from a fancy car parked nearby.
Eyes that watched like a predator¨Ccold, possessive, and unblinking.
¡°Mr. Lock, isn¡¯t that ¡ Mrs. Lock?¡±
Zane spoke carefully, sneaking a quick look at Finn¡¯s serious expression through the rearview mirror before looking away. Finn squinted slightly, his eyes locked on Charles¡¯s car until it was out of sight.
At first, he was going to have Zane assign someone to tail them, but on a sudden urge, he decided to ride in the back seat himself.
He needed to see for himself who she was staying with after walking out on him.
Charles?
That clueless attorney she had helped move up the ?
A cold tension came off Finn, sending a shiver through Zane.
¡°Looks like they¡¯re going toward the residential area on the edge of town. Should we keep going?¡±
Zane asked in a low voice, secretly concerned about Tess.
Mrs. Lock was really something else.
After she got out, Mr. Lock had cleared everything just to go get her¨Cbut she never came. Instead, she went to live with another guy and didn¡¯t say a thing.
Then she had someone else drop off the divorce papers for Mr. Lock to sign.
2:27 PM C
Chapter 29 Following Tess palms sweat. He didn¡¯t even have the guts to look Finn in the eye,
¡°Go after them.¡±
The second Finn said it, Zane hit the gas.
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Tess and Charles had no clue they were being followed. When they pulled up in front of the house, the car behind them. quietly stopped a bit farther back, stayingpletely still and unnoticed,
Will Fresh chapters posted on find~novel
Keepsake 30
Chapter 30 What Had She Gone Through?
Chapter 30 What Had She Gone Through?
Tess stepped out of the car with baby La in her arms, her eyes scanning the dim alley with caution.
A car sat hidden in the shadows with its lights off, giving off a strange, creepy feeling.
Her brows pulled together, and she walked faster, holding La closer to her chest.
Something didn¡¯t feel right¨Clike someone was watching her from behind. The feeling made her skin crawl.
When Charles flipped on the light inside the house, he noticed right away how pale Tess looked.
¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked, clearly startled.
Tess kept her lips shut tight, heart racing.
¡°I¡¯m fine, just a little tired.¡±
¡°Then you should rest,¡± Charles replied, gently opening the bedroom door for her.
Trying to push away the unease building inside her, Tess gave him a
nod.
About 30 minutester, the light in her room turned off.
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In the living room, Charles sat with the signed divorce papers in his hands.
Once he was sure she had fallen asleep, he crept quietly to her bedroom and carefully ced the papers on her nightstand.
In the dim light, Charles couldn¡¯t stop himself from looking at Tess as she slept, his eyes filled with eager hope.
La was curled up beside her, sleeping peacefully.
To Charles, this was a gift for both Tess and the baby.
Feeling pleased with himself, he returned to his own room, already imagining her reaction when she woke signed documents.
She¡¯ll be thrilled, he thought.
The house slowly faded into silence and darkness.
But then, a soft click sounded near the front door.
Click!
up
and saw the
A tall figure stepped into the narrow hallway, his presence shrinking the space and weighing it down with tension.
Finn¡¯s sharp eyes took in the modest setup beforending on Tess¡¯s bedroom door, firmly shut.
It looked like any other door, but his intense gaze seemed to slice through it as if he could see straight to the person inside. Now that he was standing here, hesitation crept in.
Was the person I¡¯d been chasing all this time really on the other side of that door?
His leather shoes barely made a sound as he walked, but each step echoed the slow, steady beat of his heart.
The hallway, though short, felt endless.
His hand reached for the doorknob. He turned it gently.
His eyes flicked to the window, where moonlight slipped through the ss.
He remembered watching the darkened window from his car earlier, spotting a faint silhouette behind the curtains.
2:27 PM d
Chapter 30 What Had She Gone Through?
A strange heat had risen in his chest then¨Ctight, overwhelming, and hard to ignore,
Charles had actually been allowed into her room?
Finn didn¡¯t even know what he felt at that moment.
Now, just like Charles, he stood next to Tess¡¯s bed.
He could hear her calm, steady breathing.
At first, Finn didn¡¯t even look at her. His eyes locked on the divorce papers left on the nightstand,
So that¡¯s what Charles had in here for¨Cto leave these?
The thought passed through Finn¡¯s mind, but his gaze hadn¡¯t yet found the woman he¡¯d spent so long looking for. Discover more novels at f?ndnovel
Only now did he realize how loud a person¡¯s breathing could be in total silence,
Atst, his eyes shifted¨Cslowlynding on Tess.
Moonlight touched her face, revealing her soft features. But there, on her cheek, was a scar,
Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed, his pupils shaking with disbelief.
Tess had always been beautiful¨Cso much so, he¡¯d never been able to truly hate her.
But now, that perfect face was marked,
It reminded him of a white gardenia, ruined on purpose¨Csomething beautiful turned heartbreaking.
5 Free Coice
Finn felt like his chest was being crushed, like some invisible force kept pressing harder and harder, each time more painful.
Without realizing it, his fingers began to shake as they hovered near the scar on her cheek.
The rough texture beneath his touch proved it was real, not something fake,
What had she gone through?
Finn looked down at her as she slept, his face a mix of emotions. The fury he¡¯d meant to throw at her was gone without a
trace.
He¡¯d been so caught up staring at Tess that he hadn¡¯t even realized there was baby curled up in her arms.
Finn had always thought of himself as calm and in control, but now he couldn¡¯t even move¨Chis feet felt stuck to the floor.
The baby seemed around five or six months old. Her skin was soft and wless, nothing like the scar on her mother¡¯s face,
But what really stunned him was how much she looked like he did as a baby¨Clike a mirror image,
Ten months carrying the child¡ and now this?
A wild, sudden thought shed through his mind.
His breath turned shaky, his chest rising and falling fast.
Maybe it was the tension in the room, but Tess¡¯s calm expression started to shift in her sleep.
Keepsake 31
Chapter 31 A Nutritious Breakfast
Tess frowned slightly, as if dreaming of something bad.
Finn held his breath.
Suddenly, he met a pair of round, blue eyes.
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The baby had woken up at some point, staring at him wide¨Ceyed, not crying, not fussing.
Almost like she was curious about him.
His heart skipped a beat. The baby began to squirm restlessly.
Noticing the movement, Tess slowly woke, eyes still hazy, and saw her daughter¡¯s aggrieved look.
Maybe it was because the restaurant was too crowded earlier¨CLa had shown no interest in eating and only drank half her milk.
She was probably hungry now.
Tess gently stroked her cheek, then expertly unbuttoned her shirt to nurse her.
Tasting the familiar milk, La narrowed her eyes in contentment.
The bedroom was silent; the only sound was her soft sucking¨Cpeaceful and still.
As if no one had evere here. Except¨Cthe divorce papers by the bed were gone.
Finn didn¡¯t even remember how he got back to the car.
Zane looked at his gloomy expression, concerned. ¡°Mr. Lock, did you see Mrs. Lock? She wouldn¡¯te back with us?¡±
He nced behind him¨Cno one there.
¡°Are there any ces for rent nearby?¡±
Finn suddenly asked.
The question caught Zane off guard, but he quickly nodded. ¡°This neighborhood¡¯s a bit old. A lot of the houses are rented to students and interns from the nearby university.¡±
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Chapter 31 A Nutritious Breakfast
¡°Rent one. Make sure it has a view of this ce.¡±
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Finn pressed his lips together, his gaze unfocused. He stared into the air, lost in thought.
As apetent assistant, Zane knew better than to ask. Though confused, he nodded in
response.
Finn said nothing more, sitting still like a statue, eyes fixed on the dark window.
¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±
Only when Finn rubbed his brow in exhaustion did Lin Bin start the car and drive away.
That night, La was unusually restless. Tess didn¡¯t fall into a deep sleep until thetter half of the night.
The next morning, sunlight poured into the room.
Knock, knock ¡
The bedroom door was knocked. Tess rubbed her
eyes and got up.
Charles stood at the door, smiling brightly, like the little pine tree by the window.
¡°Sleep well?¡±
He blinked, eyes sparkling like stars.
Tess yawned instinctively, then quickly covered her mouth and gave a sheepish smile. ¡°You seem in a good mood.¡±
Her reaction made Charles pause, a trace of doubt shing in his eyes. He nced inside.
The divorce papers that were supposed to be by the bed were gone.
¡°Uh¡ Tess, you didn¡¯t notice anything?¡±
He asked tentatively.
Tess looked at him nkly. ¡°Notice what?¡±
Charles suddenly felt like something was off.
He was sure he¡¯d left the papers therest night. Did they fall to the floor?
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Chapter 31 A Nutritious Breakfast
They couldn¡¯t just vanish, right?
Charles¡¯s strange reaction made Tess alert. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
¡°N¨CNo, nothing. Since you¡¯re up, let¡¯s eat, Tess. I¡¯ve already made breakfast.¡±
He quickly changed the subject.
Just then, La also woke up, waving her chubby little hands in the air and babbling.
¡°She¡¯s probably hungry. I¡¯ll go make her some form.¡±
Charles offered and hurried out. ¡°Tess, freshen up ande quick, or it¡¯ll get cold!¡±
Not long after, Tess came to the table, dressed and holding La.
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Though there were only two people, the table was covered in food¨Csausages, omelets, oatmeal, bread, milk ¡
What a well¨Cbnced and nutritious breakfast.
Tess couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Just the two of us¨Cwhy so much food?¡±
Charles scratched his head, a little embarrassed. ¡°Online it says, even after giving birth, moms still need good nutrition. I don¡¯t know what you like, so I made a bit of everything.¡±
His shy awkwardness almost made Tessugh, but a warmth spread in her chest.
She hadn¡¯t expected that, even in her current state, the intern she once casually advised would care for her like this.
Life really is unpredictable.
She sighed inwardly, biting into the soft omelet. There was a quiet charm to mornings like this.
She made a note to repay Charles¡¯s kindness someday.
SLE
¡°Don¡¯t you have work today?¡±
She asked casually, like an older rtive making small talk.
But as soon as the words left her mouth, her fork froze. She regretted it a little.
He was technically herndlord now¨Cacting like some elder was a bit much.
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§°
Chapter 31 A Nutritious Breakfast
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She inwardly winced, but Charles didn¡¯t seem to mind. He answered easily, ¡°I¡¯m the silent. partner of a privatew firm; I rarely go in. As for Lock Group, I usually just attend a quick meeting in the afternoon.
¡°In the mornings, I either y basketball or cook. The fridge is running low. I need to restockter. Want toe with me, Tess?¡±
Keepsake 32
Chapter 32 The Farmers¡® Market
Tess hesitated, but remembering she also needed to cook, she nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±
She smiled and gently teased La, who was quietly drinking her milk.
Before long, the two of them were walking through the farmers¡® market.
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The vendors¡® shouts mixed with theforting scent of fresh bread and pastries wafting from nearby stalls, filling the air with a cozy, homey charm.
La stared wide¨Ceyed, her mouth slightly open in wonder.
Tess hadn¡¯t expected such a lively street in what seemed like a remote suburb.
Charles noticed the surprise in her eyes and chuckled. ¡°This area¡¯s near the university district. A lot of students rent here. And even though it¡¯s out of the way, the transport¡¯s great. Plenty of young professionals from Aetheris settle here and take the subway into work.¡±
Tess nodded, now understanding.
They stopped by a vegetable stall.
¡°Do you like tomatoes, Tess?¡±
Charles picked up two and yfully waved them in front of her.
Her eyes lit up, and she nodded.
She was a picky eater¨Cno spinach, no bell peppers, no garlic, no onions, no celery.
Back when she lived with her grandmother, the old woman would tug her ear and scold her with augh for being such a picky little thing.
She¡¯d storm off in a huff, and minutester, her grandma would walk out of the kitchen with a te made from fresh tomatoes¨Csweet and tangy¨Cand she¡¯d clean the whole te.
But during that year and a half in prison, she learned to swallow whatever was given, without a word.
Picky eating belonged to the pampered Tess¨Cnot the convicted woman she¡¯d be.
Staring at the two plump, red tomatoes in Charles¡¯s hands, her eyes suddenly went red.
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Chapter 32 The Farmers¡® Market
Charles froze for a second, then fumbled to find a tissue, silently panicking¨CDid I say something wrong?
¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±
Tess sniffled and forced a dry smile.
He paused mid¨Csearch, a little stiff. ¡°Really?¡±
His dumbstruck expression made Tess let out a softugh.
Only then did Charles finally rx, patting his chest. ¡°You scared me.¡±
¡°My grandma used to make all kinds of tomato dishes,¡± Tess suddenly said, eyes fixed somewhere in the air, as if her grandmother stood right in front of her.
Her voice was soft and dazed¨Clike it could vanish with the wind.
So she¡¯s remembering her grandma.
Charles slowed his movements, quietly watching her from the corner of his eye.
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She had her head slightly lowered. A breeze from passing pedestrians lifted a few strands of hair from her forehead, revealing long, flutteringshes that blinked gently¨Cenough to stir something in him.
He remembered her as Tess thewyer¨Cundeniably beautiful. Objectively so.
But after a year apart, everything had changed¨Cher looks, her temperament.
Her once glowingplexion had turned pale, almost bloodless. The eyes that used to brim with hope were now calm, like still water.
Most striking was the scar on her face¨Csomething that should¡¯ve marred her beauty but didn¡¯t. If anything, it gave her depth. A story. It blended with her newfound maternal softness in a way that was oddly captivating.
Charles blinked hard, trying to shake the unfamiliar tightness in his chest.
Then, clearly ovepensating, he turned away. ¡°Missing your grandma, huh? What did she usually cook? I¡¯m not too bad in the kitchen, so maybe I can try to recreate it.¡±
Hearing that, Tess felt a warmth bloom in her chest, but she still shook her head with a smile.
No one could ever replicate Grandma¡¯s cooking.
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Chapter 32 The Farmers¡® Market
¡°What else do we need?¡±
After picking out a few more vegetables, she shifted her gaze back to the produce and changed the subject, tilting her head toward Charles.
s
He quickly gathered himself, rubbing his chin. ¡°Cucumbers? Maybe some fish too. I heard it¡¯s great for postpartum recovery.¡±
They chatted back and forth as they walked. From behind, they looked just like a young couple enjoying a quiet morning shopping together¨Cwarm, peaceful, like a cozy little family of three.
As long as one didn¡¯t notice the faint pink creeping up Charles¡¯s ears.
Up in a nearby apartment, a pair of eyes locked onto their backs, practically burning holes through them.
Finn¡¯s stare was ice¨Ccold. This text is hosted at FindN()vel
Behind his eyes, a storm brewed, dark and twisted, barely restrained, like a restless caged beast, ready to rip through its bars and drag Tess away.
She was supposed to be his wife.
His gaze slowly shifted,nding on Charles¡¯s youthful frame. Danger flickered there.
Down below, Tess rubbed her arm, suddenly feeling a chill.
Up ahead, Charles was carefully picking through the vegetables. Only when both hands were full¨Cbags of fish and produce¨Cdid he finally stop.
¡°Baby rattle! Five bucks each!¡±
Just as they were about to leave, a vendor called out, waving a pink baby rattle in the air.
La giggled and reached out, trying to grab it.
The vendor¡¯s eyes lit up, and he turned to Tess with a grin. ¡°Your baby loves it! Come on, buy her one!¡±
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Chapter 33 Whose Baby?
Hearing that, Tess hesitated. Charles was already reaching for his wallet.
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The vendor watched him happily, fishing out a sealed baby rattle, ready to trade it for cash.
Ring, ring-
Suddenly, Tess¡¯s phone rang in her pocket.
She froze when she saw the caller ID.
It was her mom, Kylie Larson.
La didn¡¯t notice the sudden shift in Tess¡¯s mood. She didn¡¯t even nce at the wrapped toy; she just reached up toward the one in the vendor¡¯s hand.
¡°Sorry!¡±
Tess pulled La close. She looked at Charles, silently asking for help getting home.
Charles agreed right away. La kept staring longingly at the baby¡¯s rattle as they walked off.
The vendor sighed and stuffed the toy back in the bag.
¡°I¡¯ll take that one.¡±
A voice cut in, startling the vendor.
¡°Huh?¡± The vendor blinked at the young man. ¡°I¡¯ve got new ones in the bag.¡±
¡°That one.¡± Th?s chapter is updated by F¦Énd£Îovel
A few secondster, the figure from the loft appeared again, leaning against the window. There was a baby rattle in his hand.
Finn gave
it a gentle shake, his eyes unfocused, staring through the toy.
In his mind, a smiling woman appeared¨Csmart suit, soft features, no scar.
His hand suddenly clenched, nearly snapping the rattle.
He quickly loosened his grip. Seeing it was unharmed, he let out a breath.
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Chapter 33 Whose Baby?
Then he stood there, a little dazed.
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What am I doing? Just because a baby likes this rattle, I suddenly don¡¯t want to break it?
Finn looked up¡ªjust in time to see Tessughing at something Charles said, her eyes soft, smile easy. The way she looked at him had a warmth that pulled one in without even trying.
Those eyes were on Charles. The baby in her arms was staring at him too, blinking wide, curious eyes.
The three of them, side by side, looked just like a family on a grocery run.
Finn¡¯s breath hitched.
His
gaze turned sharp, almost vicious, locking onto Charles¨Cthen slowly shifted to the baby.
That baby¡ looks a lot like him!
The thought almost escaped his lips.
But the next second, doubt rushed in. The baby¡¯s features weren¡¯t fully formed yet.
Tess and I had only crossed the line once¨Cthat night before she went to prison. What are the odds she got pregnant from that?
And knowing how clingy she is, if she had my child, she would¡¯ve begged me from prison¨Cyed the kid card just to get out.
So if it¡¯s not mine¡ whose is it?
Could it be¡ Max¡¯s?
He clenched his fist and shoved the rattle into his pocket. Then he turned and barked at Zane, ¡°Find out whose number that was. And whose baby she¡¯s holding.¡±
As the words left his mouth, Finn yanked the curtain shut, cutting off the view of that man below.
¡°Ms. Ember, your grandma left you a sizable inheritance, Please return home soon to take care of it.¡±
Right after thewyer¡¯s call, Kylie¡¯s number popped up.
¡°You¡¯re out now. Juste home.¡±
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Chapter 33 Whose Baby?
She got straight to the point.
Inside the small building, Tess paused, phone in hand.
The silence on the other end made Kylie feel something was off.
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She nced at the screen, saw the call was still active, and snapped, ¡°Tess, are you listening to me?¡±
¡°Heh.¡±
Tess pressed her lips together and let out a faint response.
Kylie frowned, voice rising. ¡°What kind of attitude is that? Your grandma¡¯s deathst everything to do with you! The memorial¡¯s in a few days¨Cyou¡¯d bettere back!¡±
Hearing the familiar scolding, Tess¡¯s chest tightened. Her fingers curled, then slowly loosened.
Yeah. That sounds more like her.
For a second, she¡¯d wondered if a ghost had taken over.
Her thoughts churned, looping back to a quiet, t voice. ¡°I¡¯lle back.¡±
year had
¡°As soon as possible,¡± Kylie added, as if she didn¡¯t notice the coldness in Tess¡¯s voice. ¡°And what are you doing hiding out there anyway? I heard Finn¡¯s looking for you. Shouldn¡¯t you go settle your marriage with him already?¡±
Tess stayed silent, just listening to theints pour out.
All these years, only one person had ever pushed her to get divorced¨CKylie.
She used to wonder why.
Now she knew. All those words-¡°You won¡¯t be happy with Finn. You deserve someone who truly loves you¡°-were lies. Every one of them.
Funny how she used to believe Kylie still cared. But a year in prison had made things clear. What Kylie wanted was simple: for Tess to step aside so Nadine could take her ce.
She hung up after one dry line. ¡°I¡¯ll go¨Cfor Grandma.¡±
To Kylie, that was no different than a p in the face.
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Chapter 34 Go Back Home
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She mmed the phone onto the couch. ¡°What, is she rebelling now? She doesn¡¯t even bother to talk properly!¡±
Hearing that, Nadine, sitting nearby, gently massaged her shoulders. ¡°She was in prison for a year. It¡¯s normal for her to hold some resentment. Mom, don¡¯t stoop to her level.¡±
¡°Resentment?¡±
Kylie let out a coldugh. ¡°What right does she have to resent anyone? I¡¯m her mother!¡±
Right after saying that, Nadine pressed on a spot near her neck, and she shifted ufortably.
She didn¡¯t think much of it and quickly asked, ¡°Is Tessing back?¡±
Kylie snorted. ¡°It¡¯s her grandma¡¯s memorial. If she doesn¡¯te back, that¡¯s just being unfilial.¡±
Meanwhile, Tess had already packed her suitcase. But now she was stuck on what to do with La.
When Charles heard she was heading home for the memorial, he offered to hire a nanny for a few days, but she refused.
That day, she took La in her arms and caught a cab back to the staff dorm where she used to stay as a cleaner.
¡°Hi, I¡¯m looking for Bessie.¡±
¡°Looking for Bessie? What for?¡±
Tess tapped a woman sitting in the corner chewing bubble gum. The woman brushed her hand away, clearly annoyed.
Then a baby¡¯s babbling broke the silence. The woman looked up¨Cright into Tess¡¯s smiling
eyes.
¡°Hey! Tess! What are you doing here? Looking for Bessie, yeah? I¡¯ll drag her out right now!¡±
Her attitude changed instantly. She jumped up, gave La¡¯s chubby cheek a squeeze, went off to find Bessie, grinning wide as she went.
and
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Chapter 34 Go Back Home
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Momentster, not just Bessie, but a few other women who¡¯d seen her off before came running too, all excited to greet her.
Tess found the scene amusing¨Cand oddly heartwarming.
She felt at ease handing La to the group of women and followed Bessie to a quiet corner.
¡°Bessie, I might need to go back home for a few days. I can¡¯t bring the baby with me. I was hoping you could watch her.¡±
Bessie¡¯s kindness came purely from her own warmth and good heart¨Cmaybe also a sense of shared understanding, woman to woman, mother to mother.
Compared to Charles and that so¨Ccalled ¡°nanny,¡± Tess trusted this honest woman more.
¡°No problem. Leave her with me. Juste pick her up when you¡¯re back.¡±
Bessie agreed without hesitation.
Tess finally felt relieved. Before leaving, she chatted a bit with the other women.
La nestled quietly in Bessie¡¯s arms, not crying or fussing at all.
Tess handed over a milk bottle, spare clothes, and other things, then left and got on amuter bus.
She dropped in two coins.
Her bank card had been frozen again. The wages from her sanitation job were still in there, but she couldn¡¯t withdraw a cent.
Leaning against the window, she watched the trees slide backward outside, a shadow of worry in her eyes.
Once she got back from this trip, she had to find another job¨Cfast.
Maybe it was just in her head, but the moment she stepped off the bus, the clouds thickened, and the sky turned heavy and gray.
Then the drizzle started.
Cold rain hit her forehead and ears. She sucked in a breath and hurried toward the vi.
Thump, thump-
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Chapter 34 Go Back Home
She knocked on the door and brushed back her wet bangs.
They stuck to her forehead¨Csticky and warm.
She knocked again. And again. Still no answer.
Did they go to Grandma¡¯s grave without me? Didn¡¯t even wait?
Anger red in Tess¡¯s chest. She called Kylie.
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But the call was hung up without a word. A momentter, the door¨Cshut for so long¨Cfinally opened from the inside.
Tess froze. Her anger suddenly had nowhere to go and twisted into confusion. ¡°You were in. there? Why didn¡¯t you open the door?¡±
¡°A convict like you expects me to invite you in? What¡¯s wrong with waiting a bit longer? Didn¡¯t learn your lesson in prison?¡±
Kylie shot her a cold nce and turned away.
The attitude hit Tess like a p.
She realized that Kylie did it on purpose.
Standing at the doorway, soaked and chilled from the rain, she happened to meet Nadine¡¯s gaze from the couch inside¨Cwarm, cozy, and staring right at her.
A shiver ran through Tess. She didn¡¯t know if it was the rain or the cold creeping into her heart.
But shouldn¡¯t she be used to it by now?
She gave herself a bitter smile, bit down on her trembling lip, and walked in without a word.
The moment she stepped inside, the warmth and sweet scent of the house wrapped around her.
Nadine sat on the couch, dressed in designer clothes, casting nces full of mockery and
scorn.
One looked like the picture of a happy, well¨Cloved daughter. The other¨Clike a stray dog tossed a bone by the family.
Anyone watching would think Nadine was the real daughter.
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Tess said nothing. She ignored Nadine¡¯s gaze, kept her face nk, and walked straight toward her room.
¡°Hey, Tess, Mom turned your room into a walk¨Cin closet. You¡¯re barely ever here anyway. Use the storage room down the hall for now.¡±
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Chapter 35 If Only
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Nadine spoke at the right moment. After that, she propped her chin up, watching Tess¡¯s reaction with interest.
As expected, Tess froze in ce.
There was only one spare room in the house, a storage room packed with junk.
Kylie nced over, a flicker of difort in her eyes, but still said, ¡°It¡¯s just sleep, isn¡¯t it? Doesn¡¯t matter where. It¡¯s only a few days¨Cnot like you¡¯re royalty.¡±
Tess¡¯s grip on her suitcase handle tightened.
Again.
She was the real daughter.
¤Ã
But ever since they were kids, if Nadine wanted something¨Ceven if she begged to keep it- Kylie would rip it straight from her hands without a word.
Tess used to cry, confused, clinging to Kylie¡¯s sleeve and asking why.
All she got was a cold look from above.
¡°Nadine wants it, so give it to her, You¡¯re the sister. How did I raise someone so petty?¡±
That was what Kylie said. Always.
Tess¡¯s limbs went weak. She felt hollow.
She didn¡¯t even have the strength to fight like she used to.
Without hesitation, Tess went to the storage room.
Not seeing the usual anger or shock on her face, Nadine shrugged in disappointment and looked away.
Kylie stared nkly at Tess¡¯s back until she closed the door.
¡°Mom, is Tess mad at me?¡± Nadine picked up on Kylie¡¯s mood right away. She quickly threw on a guilty, pitiful face and wrapped herself around Kylie¡¯s arm.
Hearing that, Kylie raised a brow and mmed her palm on the coffee table. ¡°Mad at you?
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Sounds like she¡¯s getting too bold!¡±
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Then she gently ruffled Nadine¡¯s hair with a soft smile. ¡°You always think about others first. That¡¯s why you get taken advantage of.¡±
¡°As long as I have you, I won¡¯t,¡± Nadine said sweetly, snuggling into Kylie¡¯s arms.
Her words made Kylie beam with joy.
The twoughed together, filling the living room with warmth.
But inside the storage room, the air was thick and heavy.
It was worse than Tess remembered,
Since she left, the clutter had only grown. There wasn¡¯t even space to stand.
The bed in the center had arge crack running through it and was piled high with old nkets and clothes.
The windows hadn¡¯t been opened in ages. The air reeked of damp mold.
As Nadine¡¯s whiny voice leaked through the door, Tess let out augh mixed with mockery.
But her eyes were cold¨Cfull of mockery.
She didn¡¯t ask why anymore¨Cwhy Kylie yed favorites or why she was always the one left
out.
She used to think her heart was like a dried¨Cup river, desperate for love. But even in her numbness, the sting was still there, sharp and real.
She still cared.
But caring didn¡¯t matter. Her grandma was gone. The only one who gave her love. Now she was just a fish¨Cforced to swim alone in a rushing stream.
Tess blinked away the sadness and quickly cleared off the bed.
Maybe it was the rain earlier, but that night, she came down with a low fever.
Her mind was filled with memories of her grandmother holding her, calling her ¡°sweetheart,¡± and whispering soft words tofort her.
In her fever dream, she clung to it, small and pitiful¨Ctasting a piece of sweetness she hadn¡¯t
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Chapter 35 If Only
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¡°Grandma ¡ it hurts¡¡± she murmured, tilting her head as if begging for her grandmother¡¯s warm touch to soothe her.
But the darkness never lifted.
She woke up. It was only a dream.
Tess slowly opened her eyes, dazed. Her stomach growled from the cold air.
She had cracked the window open earlier for air.
The heat had hit her hard. She¡¯d cked out in a blink.
She touched her forehead. Burning hot.
Her whole body felt weak, and she stared nkly at the ceiling.
If only I could die in my dream.
No harsh life. No endless cold stares and me. Just a little girl, happy and safe in Grandma¡¯s arms.
Lost in thought, she didn¡¯t even notice the tears silently sliding down her face.
Until a soft little face appeared in her blurry vision.
La.
Right¨Cshe still had La.
If she died, what would happen to her?
Without a mother, La would be bullied too, just like her.
Tess bit down hard and pushed herself up with her arms.
She couldn¡¯t fall. She had to go back. She had to raise La.
She wouldn¡¯t let La go through the same pain.
Clenching her teeth, she got up, went to the bathroom, soaked a towel in cold water, andid it across her forehead.
She went back and forth all night. Her fever finally broke just before dawn.
Chapter 35 If Only
Bang, bang!
The door to the storage room was pounded on early in the morning.
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Tess had barely fallen asleep. The noise yanked her awake. Her body felt like a soaked sponge -weak but unbearably heavy.
She stumbled to the door. When Kylie saw Tess¡¯s ghost¨Cwhite face, she flinched in shock.
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Chapter 36 Grandma¡¯s Death Anniversary
Keepsake 36
Chapter 36 Grandma¡¯s Death Anniversary
Chapter 36 Grandma¡¯s Death Anniversary
¡°Are you tired of living?¡±
She¡¯d been holding back for too long and finally snapped.
Tess gave her a cold stare before reaching over to close the door.
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But Kylie stormed in, furious. ¡°Are your ears broken? Can¡¯t you hear me talking to you?!¡±
¡°What do you want?¡±
Tess¡¯s voice came out scratchy, and even that short sentence made her throat sting.
Kylie narrowed her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡±
Tess didn¡¯t respond. Her gaze was t and lifeless, giving Kylie chills. She kept staring without blinking.
Kylie felt awkward, like she¡¯d made a fool of herself. Scowling, she flicked her wrist in frustration. ¡°Today is the anniversary of your grandma¡¯s passing!¡±
Then she stomped away, and something inside Tesspletely copsed.
She only found out her grandmother had died soon after she med her.
got locked up. Everyone
Gillian Larson¡¯s health was too weak to handle such heartbreak. No one saw iting¨Cthat the granddaughter she adored would get arrested for something so disgraceful.
Tess tasted blood in her mouth, then realized she¡¯d bitten her tongue.
She lowered her head, her chest aching with sorrow.
She turned and changed into a simple ck dress, then walked to the memorial room.
Inside, her grandmother¡¯s photo had been set up.
Tess looked at that familiar, gentle face andpletely broke down. It felt like someone had driven a de into her chest and twisted it hard.
Losing her grandma had been pure agony.
It wasn¡¯t until she saw that ck¨Cand¨Cwhite picture that the truth sank in¨Cshe really was
Chapter 36 Grandma¡¯s Death Anniversary
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alone now.
¡°Tess, if you hadn¡¯t been so foolish back then, would Grandma still be alive?¡±
Nadine¡¯s voice echoed behind her, sharp with sarcasm as she stood a short distance away.
Tess¡¯s eyes burned red. She shot a deadly re at Nadine, shaking with rage.
Others might not know what really happened, but she was sure Nadine did.
Tess had been framed, and Nadine never said a word to defend her. She let their grandmother pass away with a broken heart.
She was the one who ruined everything.
That thought hit Tess like ice water
¡°You did this on purpose? Why? What did I ever do to deserve that?¡±
Tess exploded, rushing forward and grabbing Nadine by the cor.
She looked wild and dangerous, like a starved beast, her bloodshot eyes sharp against her pale skin.
Nadine didn¡¯t move, frozen as Tess pulled at her shirt.
Her eyes widened in shock¨Cshe couldn¡¯t believe this was the same proud, distant Tess.
Tess¡¯s jaw tightened. She looked like she wanted to tear Nadine apart.
But then she stopped. Her grip loosened, and she stumbled back, drained and hopeless.
She shut her eyes, unable to stop the pain pouring out.
Her grandmother was gone.
And hurting Nadine wouldn¡¯t bring her back.
She still had La. If shended in prison again for attacking someone, La would have no
one.
Nadine deserved punishment. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN0vel
But La couldn¡¯t lose her mother.
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Nadine gasped for breath, her hand on her neck, stepping back in fear. She sucked in air but still managed to smirk.
¡°Tess, you never should¡¯ve been born.¡±
Tessughed, a cold, bitter sound.
All the love she¡¯d given this person¨Cit had all been for nothing.
Her face was nk as she turned away and headed back toward the memorial room. She moved like a breeze¨Cweightless, hollow, drifting into the air like she was barely real.
Nadine watched her leave, something unreadable in her eyes.
She really wasn¡¯t the same anymore.
¡°Where¡¯s Nadine?¡±
Tess had just returned to the memorial room when Kylie looked past her, clearly searching for someone else.
Tess kept quiet and stood in front of the portrait.
Kylie frowned, annoyed. ¡°What¡¯s with the attitude?¡± But then her gaze stopped on Tess¡¯s back, and something in her wavered.
Why did she look so thin?
Then it clicked¨CTess had looked like that since she got back.
So what if she¡¯d been in prison for a year? That wasn¡¯t an excuse to act like the world was ending.
When it came down to it, Nadine was the more thoughtful one. Compared to Tess¡¯s cold and stubborn nature, she often wished Nadine were her real daughter.
Kylie looked away, pushing that thought down.
The memorial room waspletely still. Tess lit a candle gently, then held the rosary and prayed in front of her grandmother¡¯s photo, her heart full of respect.
She thought sorrow would flood her, but instead, a strange calm washed over her.
She lowered her head and bowed deeply.
I¡¯m so sorry, Grandma. You went through all that pain because of me, and I wasn¡¯t even there when you
Chapter 36 Grandma¡¯s Death Anniversary
needed me most.
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Nadine finally gathered herself and walked in just as Tess raised her head after praying.
¡°Tess, your grandmother left you something in her will,¡± Kylie suddenly said.
Tess didn¡¯t move, waiting quietly for her to continue.
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Chapter 37 Done Giving In
¡°Mom already made up her mind. The money¡¯s being transferred to Nadine for her wedding.¡±
The second those words came out, the rosary¡¯s string in Tess¡¯s fingers snapped.
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She stared at the scattering beads in shock, like her grandmother had just sent her a warning from beyond the grave.
Tess remembered it well¨Cgrowing up, Nadine always got her way.
Now, even Grandma¡¯s inheritance is being handed over to Nadine?
Absolutely not. If Grandma were still alive, she¡¯d never allow that!
¡°I don¡¯t agree with this.¡±
¡°What did you just say?¡±
Kylie looked at Tess, stunned by the sudden pushback. Still, it was arge amount of money.
A cold, smug smirk formed on her face. She raised her voice and waved her hand dramatically. ¡°That¡¯s not your call. I¡¯m your mother!¡±
Nadine¡¯s eyes lit up as she waited, eager to see Tess¡¯s reaction.
That¡¯s when it hit her¨CKylie had nned to give her the inheritance.
She was ready for Tess to beg.
With her husband Finn and her mother backing her up, Tess wasn¡¯t that starwyer anymore -just an ex¨Ccon who had barely gotten out.
She had no power left.
Once Nadine realized this, she gave Tess a proud, smug look.
But Tess didn¡¯t even nce her way. She ced the broken rosary on the table, turned to face Kylie, and met her eyes. ¡°Grandma left that to me. And even if someone else had to receive it, it shouldn¡¯t go to an adopted daughter who¡¯s not even part of our bloodline. I¡¯m done giving in. What belongs to me stays with me.¡±
Her voice was calm, but every word was strong and clear.
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Kylie hesitated, suddenly unsure who she was looking at. Then her anger red. ¡°I¡¯m mother!¡±
your
Tess replied with a quiet scoff. ¡°Then you should remember¨CI¡¯m your biological daughter.¡±
Her face was still pale, but the smirk she gave was filled with scorn.
Kylie stood there, frozen in ce.
¡°Tess¡
do you me me?¡±
Nadine¡¯s soft, trembling voice broke the silence in the room.
Tess turned her head.
Tears streamed down Nadine¡¯s cheeks, making her look weak and pitiful.
She acted like Tess¡¯s words hadpletely crushed her. Her crying grew louder, her shoulders shaking. ¡°It¡¯s all because of me. If my mom hadn¡¯t done so much for Kylie ¡ I wouldn¡¯t have taken her attention and care away from you.¡±
Same old trick¨Cdigging up the past to guilt¨Ctrip everyone.
Her sobs got worse, and her eyes turned red and puffy.
Kylie¡¯s brief moment of calm disappeared, and she threw another angry re at Tess. ¡°Nadine¡¯s mother saved my life. You¡¯re my child¨Ccan¡¯t you just let Nadine have this?¡±
¡°All these years, have you forgotten?¡±
Forgotten who your actual daughter is.
You treated me like I didn¡¯t matter and acted like she was your everything.
¡°If you owe someone your life, pay it off yourself. Don¡¯t drag me into it.¡±
Tess didn¡¯t stop or look back.
Her cold words lingered, drifting in the air and settling heavy on Kylie¡¯s chest.
Something inside her snapped. She stared at Tess¡¯s back and screamed, ¡°I¡¯m your mother! You¡¯ll give it whether you want to or not!¡±
Tess paused for half a second, then walked away even faster.
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Nadine peeked out from behind Kylie, watching Tess walk off with a strange look in her eyes.
As Tess stepped into the living room, she noticed a well¨Cdressedwyer waiting at the front door.
He looked like he¡¯d just shown up. The maid, who clearly had been expecting him, weed him politely.
Tess frowned and pushed the door
open.
Her sudden entrance startled the maid and thewyer.
¡°M¨CMs. Tess.¡±
The maid stood up quickly and bowed nervously. The source of th?s content is find?novel
Tess¡¯s gaze sharpened. She gently pushed the maid aside.
¡°Ms. Tess!¡±
The maid panicked and tried to block the table again, but Tess calmly pushed her back by the shoulder. Her expression shifted¨Cshe knew something was off.
Then her eyesnded on what was behind the maid.
There it was¨Ca thick will sitting right there on the table.
Her fingers trembled slightly.
It was¡ her grandmother¡¯s will.
She saw her grandmother¡¯s signature clearly written on the page.
Her breathing sped up as she reached out to touch it.
¡°Tess! Put that down this instant!¡±
Kylie suddenly rushed in and pped her hand aside.
A bright red mark formed on Tess¡¯s pale arm.
Her arm shook as she caught a silent exchange between Kylie and the maid.
Kylie looked frustrated, and the maid seemed conflicted.
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Chapter 37 Done Giving In
Finally, thewyer stepped forward, breaking the tension in the room.
He nodded and introduced himself. ¡°Mrs. Ember, I was thewyer present when thete Mrs. Larson created her will. My name is Bemy Keefe. I heard Ms. Tess is back, so I¡¯m here to make the official transfer.¡±
He held up the will and began reading in a clear tone, ¡°The estate includes this old house, shares and money from thepany, plus jewelry and valuables. As written, all items are to be passed down to her granddaughter, Tess.¡±
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Chapter 38 The Will
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¡°This letter is from thete Mrs. Larson, meant for you, Ms. Tess. She had been putting aside these assets for your wedding for years. In fact, the items in her will are worth even more than what¡¯s listed in the letter.¡±
Bemy reached into his jacket, pulled out a brown envelope, and passed it to Tess.
The rough paper brushed against her rough fingertips, and for the first time in a long while, emotion broke through Tess¡¯s hardened heart.
She stared down, her grip tightening around the envelope.
A letter from Grandma ¡ She had been nning this all along.
Tess thought she had nothing left to feel¨Cbut just touching that letter made her eyes fill with tears, silently turning red.
Bemy¡¯s voice was clear, and Nadine, who stood nearby, couldn¡¯t believe her ears.
That old woman actually gave Tess all that? Not just cash and shares, but this house too?
Was Tess about to kick them all out?
Nadine¡¯s hands balled into fists inside her sleeves, her jaw clenched tightly.
Sure, she wasn¡¯t rted by blood, but she had grown up in the Embers. That old woman had never liked her, but to leave her absolutely nothing?
Kylie, however, didn¡¯t look shocked. She had always known how deeply her mother cared for Tess.
But when she saw the tears welling up in Nadine¡¯s eyes, her heart gave a jolt.
¡°This isn¡¯t happening.¡±
She suddenly cut in, facing Bemy. ¡°I¡¯m her actual daughter, her flesh and blood. I refuse to ept this will.¡±
¡°Pardon me?¡±
Bemy closed the document and gave Kylie a calm but firm look.
¡°These properties were already registered under the Embers. Since I¡¯m the current head of
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the family, I have the final say. I won¡¯t agree that this inheritance is going to Tess. It should be given to my younger daughter, Nadine.¡±
As soon as she said that, a strange expression flickered across Bemy¡¯s face. He turned to Tess, curiosity in his eyes.
He¡¯d been Gillian¡¯swyer long enough to know the family well. Henry Ember had joined the Larsons through marriage, gained her trust, and slowly taken over their holdings. Later, many of the Larsons¡® assets were gradually renamed to the Embers over the years, including theirpany.
And to his knowledge, Tess was Kylie¡¯s biological child. So why would she leave her real daughter with nothing in favor of someone adopted?
Tess caught the look in thewyer¡¯s eyes¨Cand the hint of pity behind it.
She pressed her lips into a tight line.
¡°I object too. If Grandma left this for me, I¡¯m not handing over a single thing.¡±
Bemy gave Kylie a regretful nce and shook his head. ¡°Mrs. Ember, the will clearly states Ms. Tess as the legal heir. Unless she gives permission, nothing can be changed.¡± Checktest chapters at find(?)ovel
The room wentpletely still.
Nadine stared at thewyer¡¯s back, panic spreading across her face. ¡°So, everything belonging to the Embers is going to Tess now? Why? She even served time in jail!¡°.
Kylie¡¯s face darkened with anger. She red at Tess. ¡°You¡¯re really refusing? Who do think you are?
you
¡°Your grandma was doing just fine until you ruined everything. She cried herself to sleep night after night because of you, and that¡¯s what made her ill! Where were you when she was dying? Where were you when she died without peace?¡±
Tess bit down hard, but her hands were still shaking.
Those words stabbed straight into her chest.
It was clear they were blood¨Crted¨CKylie knew exactly how to hurt her most.
A bitter smirk crept across Tess¡¯s face, and the taste of blood rose in her mouth.
¡°And you still have the nerve to im her things?¡±
Chapter 38 The Will
Smack-
The p echoed loudly and sharply through the air.
Time froze.
Tess held her cheek, her face turned to the side from the blow.
The metallic vor grew stronger in her mouth.
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She had dealt with her mother¡¯s favoritism for years, but being hit like that, in front of everyone, still made her chest burn.
She slowly lifted her head and red at Kylie, her eyes cold.
¡°Don¡¯t you know who¡¯s responsible for everything?¡±
Her voice was sharp, and sarcasm filled the room.
She had spent a whole year in prison, and she was innocent.
¡°Wasn¡¯t Nadine the one who framed me?¡±
Her voice was soft, like a breeze drifting past.
Kylie¡¯s face showed a sh of guilt.
Back then, Tess had turned to her for help. But it was Nadine who took the files¨Cand then¡
Kylie¡¯s eyes shifted ufortably.
She had always known what caused the leak, but ¡
¡°I¡¯m still your mother! And Nadine didn¡¯t mean it. You¡¯re strong¨Cwhy couldn¡¯t you just help her?¡±
¡°Help her? You mean take the me?
¡°If you care about her so much, why didn¡¯t you go to prison in her ce? When you lied in court, did
you remember you were awyer? Did
you were awyer? Did you remember you were my mom?¡±
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Kylie¡¯s face turned bright red. Even though she knew she had messed Tess up, she still tried to argue back.
¡°What¡¯s done is done. Besides, you¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t keep your files safe. You left them at my ce and didn¡¯t even bother to take them home. So it¡¯s not all your sister¡¯s fault they disappeared.¡±
She pulled Nadine close like a shield and shot Tess a cold re.
Tess stepped back. ¡°What did you just say?
¡°Want me to remind you? You told me to lock the files in your safe and said you¡¯d hold onto them for me. You told me¡
¡°Tess, only you and Mom know the code. Our families are basically one now, and I¡¯ve been the Locks¡®wyer for years. Even if Finn finds out, he won¡¯t care. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡¯
¡°Once I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll give them back. Mom¡¯s been awyer forever¨Cshe knows leaks are dangerous better than anyone. Can¡¯t you just trust her this once?¡°¡±
That was the only slip¨Cup Tess ever made in her whole career.
And it was the one thing that dragged her straight into the worst nightmare of her life.
Her real mistake? She trusted her own mom. Just once.
Their weird back¨Cand¨Cforth confused Bemy so much that he did not know where to look.
It felt like he had just heard a huge family secret by ident.
He shrank into himself, wishing he could vanish on the spot.
Kylie turned away as if nothing happened. ¡°A will needs two witnesses, right? But you¡¯re the only one here, Bemy. Besides Tess, who else can prove this will is real?¡°.
Tess¡¯s hands twitched as her heart hammered in her chest.
Tess¡¯s mom was awyer, and before she ever married into the Embers, she was already well- known in legal circles. Back then, she was also making waves in politics and caught a lot of attention. So when people heard Kylie was her daughter, they were not surprised for long- they just nodded like it all made sense.
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Chapter 39 I Was There When She Died
People always said the same thing.
¡°Of course, she¡¯s this good. She takes after her mom¡¯s amazing talent.¡±
Even if her mom always liked her sister more, Tess was still her kid too. Every time she thought about it, she felt a weird mix of pride and hope.
She had only been awyer for three years when she cracked some big cases that left all of Aetheris stunned. The veteranwyers would not stop praising her as a born genius.
Sometimes she used to wonder¨Cif her mom knew, would she be proud?
Yet, deep down, she always knew the answer was no.
Her mom, who should have understood better than anyone how hard she had worked, never once acknowledged it. Instead, she poured all her love into Nadine, who had barely scraped by with a simple thesis.
And it had always been like that. Even now.
Tess had already given up hope.
She stopped living for anyone¡¯s approval anymore¨Conly for her daughter, La.
She blinked, forcing herself to ept that her mother¡¯s years of legal skills were now turned against her.
Bemy looked like he was about to break out in a cold sweat, the will in his hands suddenly feeling like a ticking bomb.
He was an old¨Cschoolwyer with a pretty solid reputation, but now he was stuck between three people: a retired legal powerhouse, an ex¨Cprodigy who had once made headlines, and the Lock Group¡¯s starwyer.
Sweat dripped down his temples,
¡°Uh¡¡±
¡°If yo
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can¡¯t back it up, Bemy, then this will is worthless,¡± Kylie cut in sharply.
Bemy took a deep breath. ¡°When Mrs. Larson wrote this will, I really was the only one there. But it was special circumstances. She was on her deathbed. By the time the notary came, she was already gone¡
¡±
¡°So who knows if you and Tess faked it together? Maybe she forged it herself. Or maybe she
Chapter 39 I Was There When She Died
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was losing her mind and it doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± Nadine added, folding her arms and throwing Tess a smug look.
Tess¡¯s fists tightened.
¡°Since there¡¯s this much doubt, I can¡¯t move forward. The inheritance transfer will have to wait.¡±
Bemy sighed.
He was already regretting stepping foot/in this mess.
He wiped his brow, shut the file, and decided to bow out for now.
It was not exactly what Kylie wanted, but at least it bought her time toe up with her next
move.
She nodded.
Bemy jumped on the chance to escape. ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch,¡± he said, then bolted out like he could not wait to wash his hands of this mess.
Nadine stepped up right behind Tess, leaning in so close Tess could feel her breath on her neck.
¡°You¡¯re not getting a single cent of that old hag¡¯s money,¡± she hissed.
Tess¡¯s face stayed like stone.
Nadine smirked. ¡°I was there when she died, you know.¡±
That one line cracked Tess¡¯s frozen expression for the first time.
So Nadine had heard the will and could confirm it.
Yet, she would never do it.
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Seeing Tess¡¯s reaction, Nadine¡¯s eyes gleamed like she¡¯d found Tess¡¯sst weak spot. ¡°I was standing right outside the door. Even when she was about to croak, she still called Too bad you were rotting in jail then, huh? She spoiled you your whole life¨Cso what? Everything she left behind still goes to me.¡±
Tess¡¯s walls finally buckled. Her chest rose and fell fast, her eyes no longer ice but fire that was about to explode. She was shaking with rage, barely holding it in.
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¡°You didn¡¯t see it yourself, did you? Otherwise, I¡¯d love to remind you how she looked then. So proud all her life¨Cyet at the end, she was just an old mutt choking for breath, mouth wide open. It was hrious ¡
¡°Nadine!¡±
Tess¡¯s eyes went red. She raised her hand, ready to p Nadine across the face.
How dare she say that? How could she?
On the other side of the room, Kylie was busy telling Bemy¡¯s assistant to walk him out. She could not catch every word, but when she saw Tess¡¯s hand shoot up, her temples tightened in rm. She was too far away to stop it. ¡°What are you doing? Nadine, move!¡±
A sharp gust from Tess¡¯s swing blew Nadine¡¯s hair across her cheeks, draining the color from her face.
She only meant to push Tess¡¯s buttons. She never thought Tess would really hit her!
Nadine squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the p that nevernded.
Instead, she felt a chill by her side.
She peeked and saw Tess¡¯s hand frozen in midair, locked in a grip.
Wrapped around that wrist¨Can unmistakable, exclusive Rolex.
Tess looked up and her breath caught.
¡°Finn?¡± she whispered.
¡°Out of prison for a year and you still haven¡¯t learned your lesson.¡±
His voice was low and cold, full of authority that made the air feel heavy.
Finn stood tall and broad, his shadow falling over Tess like a storm cloud.
His
eyes, sharp as des, swept over her like they could cut right through. Her blood went cold.
His breath was so close above her head, carrying that same icy edge she would never forget.
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Chapter 40 It Was Not About Her p
It dragged her right back to that day, the garden covered in falling crabapple petals, when she was dragged away in handcuffs. He did not even look at her when he said, ¡°Maximum
sentence.¡±
Under her sleeves, Tess¡¯s hands curled into fists so tight her nails dug into her palms.
This was the first time she had looked Finn in the eyes since getting out.
¡°What¡¯s wrong? Prison knock the fight out of you?¡±
Her silence somehow made Finn even more annoyed, his tone dropping to an icy low.
However, before he could finish ¡
Smack!
Tess¡¯s head jerked to the side, her pupils shrinking in disbelief.
Finn had caught her hand to stop her from pping Nadine¨Conly to let Nadine p her instead.
The red mark Kylie had left on her cheek was still there, and now another one bloomed right next to it.
All Tess could see was the flicker of surprise in Finn¡¯s dark eyes as he turned sharply toward Nadine.
However, Nadine just slipped behind him, peeking out with a smug little grin before her face turned pale and innocent again.
This was her husband¨CFinn.
Her mother¡¯s love is never fair, and now, even the man Tess had loved for years, her own husband, did not stand up for her,
They all ganged up on her, tearing her apart bit by bit, waiting to watch her break.
Her ears buzzed, her whole body stiff as Finn¡¯s cold grip sank into her bones.
Then Nadine pulled her usual act, pretending like she had just realized what she had done. ¡°Oh! Tess! I was just so scared. You tried to hit me, so I put my hand up to block you. I didn¡¯t know Finn would be here. That¡¯s why I panicked and hit you by ident. Tess, does it hurt?¡±
She turned those watery eyes on Finn, her voice all sweet and trembling. ¡°Finn, please help me out, okay? I don¡¯t know why Tess tried to p me. If she wants to, I¡¯ll let her. I didn¡¯t mean
Chapter 40 It Was Not About Her p
to hit her back, I swear!¡±
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She pretended to be all panicked while exining, her eyes wide and pitiful, but she did not spare Tess a single nce. Instead, she just looked up at Finn with those big, tearful eyes, acting all helpless and wronged.
Tess tasted metal on her tongue and she let her messy hair fall forward, hiding the sneer in her eyes.
She shut her eyes, but no tears came out
Then, slowly, she raised her head and stared Finn down..
He saw the two fresh p marks on her cheek, clear as day.
His brows drew together, Adam¡¯s apple bobbing. His eyes darted to Nadine and then back to Tess¡¯s eyes, which were sharp with cold mockery. That re made his jaw tighten and he questioned, ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± This text is hosted at find¡¤novel
Tess did not say a word. She just turned her cold stare straight at Nadine.
Nadine¡¯s heart jumped, but before she could react, Tess suddenly ripped herself out of Finn¡¯s grip and lunged!
¡°Ah! Tess, what are you doing? Finn, help me!¡±
A punch. A p.
A kick.
Tess did not even keep track of how many times she struck her¡ªshe just kept going, dragging Nadine down by her perfectly done hair and pounding her without mercy.
¡°Ah!¡±
Nadine shrieked,pletely powerless.
¡°Look at you now¨Cdon¡¯t you look just like that pathetic old mutt, wheezing for breath?¡± Tess hissed in her ear, yanking her hair tighter.
¡°Nadine, you look pathetic.¡±
¡°Tess, you¡¯re insane!¡±
Blood rushed to Nadine¡¯s face as she finally realized why Tess snapped.
Chapter 40 It Was Not About Her p
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It was not about her p. It was for that old woman. Tess was shoving those same cruel words right back down her throat.
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In the end, Tess swung her hand and pped Nadine square across the face.
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Kylie rushed over, shooting nervous, fearful nces at Finn while trying to yank Tess back.
Finn froze for a second, then his face darkened as he snapped back to his senses. He reached out without thinking¨Conly instead of pulling Tess away, his hands automatically tugged her behind him, shielding her with his body.
Tess did not look much better. Her hair was a mess and the white mask she¡¯d been wearing to hide her scar had fallen off.
The scar had faded some, but up close, it was still in to see.
Her wrists were pinned as Finn pulled her behind him, but her eyes stayed sharp and guarded, locked on Nadine and Kylie. ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find?novel
Kylie finally managed to grab hold of Nadine just as Nadine snapped out of her daze. Her heart sank as she caught a clear look at Tess¡¯s face.
She could not believe it.
Nadine was still reeling from the p, but her rage quickly red back up.
Her eyes were wide and red as she red at Tess.
¡°Tess! How dare you hit me!¡±
Before Kylie could react, Nadine suddenly lunged at Tess, nails out like ws, aiming straight for the scar on Tess¡¯s cheek.
Her eyes were full of venom¨Cshe really wanted to ruin Tess for good.
Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed and he stepped forward without a word.
Nadine was too fast. Since Tess¡¯s wrists were trapped, she could not dodge. So, she braced for the pain.
However, instead of sharp nails tearing her skin, she heard the muffled smack of a hand hitting fabric and a man¡¯s low grunt above her head.
Tess opened her eyes in disbelief.
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Chapter 41 Finn Lock, Go to Hell
Nadine froze, staring in shock. ¡°Finn? Why did you
you¡¡±
Tess stiffened. Finn¡
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Before she could even process it, Finn¡¯s voice rang out, low and cold, ¡°Nadine, do you really have to fight with a lunatic?¡±
Ha.
A lunatic?
Tess¡¯s eyes went empty and dark again. The only sign of emotion was the bitter smile tugging at her lips.
She did not move or flinch. It was just like she had not just been pped or Finn had not just stepped in for her.
The shadow over her head pulled away, but before she could slip free, her wrists were grabbed tight again.
This time, Finn clearly did not trust her not to bolt. He squeezed her wrists so hard it felt like he would snap her bones if she moved.
Tess tried to yank free, but he held on tight. She shot him a sharp, stubborn re.
Finn¡¯s eyes dropped to the fresh red mark on her cheek.
Then his voice cut through the air, calm but cold enough to freeze her blood.
¡°Go apologize to Nadine.¡±
Apologize.
Those words rang in Tess¡¯s ears, then, she let out a short, icyugh. ¡°Not happening.
¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. She hit me first, so why should I say sorry? Just because you¡¯re Finn Lock, you get to flip right and wrong however you want?¡±
Two against one, and she was the one who had to bow her head? Especially when she had not even started it?
Her mocking tone made Finn¡¯s expression darken even more.
Nadine sniffled, tugging gently at Finn¡¯s sleeve like she was the real victim here.
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¡°Finn, you have to stand up for me. She tried to hit me first, and now she won¡¯t even say sorry. A year in prison wasn¡¯t enough for her to learn her lesson. With a temper like that, no wonder she betrayed you back then.¡±
As soon as she said that, Finn¡¯s eyes turned sharp as knives, pinning Tess in ce.
Tess stared right back, fists curling so tight her knuckles popped.
Her re was so sharp Nadine had to look away, her guilty act slipping for a second.
¡°Oh? Maybe I should thank you both for throwing me in prison, then?¡±
Finn actually flinched, just a flicker, but it was enough for his grip to loosen.
Tess yanked her hands free, took a step back, and walked up the stairs without looking back.
Bang!
The door mmed shut behind her, the echo bouncing through the quiet house like it was screaming out every bit of pain she had buried since prison.
Nadine shot Finn a quick, uneasy nce.
He just stood there, face unreadable, eyes locked on the bedroom door Tess had vanished behind, like he was stuck somewhere far away in his head.
The whole house felt like it was holding its breath.
Click.
A secondter, the door swung open again.
Finn¡¯s frown deepened where he sat on the couch.
Nadine and Kylie, hovering close, snapped their heads up.
Tess stepped out with her suitcase.
She did not spare Finn a nce as she passed him. When she reached Kylie, she paused just long enough to throw down her warning, ¡°No one touches Grandma¡¯s inheritance without my say¨Cso. I¡¯ll be back.¡±
Then she tugged the front door open.
Just as she was about to step out ¡
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Chapter 41 Finn Lock, Go to Hell
¡°Tess, I¡¯ll make you obey me.¡±
His voice was low and cold, dripping with threat.
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Tess¡¯s hand froze on the doorknob. She turned her head and looked straight at him. It was just the same as before.
Finn Lock, go to hell.
This time, you can bark orders all you want. I¡¯m done listening. For good.
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The woman marched off without looking back, her slim figure disappearing around the corner in seconds.
¡°Finn, Tess is too much. She¡¯s still giving you the cold shoulder ¡¡± Nadine mumbled, her voice trembling.
However, Finn did not even look at her¨Chis eyes just stayed locked on that empty corner, dark and impossible to read.
Tess could practically feel his stare burning into her back, but she did not turn around once.
The second she rounded the corner and slipped out of his sight, she quickened her pace.
It was not until she was finally in the back seat of the cab she had called that the tightness in her chest loosened just a little.
After all, this was Finn¨Che had been at the top long before she went to prison, and he was still untouchable when she got out.
If it had not been for that confidential file leak back then, Max would not have even been a threat to him.
She had loved Finn for so long¨Cripping him out of her heart felt like tearing out her own bones, leaving her raw and bleeding.
She pressed a hand over her chest, trying to calm her heartbeat which still had not settled.
However, there was no love left now. Only fear.
If not for Finn, prison would not have been the hell it was.
Outside the window, the world blurred past like a movie in reverse.
All of a sudden, Tess¡¯s eyes welled up with tears.
For a split second, she almost turned around to look back.
Yet, the old Ember house was already shrinking into nothing behind her.
Grandma would always be there¨Cthat thought alone sent a thousand needles stabbing into her heart.
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She finally had the guts to cut ties with her mother, but after all those years of being the family outcast, there was no freedom in it¨Cjust an emptiness that left her adrift.
She wanted to cry.
Yet, in the end, Tess just forced herself to swallow it down.
She had already wasted an entire day.
Because of her mother¡¯s meddling, Tess still had not gotten her inheritance back.
So she went back to the old staff dorm to pick up La.
Bessie had been amazing with her. When Tess got there, La had a new pink clip in her baby¨Cfine hair, looking extra sweet and happy.
A bunch of thedies on break were crowded around her, making her giggle and p her hands.
The whole scene warmed Tess¡¯s heart.
Bessie, sharp¨Ceyed as ever, spotted her first.
¡°Tess, you¡¯re back?¡±
She gently lifted La from someone¡¯s arms and, though she clearly wanted to keep holding her, handed her over.
Tess nodded, and La squealed happily, wrapping her tiny arms around Tess¡¯s neck.
¡°She is such a sweet baby. We all love her to bits,¡± Bessie said, patting La¡¯s chubby hand.
¡°Thank you so much, really,¡± Tess said, bowing a little.
The gesture flustered the women, who waved their hands and fussed at her. ¡°Hey, what are you doing? No need for that, Tess!¡±
Bessie just stood there, eyes narrowing a bit as she watched.
Her eyes looked thoughtful and a little curious.
The dorm was a bit far from the main road, so once Tess said goodbye to the group, she nned to carry La out to wait for a cab.
However, Bessie offered to walk with them.
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So the three of them headed down the clean, quiet street. Only the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees could be heard.
After a moment, Bessie spoke up.
¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t butt in¡
Tess paused, caught off guard, and Bessie patted her shoulder gently.
¡°Tess, I don¡¯t know exactly what you¡¯ve been through, but ¡¡± She nced at La and smiled softly. ¡°You¡¯re this little one¡¯s mom now. A lot of the time, that¡¯s all you need to think about.¡±
Tess stopped walking, her chest tight.
She had not expected Bessie to see through her like that.
She lowered her eyes and gave a small but firm nod. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not a kid anymore.¡±
Bessie watched her for a moment, concern flickering in her gaze, but did not push it. She stayed with them until Tess and La were safely in the car.
Through the window, Tess kept her eyes on Bessie¡¯s figure until she disappeared from view.
This trip was supposed to be simple¨Cjust to visit her grandmother¡¯s grave. She had not nned on shing over the inheritance or running into Finn.
Tess¡¯s mind shed back to that moment at the Ember house¨Cher and Finn Lock locked in that tense standoff.
¡°Tess, I¡¯ll make you obey me.¡± Newest update provided by find?novel
His low, threatening voice kept reying in her head.
She hugged La closer, a chill creeping down her spine.
Fear crawled under her skin.
Their marriage was hanging by a fraying thread¨Cready to snap, yet always strong enough to keep her trapped.
Tess¡¯s hands curled into fists as she urged the driver to drive faster.
Knock! Knock!
The door swung open, and Charles¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw Tess and La. ¡°Tess! You
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brought La back?¡±
Tess froze for a second, noticing something different about him.
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He was not the calm, put¨Ctogether man she remembered. Dressed in cozy loungewear, hair a total mess, he looked more like azy golden retriever who had just knocked over a flowerpot than the sharpwyer he usually was.
Caught by her surprised stare, Charles looked down at himself and his ears turned red.
He ruffled his hair and tugged at his cor like he could not figure out where to hide. ¡°Uh¡ I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be back this fast¡¡±
Keepsake 43
Chapter 43 La and I Will Wait for You
In the back of Charles¡¯s mind, he was already kicking himself.
Seriously, how could he let her see him looking like such a mess?
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However, seeing how nervous he was actually calmed Tess down a bit. Her stress melted away, and she chuckled.
¡°You look so full of life¨Clike your real self.¡±
The second Charles heard that, his ears turned bright red, but his hair kind of hid it.
¡°I¡¯ll get your suitcase!¡±
He jumped to change the topic and hurried to grab it, eager to help out.
Tess did not stop him. Honestly, with how flustered he was, she figured if she did not give him something to do, he would probably panic.
She handed him the handle and said a soft thank
you.
Charles grinned and mumbled that it was nothing.
Tess sat down on the couch with La in her arms, but then she noticed something¨Cthose divorce papers she had left on the coffee table were gone.
Did she
put
them somewhere else?
She frowned, got up, and searched around but could not find them anywhere.
It was not until Charles came back after putting away her suitcase that Tess asked him, ¡°Hey, Charles, did you see the divorce papers I left here?¡±
She looked up¨Conly to see that the messy, cute, awkward Charles from before had disappeared.
Now he was wearing a neat white shirt, and his hair was styled perfectly.
Tess¡¯s lips twitched. She had not expected him to clean himself up so fast.
¡°What¡¯s with the outfit?¡±
She could not help butugh. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? FindN0vel
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Chapter 43 La and I Will Wait for You
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Hearing her teasing, Charles¡¯s ears, which had just cooled down, turned red again¨Cthis time. all the way up to the tips, impossible to hide without messy hair.
Tess caught it and pressed her lips together to hide her smile..
It was clear Charles really cared about how he looked around her.
However, Tess understood. She was just a guest he had kindly taken in. No one wants to look sloppy in front of a guest.
So she told herself not to overthink it and did not stare at him for too long.
She turned her eyes away at the exact moment that flicker of disappointment crossed Charles¡¯s eyes¨Cso she did not see it at all.
¡°Divorce papers?¡± Charles asked.
Charles had pulled himself together and took the lead, asking first.
¡°Yeah.¡±
Tess nodded.
The second she said that, Charles¡¯s face looked a bit weird.
Tess frowned. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±
¡°Did you check your nightstand? I think I put them in your roomst time ¡¡®
Tess¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What?¡±
An awkward silence fell over them, only broken by La¡¯s sudden crying.
¡±
Tess quickly snapped out of it and went to make a bottle, while Charles, with her okay, turned her whole room inside out looking for the
papers.
Nothing.
He came back out, still frowning, and saw Tess sitting on the couch feeding La.
Charles scratched his head, looking guilty, and spilled everything he had done.
After hearing it all, Tess just stared at him. She was actually impressed.
Wasn¡¯t he still working for Lock Group? Didn¡¯t he realize how risky this was if someone
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Chapter 43 La and I Will Wait for You
found out?
She asked him that straight out.
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Charles went quiet, then shook his head. ¡°I just wanted to help you out, Tess. I didn¡¯t really think too much about the rest.¡±
Tess was speechless for a second.
A small wave of warmth spread in her chest. She really was touched.
If Finn had really signed those papers, this would have all been over by now.
Too bad they had gone missing again ¡
After a moment, Tess let out a long sigh. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just print some new ones. But really, thanks, Charles.¡±
She shot him a soft smile, and Charles felt his heart skip a beat.
For a second, something weird buzzed between them.
After feeding La, Tess put her down and went to print new papers herself.
Charles sat nearby, stuck staring at La.
La was adorable and she did not fuss at all. She just started tugging on his hair and poking his face. He froze like a statue, too scared to move.
He sneaked a look at Tess who was standing by the printer.
A flicker crossed his eyes¨Cwarmth that quickly sank into quiet disappointment.
In the end, he did not really help her at all.
Not long after, Tess headed to her room to change.
She picked out one of her old dresses¨Cnothing fancy, a bit old¨Cfashioned, but still ssy. It was a huge step up from the in work clothes she wore when cleaning.
Tess always had great taste and her own style. Even after all this time, the dress still looked amazing on her.
Charles was so stunned by her long legs and bare arms that he did not even know where to look. He just stared at the floor.
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Chapter 43 La and I Will Wait for You
¡°I need to stop by Lock Group for a bit. Can I ask you to watch La for me?¡±
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She sounded a little apologetic when she asked, and Charles nodded so fast he nearly gave himself whish. ¡°Yeah! La and I will wait for you toe back.¡±
Right after he said it, his whole face turned red.
Why did that sound like something a husband says to his wife?
Luckily, Tess didn¡¯t notice at all. She just grabbed her papers and headed out the door.
Keepsake 44
Chapter 44 Mrs Lock Is Downstairs
Pretty soon, Tess was standing right outside the Lock Group building.
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The receptionist at the front desk clearly did not recognize her but still stayed polite. ¡°Hello, who are you here to see?¡±
¡°Finn Lock.¡±
This time, Tess did not beat around the bush. She just said it straight up.
The second the words came out, the receptionist¡¯s whole vibe changed.
Did this woman just say Mr. Lock¡¯s name like that?
Who did she think she was?
That question shed across her mind in a split second, but Tess noticed the hesitation right away.
¡°Sorry, do
you have an appointment with Mr. Lock?¡±
¡°Call his assistant. Tell him Tess is here to see him about a divorce.¡±
The moment she said ¡°divorce,¡± the whole front desk seemed to freeze over. All the staff turned to look, eyes wide.
Divorce?
With whom?
Mr. Lock?
And that name¡
¡°You ¡¡±
The receptionist¡¯s mouth fell open so wide you could probably toss in an egg.
Tess Ember?
Mr. Lock¡¯s wife¨Cthe one who betrayed the Lock Group and stole secrets? That Tess?
Everyone at the front desk had different reactions. Some looked at her with disgust, others
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Chapter 44 Mrs Lock Is Downstairs
with surprise.
¡°I¡¯ll¡ I¡¯ll call Zane.¡±
She pressed the extension with shaky hands.
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¡°Zane, there¡¯s a woman here who says she¡¯s Tess Ember. She says she wants to see Mr. Lock about signing divorce papers.¡±
Knock! Knock!
¡°Come in,¡±
Inside the office, Zane covered the receiver with his hand, his face pale. ¡°Mr. Lock, Mrs. Lock is downstairs!¡±
Finn¡¯s pen slipped in his hand, leaving a big ck blot on the paper in front of him.
¡°What?¡±
He put his pen down and raised an icy eyebrow. ¡°What does she want?¡±
¡°She says she¡¯s here to sign divorce papers with you¡
Zane¡¯s voice got quieter and quieter as he peeked at Finn¡¯s face.
As expected, Finn¡¯s expression turned as dark as a storm cloud.
¡°Should I let her up?¡± Zane asked nervously.
Finn let out a cold, humorlessugh, his eyes growing even darker. ¡°What do
you
think?¡±
Zane froze,pletely clueless about how to answer.
Mrs. Lock is here, so isn¡¯t it normal for her husband to see her?
¡°Tell the front desk I¡¯m not here.¡±
Finn tossed his expensive pen in the trash, grabbed a fresh one, and forced his face back to its usual calm.
Zane did not really get it, but he nodded and did what he was told.
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Chapter 44 Mrs Lock Is Downstairs
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When the receptionist got off the phone, she looked at Tess, now way more careful. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Lock isn¡¯t in the office today.¡±
Tess frowned.
If she knew anything about Finn, it was that he was a total workaholic. Even when everyone else left, he would still be at his desk, and when he went home, he would lock himself in his study till midnight.
The
Not here?
Yeah, right.
She let out a coldugh.
¡°He¡¯d better really not be here. Anyway, please pass this to him.¡±
Tess handed over the divorce papers she had already signed.
¡°When he¡¯s done signing these, let me know so I can pick them up.¡±
She asked for a sticky note and scribbled down a contact number, only, it was not hers.
It was Charles¡¯s.
She had given his number to the hospital before when she took La in. If Finn started snooping around, it would be better for him to find Charles¡¯s number than anything that led straight to La.
She would just exin it to Charlester.
Tess put the pen
down and turned to leave.
With her head buzzing and everyone¡¯s eyes glued to her, she kept her head low as she made her
way toward the revolving door.
She did not even notice she had just brushed past someone she actually knew.
It was Charles himself.
¡°Tess, La¡¯s asleep. So, I found ady from my firm to watch her for a bit. Lock Group just called about an urgent meeting, so I have to head over.¡±
Charles messaged her, sounding a little sorry.
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Chapter 44 Mrs Lock Is Downstairs
Tess replied right away, ¡°Got it. Don¡¯t worry, go ahead.¡±
Charles did not say anything more.
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Tess was in a rush to get back to La anyway. She did not feel good about leaving her with someone she did not know well for too long.
However¡
Right before she got in the car, it hit her¨CCharles had said he was going to Lock Group.
Her heart skipped a beat. Something did not sit right in her gut.
She shook her head to clear it. What was there to worry about?
Charles worked there, so it was normal.
She took a deep breath, let the wind brush her face, and told the driver, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±
Meanwhile, up in the top¨Cfloor meeting room at Lock Group ¡
Charles rushed in but stopped short as soon as he saw the room.
Lock Group was huge, full of big bosses and top shareholders.
Yet, when he got to the room Zane said to go to, it was just Finn, Zane, and him.
Every instinct in him screamed that something was wrong.
¡°Sit.¡±
Finn did not waste a second and pointed at the seat right next to him.
Charles nced at it. That was usually Nadine¡¯s seat.
The word ¡°trap¡± shed across his mind.
¡°Mr. Lock, is something wrong with thepany?¡±
Keepsake 45
Chapter 45 A Threat and a Warning
Chapter 45 A Threat and a Warning
Charles sat down carefully, his voiceing out small and unsure.
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Finn did not say anything right away. He leaned his head on one hand, those dark, icy eyes scanning Charles¡¯s young, clueless face.
The longer he stared, the colder his eyes got.
So Tess wanted to dump me so she could run to this
guy,
huh?
The thought made the chill in Finn¡¯s stare almost impossible to hide.
And that kid¡
Finn¡¯s jaw tensed, the air around him dropping to freezing.
Zane, standing to the side, felt the cold so strongly he shivered.
Charles shifted in his seat under that stare. He shot Zane a look, hoping for a hint, but Zane just avoided his eyespletely, clearly wanting no part of this.
¡°I heard you opened up a privatew firm on the side?¡±
Finn finally spoke, his tone so cold it felt like ice cracking under boots.
Charles froze.
Wasn¡¯t this old news? Finn had known about it forever, and he had even given him the green light by not saying no.
Charles looked at him in confusion but still nodded. ¡°Yeah¡¡±
¡°So I¡¯m not using you of anything you didn¡¯t actually do,¡±
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Finn cut him off tly and tossed a fat stack of papers onto the table in front of him.
Charles grabbed them, flipped through them, and felt the blood drain from his face the moment he read thest page.
¡°Got anything to say? Want to settle up or get yourwyer?¡±
Finn shot Charles a sidelong look, his fingers tapping the table in a slow, casual rhythm.
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Chapter 45 A Threat and a Warning
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Yet, to Charles, every tap felt like a ticking time bomb counting down right over his heart.
He bit down on his lip, his voice shaky with disbelief. ¡°Mr. Lock, this has to be a misunderstanding. There¡¯s no way our firm messed up a Lock Group case¨Cthere has to be some other reason.¡±
¡°You lost a case you should¡¯ve easily won. That payout? Just me protecting my own interests.¡±
Finn¡¯s tone sounded casual, but the weight behind it made the air feel like lead.
The whole room fell into a thick, awkward silence.
¡°Figure out how you¡¯re gonna fix this.¡±
Finn clearly had no patience left. He stood up and walked toward the door.
However, when he passed by Charles, he stopped and mped a strong hand down on his shoulder, pressing hard enough to hurt. ¡°Maybe think real hard about what you¡¯ve been up totely.¡±
A threat¨Cin and simple.
And a warning too.
Once Finn¡¯s footsteps faded down the hall, Charles realized he was drenched in cold sweat, his shirt sticking to his back.
What did he do to tick Finn off like this?
He looked down at the file in his hands, his mind spinning.
He had been Lock Group¡¯s go¨Ctowyer for years. Yet, ever since his mentor, Tess, got locked up, things between him and thepany had gotten awkward. That was why he had started his own firm.
Finn knew this and had even thrown him cases to help him get by.
This one was big, sure, but losing it should not have made Finn flip the table like this.
So what was really going on?
His thoughts spun faster and suddenly Tess¡¯s face popped into his mind.
No way¡
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Chapter 45 A Threat and a Warning
A chill shot down his spine.
Did Finn find out Tess was living at his ce?
The more he reyed it, the more it made sense.
It had to be that.
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Maybe Finn had caught something when Charles brought over those divorce papers for Tess.
The fear in his gut burned into anger, and Charles nearly crushed the file in his hands.
Gritting his teeth, his mind wandered back to the first time he saw Tess after she got out.
He remembered her pale face, her helpless look, and the disgust in her eyes when she saw
Max.
In Charles¡¯s mind, Tess had always been like this gentle, faraway moon¨Cso beautiful, but out of reach.
You could admire her glow, but you could never touch her.
Yet, that day, he had finally gotten close enough to feel her warmth.
On a crazy impulse, he walked away from his firm and stood up to Max for her.
He would never forget how her eyes lit up back then. They were hesitant but full of hope.
She chose him.
So, he brought her home.
Even now, remembering it, Charles could still feel that hidden thrill, that burst of happiness he had tried so hard to keep under wraps.
Now Finn was using this case to push Tess out ce to stay.
Tess
rand pinning the me on him for giving her a
Finn had always made things difficult, but right now, Charles could not help muttering curses under his breath.
He stuffed the file into his briefcase and headed home, face dark as a storm cloud.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
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Chapter 45 A Threat and a Warning
The moment she opened the door, Tess was startled by how pale he looked.
¡°Did something happen at work? Is it really bad?¡±
She asked, her voice full of worry and concern.
Charles looked like he was somewhere else entirely.
Tess paused, then said softly, ¡°If you want¡ I could take a look?¡±
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She had been his mentor once, and her legal mind was still sharp. If it was a legal mess, maybe she could help fix it.
Charles had helped her so much, so she wanted to do something for him too.
¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±
Charles looked at Tess¡¯s worried face, and the gentle concern in her eyes made his heart stutter for a second.
He blinked, forced himself to snap out of it, and gave her a smile.
However, it was so stiff that it only made him look worse.
Tess could see he did not want to talk about it, so she bit her lip and did not push it.
Keepsake 46
Chapter 46 I¡¯ll Make You Obey Me
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¡°Go get some rest. There are still plenty of ingredients in the fridge, so I¡¯ll handle dinner tonight. I¡¯lle get you when it¡¯s ready,¡± Tess said softly.
This time, Charles did not argue. He trudged off to his room, too drained to protest.
Tess turned on her heel and went straight to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Charles flopped onto his bed, pulled out the stack of papers from his bag, and forced himself to read through them. Checktest chapters at find~novel
By the time he got to thest page, his headache was pounding. Thirty million¨Chuge and bold right at the bottom.
Just seeing that number made his vision blur.
His firm only existed because he had once been Lock Group¡¯s personalwyer, but it was still small and barely made enough to cover expenses. Even if he sold the whole thing tomorrow, there was no way he would scrape that kind of money together.
He rubbed his temples, the ceiling above him spinning in slow circles.
The exhaustion of the day finally caught up, dragging him under before he realized it.
The file slipped from his hand and dangled off the side of the bed.
Knock! Knock!
¡°Charles, dinner¡¯s ready. I¡¯ming in, alright?¡±
Tess tapped on the door, and when there was no answer, she carefully stepped inside.
The lights were still on.
She walked over to wake him up, but her eyes fell on the papers spread out by the bed.
She froze, holding her breath as she leaned closer.
Line by line, the more she read, the heavier her heart got.
Her fingers shook when she flipped to thest page and saw that terrifying number.
Thirty million.
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Charles was still so young. Even if he was talented, where on earth was he supposed to find that much money overnight?
Tess stared at the figure, stunned, then nced down at Charles.
He was fast asleep,pletely knocked out. Even in his dreams, though, his eyebrows were all scrunched up like he could not escape the mess he was in.
Tess looked away, biting her lip. Out of nowhere, that deep, icy voice popped into her head again.
¡°I¡¯ll make you obey me.¡±
Her eyes widened. A shiver ran down her spine as she shook her head, trying to shake it off.
However, the voice clung to her like shackles, winding tighter and tighter until it felt like a giant hand was choking her.
She stumbled back and gasped for breath, her heart racing.
¡°Tess?¡±
The noise snapped Charles awake. He blinked, still half¨Casleep, but when he saw how pale she was, he jolted upright.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
Tess was still fighting for air, her chest rising and falling fast.
In that tense silence, Charles spotted the paper in her hands.
His face fell.
¡°Was it Finn?¡±
Tess clutched the contract so tight her knuckles went white.
Charles¡¯s heart sank, but he did not want to lie. He nodded. ¡°Yeah. Mr. Lock said my firm messed up a case, so now he¡¯s putting it all on me.¡±
¡°This is a setup! There was something fishy with that deal from the start. Charles, you just walked right into his trap!¡±
Tess¡¯s voice rose before she could stop herself.
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Charles stared at her, caught off guard by how angry she sounded.
Their eyes locked¨Chis warm brown eyes met her wide, panicked ones.
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Tess froze. She swallowed, then lowered her head and whispered, ¡°Sorry. I¡ I overreacted.¡±
¡°Tess, did you notice something? But this is my mess, okay? Don¡¯t stress about it.¡±
Charles could tell right away that something was up from the way she reacted, so he hurried to calm her down.
Tess shook her head but did not say a word.
Her fingers clenched around the paper so hard they turned white.
She forced herself to breathe, then carefully put the contract back where it was.
¡°Let¡¯s eat before it gets cold.¡±
Her voice was so soft it almost got lost in the quiet room as she turned and walked out, her steps a little shaky.
At the table, all the warmth from earlier was gone. The air felt heavy, pressing down on both of them.
Charles barely touched his food. He looked pale as he snuck nces at Tess every few bites.
Tess just kept her head low. She was moving her fork but barely eating.
Neither of them spoke. The food tasted like nothing at all.
Even La seemed to sense it¨Cshe stayed extra quiet, curling up in Tess¡¯s arms without a sound.
After they finished, Charles offered to clean up. Tess did not argue this time. She just nodded and went back to her room without a word.
She closed the door behind her. The darkness outside made the whole room feel like it was closing in.
Tess did not even bother turning on the light. She felt her way to the window and sat there, hugging La close.
A thin draft slipped in through a crack, chilling her skin.
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Chapter 46 I¡¯ll Make You Obey Me
She shivered but did not move away. Instead, she just held La tighter.
Each gust of wind felt like a sharp and cold de on her neck.
Why did it have to be this convenient?
Keepsake 47
Chapter 47 Finn, What Do You Really Want?
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She had just run into Finn, and Finn had threatened her, telling her he would make her give in¨Cthen right after that, Charles got mmed with this huge debt.
How could these two things not be connected?
Tess had seen that contract with her own eyes. Her gut told her Finn had been nning this for a long time.
When had it started?
Had he already set things up the moment Charles took her in?
Back then, when she was at her lowest, it was Charles who had given her and La a roof over their heads. Finn had not shown up then, but now he would not even let Charles off the hook.
Her hands trembled with anger. She bit down so hard she tasted blood.
Finn had to have known for ages that she was living at Charles¡¯s ce.
Now he was holding Charles¡¯s entire future hostage just to force her to bow her head.
All for Nadine. He really went all in.
Tess¡¯s fists clenched tighter, but then a chill crawled up her spine.
How did Finn find her, anyway?
She took a deep breath and made herself think clearly. After sorting through the tangled mess in her mind, she realized that Max was the only one who knew. Could he have feelings for Nadine, so he tipped Finn off on purpose to lure Nadine back?
That meant she had gotten Charles caught up in this.
The guilt weighed heavy on her chest, but the next thought that hit her made her whole body go stiff.
If Finn knew where she was, did he also know about La?
Her heart almost stopped.
Tess¡¯s eyes dropped stiffly to the little one in her arms. At some point, La had dozed off, Newest update provided by ?ovelFind
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Chapter 47 Finn, What Do You Really Want?
her tiny pink lips puckered in the cutest way.
In that instant, a wave of calm washed over Tess.
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If Finn did know about La, with the way he operated, he would have shown up already.
However, he was just using Charles to force her to apologize to Nadine.
To put it bluntly, it was just his way of breaking her in or punishing her.
So maybe¡ just maybe¡ he did not know about La yet.
Her heart finally settled for a second, and then immediately dropped like a stone into her
gut.
Why couldn¡¯t Finn just let her be?
Tess closed her eyes, so tired she felt hollow.
Why wouldn¡¯t he just leave her alone? Why?
She was not the Ember family¡¯s precious daughter anymore. She could not be that brilliant, unstoppablewyer either. Now she was mopping floors, taking any tough job she could just to get by. She had already let go of so much, so why was she still stuck in his trap?
When she opened her eyes again, a thin crescent moon had already climbed up outside. Its cold light was spilling through the trees, and their shadows were stacked like a pack of silent wolves.
Tess¡¯s heartbeat sped up.
Was her quiet life really over now?
She did not know how long she stayed frozen by that window, staring at nothing, until La¡¯s soft cries snapped her back to the real world.
She jolted awake, scooped La into her arms, and carried her to bed, gently patting her back until she fell asleep again.
La was always such an angel and she drifted off in seconds, her tiny lips curling into a sweet little smile like she was dreaming of something nice.
Tess looked at her daughter¡¯s face, and for the first time in so long, her heart did not feel so empty. A bit of warmth slipped in, enough to steady her nerves.
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Chapter 47 Finn, What Do You Really Want?
She lowered her head, pressed her forehead to La¡¯s, and shut her eyes.
She prayed quietly.
She prayed La would grow up safe, happy, and untouched by all this ugliness.
She prayed Charles would get through this mess unharmed too.
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When night fell, Tess finally drifted off, but sleep dragged her into a thick, endless dream.
shes from her childhood flickered by like old photos.
Her mother¡¯s punishments, the teachers¡® harsh eyes, ssmates pointing andughing ¡
And behind all that, always standing in the light was Nadine.
Unlike the yelling and beatings Tess always got, Nadine got their mom¡¯s loving hugs, teachers¡® kind praise, and ssmates gathering around her, voices full of envy and admiration that drowned everything else out.
Tess walked by herself through that cold, pitch¨Cck hallway, while far ahead, Nadine shone like a star on a pedestal.
All those tiny scars tangled into the nightmare that would not let her go.
When morning came, Tess jerked awake.
She could not even remember what she had dreamed, but her forehead was damp with cold
sweat.
She clutched her chest but all she felt was an endless pit in her heart.
Knock! Knock!
A knock at the door pulled her back.
She opened it to find Charles, looking about as drained as she felt.
He forced a grin. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the office. Might be a long day. Just call me if you need anything, okay?¡±
He shook his phone like it was nothing.
Tess¡¯s chest tightened with guilt, but seeing him act so bright, she bit back the words she wanted to say and just nodded hard.
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Once he left, Tess stepped into the living room.
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On the couch sat the divorce papers she brought to Lock Group yesterday¨Cpapers that had not done a damn thing.
They told her Finn wasn¡¯t there, but right after, Charles got dragged in and hit with that so- called penalty.
Tess¡¯s hands curled into tight fists.
Finn, what do you really want?
The top floor of Lock Group.
Keepsake 48
Chapter 48 Are You Really Going to Break Up Our Family?
Finn flipped through the files, looking bored, his icy eyes barely lifting from the page.
¡°Mr. Lock, Charles is one of our topwyers and he is about on par with Nadine ¡¡±
Zane tried to sound casual, but he was carefully watching Finn¡¯s face as he passed along the shareholders¡® worries.
Finn let out a cold, mockingugh and shot him a sharp look. ¡°What? So if Charles leaves, the Lock Group¡¯s finished?¡±
Zane flinched, feeling goosebumps crawl up his neck. He shook his head fast.
Sure, losing Charles wouldn¡¯t destroy thepany, but the way Finn was going about this just to get Mrs. Lock back¡ Was this really worth it?
He stared at the floor and pressed his lips tightly together, swallowing the rest of his thoughts.
He thought about the n Finn had set up. The more he thought about it, the colder he felt.
Charles had given Mrs. Lock a ce to stay¨Cno wonder Finn was furious.
Charles could have been the next big name inw, but now he was about to get crushed before he even peaked.
Finn was pulling out every trick he had to bring Tess back.
¡°Mr. Lock, Mr. Jackman is here.¡±
Just then, a nervous assistant peeked in.
Finn leaned back on his arm, eyes glinting like cold steel,
A smile tugged at his lips, but there was no warmth in it. ¡°Let him in.¡±
Soon, the two men sat facing each other across the coffee table.
Finn narrowed his eyes, giving Charles a look sharper than usual. He was really sizing him- up.
After a long while, Finn finally spoke, his voice low and chilly. ¡°You managed to find thirty million already?¡±
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Charles met Finn¡¯s calm stare head¨Con, but the suffocating pressure in the air made his palms
sweat.
¡°Are you pushing me this hard just so you can force Ms. Ember toe crawling back to you?¡±
He did not dance around it¨Chis tone was clear and sharp.
The whole room seemed to freeze.
A chill spread from Finn like ice, but Charles did not flinch.
Zane, though, was standing off to the side wishing he could disappear.
All Zane could think was, God, I just want to go home to my mom.
Seriously, had Charles lost it?
He had expected Charles to plead or negotiate, not go toe¨Cto¨Ctoe with Finn like this!
Cold sweat ran down Zane¡¯s back. He kept his eyes on the floor, terrified he would get caught in the crossfire.
Finn¡¯s gaze turned lethal, his voice like a de scraping ice. ¡°Charles, Tess is my wife. What gives you the right to hide her from me?¡±
The warning was clear as day.
Charles did not even blink. ¡°Ms. Ember already brought you the divorce papers.¡±
The second he said it, the air in the room dropped from freezing to subzero.
Finn¡¯s re darkened, eyes shing with something dangerous. ¡°So what? Are you d that she¡¯s getting a divorce? You want her divorced, don¡¯t you?¡±
Charles stayed quiet, but his silence said enough.
Finn let out a cold, furiousugh, his stare drilling into Charles like a de. ¡°I¡¯m not signing a damn thing. As long as I don¡¯t sign, she¡¯s still my wife. Who¡¯d have thought that a so¨Ccalled criminal who stolepany secrets could still reel in a puppy like you?¡±
His words dripped venom.
¡°And to think I supported you. Looks like I was raising a snake.¡±
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His expression was void of any warmth now, just icy contempt.
Hearing Finn drag Tess through the mud, Charles¡¯s jaw tightened.
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He clenched his fists under the table but kept his tone calm. ¡°Ms. Ember is someone worth respecting.¡±
m!
The table rattled under Finn¡¯s sudden p.
¡°Respecting? Tess? You really have the guts, Charles. Falling for my wife, huh?¡±
Finn¡¯s eyes burned dark and fierce, his hand t on the table like he might lunge forward any second and rip Charles apart.
Charles looked down and said nothing, which only made Finn angrier.
Suddenly, something clicked in Finn¡¯s mind.
Tess did not have any close friends or family in Aetheris. The only person she kept in touch with was Charles, an old colleague from the legal world. So how did she suddenly have a kid after getting out of prison?
Finn¡¯s thoughts stalled. He stared at Charles, not even noticing his own fingers trembling. Readplete version only at F?ndNovel
¡°Whose kid is it?¡±
He had wanted to ask that for a long time.
Charles did not answer directly. Instead, his eyes flickered, and a small, proud smile appeared on his lips, like a father thinking of his child. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already looked into it, Mr. Lock, you should know Tess wouldn¡¯t just show up at my ce with a kid for no reason.¡±
¡°You think I buy that?¡±
¡°Believe it or not, Mr. Lock, it doesn¡¯t matter. Before Ms. Ember went to prison, I was with her at a party. She got drunk, and I couldn¡¯t hold back how I felt about her ¡
¡°Shut up!¡± Finn¡¯s eyes were zing with rage. ¡°Do you even hear yourself?¡±
¡°It was my mistake, not Ms. Ember¡¯s. She doesn¡¯t know anything about it. But what¡¯s done is done. Are you really going to break up our family now, Mr. Lock?¡±
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¡°And anyway, Mr. Lock, yeah, you set this trap for me. But don¡¯t forget, my firm¡¯s been handling Lock Group¡¯s cases for years. If you¡¯re so set on dragging me down, just remember that you¡¯ll take a hit too. Hurt me all you can make your preciouspany bleed.¡±
Is that kid his?
want, but even someone like me
The thought mmed into Finn like ice/water pouring down his spine.
Yeah, he had always known Tess had a kid with someone else, but now that it was right in front of him, raw and real, it made his chest tighten and his rage burn hotter.
His jaw flexed as he let out a cold, bitterugh.
His lips ttened into a thin, merciless line.
¡°Fine, you¡¯ve got guts. Remember this, thirty million. One week. Not a cent less. If you can¡¯t
cough it up, I have plenty of ways to make you wish you had.
¡°Charles, if you¡¯re bold enough to y this game, then let¡¯s see you y it to the end!¡±
Then, Finn hurled his coffee cup to the floor, porcin shattering. ¡°Get out!¡±
Charles stood up slowly and nced at Finn onest time.
¡°Mr. Lock, I know I¡¯m nothingpared to you. But did it ever cross your mind that your wife, the one you toss aside so easily, is someone else¡¯s whole world? And you dragged her through hell with your own hands. Do you ever regret itte at night, when you remember she was the only one who ever truly loved you?¡±
He turned and left, legs still trembling from the showdown.
Thinking back on everything he had just done, he was suddenly at a loss for words.
Charles ran a hand over his forehead.
What the hell did I just do?
In a stupid, reckless moment, he had practically made Finn think La was his kid.
His eyes darkened for a second, but then a strange calm settled over him.
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Chapter 49 Selling the House
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If Tess did not want Finn to know the truth, maybe this lie was the only shield she had left.
¡°But did it ever cross your mind that your wife, the one you toss aside so easily, is someone else¡¯s whole world?
¡°And you dragged her through hell with your own hands.
¡°Do you ever regret itte at night, when you remember she was the only one who ever truly loved you?¡±
Behind him, Finn swayed a little, dizziness washing over him.
Zane panicked and rushed to ask if he was okay.
¡°Mr. Lock! Are you okay?¡±
Finn waved him away. His lips were pressed together so tight they had gone pale.
Did he regret it?
He had spent who knows how many nights holed up in that study until dawn.
But regret? No way. If you messed up, you paid for it. Simple as that.
He had already given her a chance to fix things.
Meanwhile, Charles had barely stepped out of the office when his assistant caught up to him, whispering that a few major clients had just pulled out.
He did not even need to ask. He knew exactly who was behind it.
Only Finn had that kind of pull.
The firm was young, but with Lock Group¡¯s name behind it and his own solid wins, clients had trusted him.
Business had been good until now.
One flick of Finn¡¯s finger, and the whole thing was copsing.
???????????
He was just an ant trying to shake a tree, all because he wanted to stand up for a woman he cared about.
However, reality hit hard. Charles shoved his phone back into his bag, ignoring the relentless buzzing. He did not need to answer to know what those calls were about. His chest felt like it
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was stuffed with lead.
If he fell now, he would have no way to protect her.
The thought made him sick with frustration.
He rubbed his temples and climbed into the car, his mind a jumble.
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When he pulled up to a quiet side street near his ce, Charles stared nkly out the window, still stuck on that crushing thirty million.
Then, his eyes drifted to an old, weather¨Cbeaten house nearby.
He squinted at it for a second, then quickly looked away.
He shoved down the reckless thought that had just shed through his mind.
Tess had spent the whole day running errands, and by the time she got back, she was stunned to see a bunch of men in suits outside the house¨Csome snapping photos, some measuring things with long rulers, others scribbling notes on clipboards.
She stepped inside, puzzled, and spotted Charles talking to the guy
in charge.
She stayed back at first, quietly watching until she saw Charles shake the man¡¯s hand.
The suited men filed out one by one, and soon the ce was quiet again.
Charles stood by the window with his hands in his pockets, staring nkly at the shifting tree shadows outside. He did not even realize Tess was behind him.
¡°Charles, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Tess said softly. ¡°I reached out to a lot of old contacts today, but none of them could help.¡±
She let out a bitterugh. ¡°It¡¯s Finn after all. No one wants to stand up to someone like him.¡±
Then she nced around, confused. ¡°But, what¡¯s going on here?¡±
Her gentle voice finally pulled Charles out of his daze.
He turned and met her worried eyes, hesitating for a moment before answering, ¡°It¡¯s the breach of contract. Right now, the only thing I can do to ease the pressure is to sell this old ce.¡±
Sell the house?
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Tess froze, her mind going nk for a moment.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something¨Canything¨Cbut nothing came out.
After all, Charles was only in this mess because of her.
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Chapter 50 The Price of Dignity
How could she still try to talk him out of selling the ce?
After everything, this was the only stable home she and La had.
And now they were about to lose even that.- 91%¿§
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Her savings, her grandma¡¯s inheritance¨Cit all felt like she was hitting rock bottom again. Chapters first released on
Charles could see the look on Tess¡¯s face. He gave her shoulder a light pat. ¡°It¡¯ll be okay. The house is old, yeah, but it¡¯s a solid starter home in a good neighborhood. Once it¡¯s auctioned off, I¡¯ll finally be able to breathe a little easier.¡±
¡°But we¡¯ll need to find a temporary ce to rent for now,¡± he added.
¡°I¡¯ll do what I can to make sure you and La have a decent setup. You¡¯re still with me on this, right?¡±
Tess opened her mouth, about to shake her head.
What did he mean, ¡°stick with him¡°?
She was grateful for everything he¡¯d done as a friend.
But she couldn¡¯t just keep leaning on him forever, dragging him down with her.
¡°No¡ I¡¯ve actually been thinking of finding a ce for me and La,¡± she began.
But then she caught the look in Charles¡¯s eyes¨Cred¨Crimmed and tired.
Tess paused, startled. Her words died in her throat. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter,¡± she said instead.
Charles smiled faintly. ¡°Once this ce is sold, we¡¯ll move into one of the apartments above the firm. It¡¯s got three bedrooms. We can even set up a little y area for La ¡
He could barely hide the hope in his voice as he pictured the future.
¡°1
He knew it¨Chalf of it was him trying to do right by her. The other half was the feelings he¡¯d been trying to ignore for way too long.
Those apartments were for thew firm¡¯s staff only. If they saw Tess and La living there with him, eating and sleeping under the same roof, everyone would assume they were a family.
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Tess didn¡¯t respond.
s
Taking her silence as agreement, Charles¡¯s tired expression softened just a little. But then he thought about Finn¨Cstill a wild card¨Cand that flicker of hope dimmed again.
¡°Even if it¡¯s temporary¡ it means a lot to me,¡± he said quietly.
That was enough for him.
Once the auction ns were set, Charles got called back to the office.
Tess watched him leave. His posture was still upright, stillposed. But the ease he used to carry was gone. It was like someone had strapped a heavy stone to his back, weighing him down with every step.
He looked like a man who¡¯d aged years in just a few days.
She still remembered when they first met. He¡¯d been that confident, sharp¨Cwitted young attorney everyone admired.
A wave of difort twisted in Tess¡¯s chest.
Now, just days away from letting go of the only home they had left, he was running on fumes. He hadn¡¯t even had time to enjoy thesest moments in the house.
That night, he still hadn¡¯te back.
Tess sat by the window, unease creeping in.
He was rarely out thiste. Had something happened?
Even if she was leaving, she still wanted to make sure he was safe.
She texted him, concern getting the better of her. All she got back was a short, dry reply. saying, ¡°Go to sleep.¡±
Meanwhile, in the VIP room of a downtown bar, the overhead lights were off. The only glow came from shing multicolored strobes spinning across the ceiling, with loud music pounding in the background.
Charles¡¯s face was flushed, but the dim lighting masked most of it.
He hated these kinds of ces¨Cdark, noisy, crowded. Early in his career, he¡¯d had to put up with them for the sake ofworking. But once he had the reputation and the results, he started turning these invites down.
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Now here he was again. Right back where he started.
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¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Jackman? Too good to have a drink with us?¡± said a heavyset man with a smug look and a belly that pressed into the table.
His eyes swept over Charles with a sneer.
Word had gotten around. The golden boy attorney had fallen hard, out of favor with Lock Group and up to his neck in debt. And this guy had shown up just to see it happen in person.
A glint of cruelty shed in his eyes.
A while back, the man¡¯spany had run into legal trouble, and he¡¯d needed a top¨Ctierwyer to get him out. Everyone had told him to go to Charles.
So he sent over a generous gift.
Charles didn¡¯t even take the meeting. Instead, he sent back a message through someone else, ¡°You made your bed. Lie in it.¡±
A clear jab at how the guy had mistreated his own workers.
It pissed him off to no end.
With his temper, he would¡¯ve normally made someone pay for that kind of insult.
But with Charles backed by Lock Group, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and keep his mouth shut.
The man clenched his jaw in secret frustration, but when he looked up again, his eyes were full of smug satisfaction and provocation.
Now that Charles no longer had Lock Group backing him, it was open season. He didn¡¯t know what exactly had gone down between them, but it worked out perfectly for him. If he yed his cards right, maybe giving Charles a hard time would earn him a few more contracts from Lock Group.
¡°Mr. Jackman, if you drink this,¡± he said, pushing a full ss of liquor across the table, ¡°I¡¯ll throw a little business your way. How about that?¡±
He mmed the ss down hard, making sure it echoed¨Cevery bit of it meant to humiliate.
The insult was loud and clear.
Everyone at the table turned to look, curiosity written all over their faces as they waited to
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see how Charles would respond.
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His dark eyes flickered with something sharp¨Ccold and cutting¨Cbut the dim lighting
gone in an instant. Imasked it too well. Whatever shed across his gaze w
¡°Come on, Mr. Jackman,¡± someone chimed in with a smirk. ¡°Things aren¡¯t like they used to be. You can¡¯t pull that ¡®allergic to alcohol¡® excuse anymore. One drink for a contract? Sounds like a good deal to me.¡±
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Next to the beer¨Cbellied man sat a sultry woman swirling a ss of red wine, her eyes locked on Charles with yful malice.
Her gaze was thick with temptation, coiling around him like a snake. Her heavy makeup only made her sharp features more aggressive¨Ceyes that could slice through bone.
For some reason he couldn¡¯t exin, Tess¡¯s soft, clear face suddenly filled Charles¡® mind.
A strange tenderness welled up inside him.
Then, just as quickly, the memory shifted¨Che was back in that tense standoff with Finn. He could still see the fury in his former boss¡¯s eyes, like he wanted to tear him apart. And yet, beneath the guilt, there was a flicker of smug satisfaction.
Without another thought, Charles/threw his head back and downed the shot in front of him. The liquor scorched all the way down, a sharp, burning pain crawling through his chest. And in that moment¨Che just wanted to go home.
As soon as he finished the first drink, another ss was poured and slid in front of him.
Charles gave a crooked smile, his eyes sharp and emotionless. ¡°You messing with me now?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll mess with whoever the hell I want. What¡¯re you gonna do about it?¡± the man sneered, lifting his own drink and letting it drip slowly onto Charles¡¯s expensive suit, drop by drop.
Then, like a twisted party trick, ten more shots were lined up in front of him¨Cone after another.
¡°Tonight, you finish everyst one,¡± the man dered. ¡°Or don¡¯t even think about walking out
of here.¡±
Every eye in the room zeroed in on Charles. Each look was bold, mocking¨Cpure bullying. They didn¡¯t just want him to drink. They wanted to see the once¨Cproud golden boy break.
Charles met the beer belly guy and the seductive woman¡¯s eyes with a cold, unflinching stare.
For a moment, both of them tensed.
This wasn¡¯t just any attorney¨Cthey all knew he¡¯d handled high¨Cstakes cases. Rumor had it he was once the right¨Chand man of that infamous exec before he went to prison.
They exchanged nces, a flicker of hesitation between them.
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But then they reminded themselves¨Che¡¯d burned his bridges with Lock Group. And in a ce like Aetheris, that meant not just being cklisted in the legal world¡ but in the whole damn city.
Their confidence came rushing back, and they straightened up.
¡°Mr. Jackman, word is you still owe Lock Group a big chunk of that settlement,¡± the man said, holding up one finger. ¡°Show some sincerity tonight, and we might be willing to chip in this much. Sound fair?¡±
¡°But if not ¡ ¡± he narrowed his eyes, his voice turning cold. ¡°We¡¯ve got no problem being thest nail in your firm¡¯s coffin.¡±
The woman joined in smoothly, voice sweet as sugar but sharp underneath. ¡°We¡¯ve always admired your skills, Mr. Jackman¨Cespecially Mr. Harold. He really appreciates talent. Would¡¯ve been happy to lend a hand. But you turning your nose up at us like this? That¡¯s just disappointing.¡±
Shezily swirled the champagne in her ss, eyes glinting with amusement.
Charles¡¯sshes twitched, and a shadow fell across his face.
Then, under the smug, expectant gazes around him, his long fingers wrapped around a shot ss, and he downed it in one go.
The burn hit hard, tightening his throat. It was so sharp he nearly choked, eyes stinging with the urge to tear up.
He was never good with alcohol. Or maybe, he just never wanted to lose himself in the haze it brought.
Back when he first started out, Tess had been his boss. No one dared push him to drink out of line. Not when she had introduced him with a casual, ¡°This is my little brother.¡± Back then, they only toasted him out of respect for her.
But after Tess went to prison, the way they looked at him changed.
To hold his ground against Nadine, Charles reinvented himself¨Crising through the ranks to be Lock Group¡¯s second¨Cmost trusted attorney after her, Always second, never first. But still, people bowed their heads when they needed something. No one dared mess with him then.
He downed another shot. Immediately, a manicured hand with blood¨Cred nails slid the next ss toward him.
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Charles looked up. The woman raised a brow at him with a sly smile. ¡°Come on, Mr. Jackman. Show us a little more sincerity.¡±
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Her breath was sweet, almost floral. But to him, it coiled like a python around his neck.
Under the flickering, chaotic lights of the bar, the table in front of him was covered in rows of liquor¨Cfilled sses, like a silent dare.
Everyone around the table froze. One by one, they set down their own drinks, all eyes fixed on Charles.
Laughter and snide remarks buzzed in his ears, but he was numb to it now. His body on autopilot, downing shot after shot until his stomach felt like it was lit on fire. Th?s chapter is updated by f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
He doubled over slightly, hand pressing hard against his abdomen.
¡°Didn¡¯t he always say he was allergic to alcohol? Looks fine to me,¡± someone snorted.
¡°Yeah, turns out he just didn¡¯t want to drink with us. Funny how fast that pride disappears when you¡¯ve got nothing left, huh? Now he¡¯s just another washed¨Cup suit doing shots for favors from Mr. Harold and Florence.¡±
The beer¨Cbellied man, the one the woman had called ¡°Mr. Harold,¡± was practically giddy. His eyes sparkled with petty satisfaction, the thrill of revenge washing over him. His name as Peter Harold.
He had his phone out early, already recording the whole thing¨CCharles being pressured, humiliated, forced to drink.
At the same time, Tess, scrolling through a legal industry group chat, caught a video that made her heart stop.
Her expression darkened instantly.
Using the location tagged in the post, she rushed over without hesitation.
¡°Mr. Jackman¡¯s drunk already? Come on, just one more¡
From outside the private room, she could already hear the woman¡¯s seductive voice drifting through the door.
Tess didn¡¯t think twice. She shoved the door open.
Inside, she saw Charles slumped over on the couch,pletely spent. His face was ghost- pale.
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His eyes were closed. He looked like he was unconscious.
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One hand was clutched tightly over his side, and every few seconds, a low, stifled groan of pain slipped from his lips.
Tess¡¯s fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms.
These bastards.
The lighting in the room was dim¨Cno one got a good look at her face.
¡°Charles, hang in there,¡± she whispered, crouching beside him.
As she tried to lift him up, her eyes caught sight of a thick stack of cash sitting right in front of him on the table.
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Chapter 52 A Line Crossed
So this was their leverage¨CCharles¡¯s downfall was now fair
game.
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Tess had done time¨Cshe didn¡¯t flinch, and she sure wasn¡¯t picky about money. Cash was cash, and she wasn¡¯t about to let it go to waste after everything Charles had just been put through.
Without hesitation, she stuffed the entire stack into his coat pocket.
It was the least she could do to make those drinks count for something.
The people who had just been mocking Charles all stared, eyes wide. Wait¨Cshe¡¯s really helping him? Just like that?
Tess, for the first time, realized how heavy Charles actually was. He might look lean, but six feet of dead weight was nothing she could handle alone.
Thankfully, a few junior attorneys still had some decency. Quietly, they stepped in and helped her get him out of the room.
She never once looked up, didn¡¯t even acknowledge the curious, calcting stares behind her.
¡°Who the hell is that?¡± The woman in red narrowed her eyes. ¡°Charles has a girlfriend?¡±
Peter¡¯s gaze locked on Tess¡¯s retreating figure.
She was dressed inly, just a simple outfit and a face mask hiding her features¨Cbut even beneath the loose clothing, her graceful silhouette was impossible to miss. That quiet elegance, mixed with something surprisingly alluring, made his eyes flicker with interest.
¡°So much for his squeaky¨Cclean reputation,¡± he muttered. ¡°Turns out he¡¯s been hiding a little something on the side all along.¡±
¡°Now I¡¯m really curious what¡¯s under that mask.¡±
Jealousy burned in his chest, and he clenched his teeth with a bitter snap.
The woman in red¡¯s eyes gradually dimmed, shadows pooling in her gaze as she stared at Tess¡¯s fading silhouette. Then her attention shifted¨Ctoward a quieter, dimly lit corner of the room. Her heart sank a little with unease.
Finn said to teach Cameron a lesson. God, she hoped she didn¡¯t screw that up¡
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If anything, me the women for showing up to damn fast
* Free Coins
Across the room, half¨Cwiled in shadow, sat a man who exuded cold, refined power¨Clike an aceberg carved in human form. From her angle, all she could see was his side profile¨Csharp. sculpted, emotionless,
Finn¡¯s eyes stayed fixed on Ruby, his stare deep as a well and twice as cold, a chill radiating from him that could freeze air.
Behind him. Zane stood silent and still, practically blending into the darkness.
Follow her. Finn said, his voice low andced with a mocking edge.
He let out a quiet scoff¨Cone that dripped with danger.
Zane flinched, then quickly took off after her without a word.
Meanwhile, outside the bar, Tess was facing a problem of her own.
¡°Sir, could you help me, please?¡± she asked quietly, struggling under Charles¡¯s weight.
The cab driver, thankfully, was kind. He jumped out right away and helped hoist Charles into the back seat, getting him settled without a hitch.
The weight lifted off her shoulders, literally, and Charles finally let out a breath.
¡°Boyfriend, huh?¡± the driver joked. ¡°What¡¯d he do¨Dget into a fight with you and go drink himself stupid?¡±
Tess gave an awkward smile, about to exin. But then she noticed it¨CCharles¡¯s brow suddenly tightening in pain.
Her heart dropped. And under the sh of neon from the passing streetlights, she got a clearer look at him. His face was ghost¨Cwhite.
His lips werepletely drained of color.
¡°Drive to the nearest hospital¨Cnow!¡±
Tess¡¯s voice shot up, sharp with panic.
The driver nced in the rearview mirror, saw Charles¡¯s condition, and his joking tone vanished instantly. ¡°Got it! Hang in there, miss!¡± Find the newest release on F?nd-Novel
He hit the brakes, yanked the wheel around, and floored it, heading straight for the closest
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private hospital. The moment they pulled up. Tess caught sight of the giant hospital sign.
Owned by Lock Group.¡±
She froze for a beat, stunned. But there was no time to deal with the knot in her chest. She rushed straight to the front desk, calling for a nurse.
Within minutes, Charles was wheeled into the emergency OR.
Tess stood frozen, heart pounding.
La was still asleep back at the old house¨Call alone, And here she was, unable to leave Charles¡¯s side.
She looked up at the doors of the operating room, gaze locked, as if trying to see straight through them.
Eventually, she sank down into a corner, curled her arms around herself, and silently begged -La, please don¡¯t wake up yet. Not yet.
Her chest tightened, and tears welled in her eyes, on the verge of spilling.
Finally, the red light above the OR door switched off, and a nurse stepped out.
Tess rushed over. ¡°Nurse, how is he? What happened?¡±
The nurse gave her a quick nce. ¡°Stomach perforation,¡± she said tly.
¡°He downed way too much alcohol in one sitting¨Canyone would¡¯ve ended up like this.¡±
Her brows knit together, and her tone turned sharp,ced with frustration. ¡°Young people arguing is one thing, but why y games with your health?¡±
¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡ We didn¡¯t mean to cause trouble,¡± Tess said softly.
The apology caught in her throat, but she didn¡¯t try to defend herself. Guilt washed over her in waves, and she lowered her head, quietly taking the scolding.
Seeing how sincere and respectful she was, the nurse¡¯s voice softened. ¡°The surgery went fine. He just needs to stay for a few days for observation.¡±
Tess nodded quickly, again and again.
A short whileter, Charles was wheeled out of surgery. He still looked pale and worn, but at least there was some color back in his cheeks.
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Tess headed to the front desk to take care of the hospital fees, using part of the cash from earlier. She counted out what she needed and slipped the rest into her pocket¨Choping it would be enough to get them through.
It was alreadyte, deep into the night. The only lights in the hospital were the red glow of the ER sign and the faint green of the emergency exit signs.
Tess walked alone down the dim hallway, the silence so heavy she could hear her own heartbeat echoing.
Suddenly, she felt someone stop right behind her.
¡°Mrs. Lock.¡±
Tess jolted in surprise and instinctively turned around. The moment she saw who it was, a wave of cold dread washed over her.
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Chapter 53 You¡¯ll Obey
Zane stood not far away, giving Tess a polite nod.
¡°You need to apologize to Ms. Nadine,¡± he said in a low, formal voice.
His words hit Tess hard, plunging her into icy water.
Why is Zane here?
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Why is he telling me to apologize to Nadine when Charles is lying in a hospital bed with a stomach hemorrhage from the force¨Cfed alcohol?
The pieces clicked together in Tess¡¯s mind, and her face turned ghostly pale.
¡°You did this?¡±
Her voice rose to a sharp, almost broken pitch, trembling with horror and disbelief.
Zane¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. Like a wind¨Cup machine, he repeated mechanically, ¡°Mrs. Lock, please apologize to Ms. Nadine.¡±
Tess stumbled back a few steps, staring at Zane as if he were some kind of monster.
Then suddenly, as if she¡¯d just woken from a nightmare, she whipped around and began searching the area in panic. ¡°He¡¯s here, isn¡¯t he? You¡¯re here, so he must be nearby! Why won¡¯t hee out and face me?¡±
Her eyes were bloodshot, her gaze frantic. When no one appeared, she turned back and red at Zane with fire in her eyes.
¡°She thought Charles had only gotten hurt because of some business pressure¨Csome awful but mundane cost of corporate dinner parties. But now she knew-
¡°I¡¯ll make
you behave.¡±
Those cold, menacing words rang in her ears. Tess clutched her chest as if someone were squeezing her heart.
It¡¯s him.
Finn.
She screamed inside her mind, her hands trembling with rage.
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Of course. Of course ¡.
He had used Charles¡¯s life to teach her a lesson.
And now, all Tess could feel was bitter, gut¨Cwrenching irony.
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She gave a soft, humorlessugh¨Cquiet butced with despair. Tears slipped down her cheeks.
To make her apologize to Nadine, he had resorted to this¨Csuch a vile, twisted tactic.
¡°This matter doesn¡¯t need Mr. Lock¡¯s personal attention,¡± Zane said tly.
The implication stung: neither Charles nor Tess was worth Finn¡¯s time.
Her
eyes were rimmed red, and even her fingers were shaking.
¡°If anything happens to Charles, that¡¯s a life lost,¡± she whispered hoarsely.
¡°Finn has power, sure¨Cbut does that give him the right to trample over someone else¡¯s life just to get what he wants?¡±
She raised her voice suddenly, using, ¡°Do you realize this is attempted murder?!¡±
Zane said nothing, head lowered like a lifeless puppet.
Tess¡¯s strength left her in an instant; an overwhelming exhaustion washed over her.
¡°Get out. I¡¯m not going. I won¡¯t do it.¡±
She
spat the words out, every syble costing her thest of her strength.
With those final words, Tess turned and walked toward Charles¡¯s hospital room, holding the admission slip in her hand. Her silhouette looked frail, painfully lonely under the fluorescent lights.
Zane stared at her for a long time before turning away.
Just as he stepped out of the hospital building, he saw a tall man standing near the entrance, his back to the door.
The cold wind of the night bit into his skin, but what sent a true chill down his spine was the low pressure radiated by that man.
As soon as he approached, a cold chill crept over him, leaving him shuddering.
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Chapter 53 You¡¯ll Obey
¡°Mr. Lock,¡± he greeted with a respectful nod.
Finn slowly turned, his eyes dark and unreadable, fixed on the corridor where Tess had disappeared.
¡°Do you realize this is attempted murder?!¡±
Tess¡¯s voice still echoed in the air.
Finn¡¯s chest heaved. That sharp, stifling rage returned, so fierce it felt like it could tear the world apart.
¡°Tell her this,¡± he said atst, his voice low and deadly. ¡°She either does what she¡¯s told and apologizes to Nadine, or Charles¡¯s life will be in danger.¡±
He looked up then, his gaze resting on the towering letters spelling out ¡®Lock Group¡® above the hospital. ¡°I run this facility, after all.¡±
Emotions twisted in his eyes, chaotic and unreadable.
Zane noticed. Sweat dotted his brow despite the freezing cold.
On a night this cold, he was actually sweating.
¡°Mr. Lock,¡± he hesitated, ¡°if you push Mrs. Lock too far, won¡¯t it backfire?
¡°Did you do this to get her to apologize to Ms. Nadine? Or is it about driving her away from Mr. Jackman¨Conce and for all?¡±
Zane dared to ask, though his voice was careful, uncertain. The image of Tess¡¯s broken, grief- stricken face lingered in his mind.
Finn shot him a re, cold and sharp. ¡°Whose side are you on?¡±
The sheer force behind it made Zane¡¯s heart thud. He quickly bowed his head lower. ¡°N¨CNo, Mr. Lock. I¡¯ll go right away.¡±
Tess wandered the dim hallway in a daze, like a ghost drifting through shadows. It wasn¡¯t until she stepped into the inpatient wing that the sterile white lights gave way to a softer, golden glow.
Only then did her chilled body begin to feel the faintest trace of warmth.¡±
When she reached the front desk, the nurse nced up¨Cand nearly gasped. ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you alright?¡±
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Tess pressed her dry lips together and gave a stiff nod. ¡°This is the admission form. Which room is Charles in?¡±
The nurse took the slip and quickly pointed down the corridor.
Tess murmured a quiet thank¨Cyou and walked away. The nurse, still watching her go, let out a breath and ced a hand over her chest.
Jesus! Her face is so pale. She looks like something straight out of a horror movie.
Just as the nurse was about to sit down and take a break, someone tapped on the counter.
She looked- up. ¡°Yes? Oh¨CMr. ck?¡°/
Without a word, Zane handed her a small, folded note. ¡°Give this to the woman from earlier.¡±
The nurse blinked in confusion but nodded and epted it with both hands.
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Chapter 54 A Silent Ultimatum
At the same time, Tess found her way to Charles¡¯s hospital room.
It was a double room, but for now, Charles was its only upant.
Hey there weak and pale, an oxygen line tucked under his nose.
The only sound in the room was the steady hiss of the machine helping him breathe.
Tess tiptoed closer and sat down on the empty bed across from him.
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A few feet apart, she gazed at his unconscious form, guilt crashing down on her like waves.
CO¨CHN¡¯S
If he hadn¡¯t stepped in to help her, he wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this.
Tess bowed her head. Her heart twisted in pain.
¡°Ms. Ember? Ms. Ember?¡±
A soft voice called out.
Tess wiped her face and looked toward the door, which had been pushed open a crack. The
stood at the threshold. young nurse she¡¯d seen earli
ncing once at the unresponsive man in the bed, Tess quietly stepped outside.
¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she asked.
¡°Mr. ck asked me to give you this,¡± the nurse replied.
The moment she brought up that name, Tess¡¯s fingers twitched violently as she reached out.
The nurse, startled by her intense reaction, gave her a look.
¡°What is it?¡± Tess asked again, her voice low and trembling.
¡°I didn¡¯t read it,¡± the nurse said. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±
Back in the room, Tess sat down, her fingers clenching the small, crumpled slip of paper as though it might fly away.
Under the dim glow of the bedsidemp, she smoothed out the paper, even though it had already been crumpled from the force of her grip.
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¡°Tomorrow 10 a.m. Lock Group.¡±
Just five words. But to Tess, they struck like a hammer to the chest.
+5 Free Coins
She closed her eyes in anguish, the throbbing vein on her temple betraying the war inside
her.
The night passed in a hollow silence.
At home, Tessy in bed holding La in her arms, staring nkly at the ceiling until the morning light crept in.
At sunrise, she called Bessie and asked her to help take care of La for the day.
Once she had handed La off in person, she made her way to the hospital.
The nurse told her Charles still hadn¡¯t woken up. She consulted the doctor, who said he¡¯d regained consciousness but needed rest. The news gave her a shred offort¨Chowever small.
Charles¡¯s phone buzzed non¨Cstop on the bedside table. Texts and voicemails poured in, one after another.
**
Tess couldn¡¯t help ncing at the screen. They were all from Jackman Legal.
¡°Mr. Jackman, several of our clients have pulled their contracts. We¡¯re hanging by a thread¡
¡°Mr. Jackman, please return to the office as soon as possible. We need you to take the lead.¡±
¡°Mr. Jackman, our major clients refused to pay the remaining bnces! We¡¯re on the brink of a financial copse!¡±
¡°Mr. Jackman ¡¡±
¡°Mr. Jackman, Southshore Legal is offering a buyout.¡±
On and on it went. Bad news, one after another, flooded his inbox like a tsunami,
Each message
drove home the same brutal truth: bankruptcy was inevitable,
Then came onest message. Tess caught it just before the screen dimmed.
¡°Mr. Jackman, if Ms. Ember is willing to beg Mr. Lock, the firm might still have a chance.
¡°After all, it was Ms. Ember who got you into this mess.
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Chapter 54 A Silent Ultimatum
¡°You¡¯ve done more than enough for her. Haven¡¯t you paid off your debt by now?¡±
Tess closed her eyes. Her face was drained of color, a ghost of what it had once been.
She looked again at the note in her hand. This update is avable on Find~Novel
Ten o¡¯clock. Lock Group¡¯s headquarters.
With a trembling hand, she threw the note into the trash. It was no longer white¨Cit had turned yellowish under the night¡¯s crushing weight.
She told the nurse to keep a close eye on Charles. Then she left the hospital and hailed a cab.
¡°Lock Group¡¯s headquarters, please.¡°/
Her lips were bloodless, her entire body swaying as she stood by the open car door.
But then, she resolutely climbed in the vehicle.
¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said.
The Lock Group building rose like a monument of power, towering above the city.
Beneath its shadow, every pedestrian seemed small¡ªinsignificant.
Tess stood at the entrance she once knew like the back of her hand. The scorching sun beat down on her face, and the building felt both familiar and foreign, as if it belonged to another life.
Now, she was just one of the many strangers who passed through these ss doors.
She lowered her eyes, letting her hair shield her face from the blinding sunlight, and walked straight to the front desk.
This time, the receptionist didn¡¯t ask for her name or ID. Instead, she handed over an ess card without hesitation.
Her gaze wasced with something between surprise and respect. ¡°Ms. Ember, please use the employee elevator. Mr. Lock is waiting for you on the top floor.¡±
Tess nodded softly, stepping into the elevator she once took every day.
As the doors closed behind her, the receptionist watched her go, murmuring to herself in disbelief.
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So she really is Mrs. Lock¨Cthe once famous attorney, Tess Ember?
Ding!
The elevator chimed, halting at the top floor.
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Tess walked forward on instinct, following the familiar path straight into Finn¡¯s office.
The leather chair behind the desk was empty. Zane was tidying up some documents. When he noticed Tess, he paused and looked up.
¡°Mrs. Lock.¡±
He gave a polite nod.
Tess didn¡¯t bother with niceties. Her voice was cold. ¡°Where¡¯s Finn?¡±
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Chapter 55 A Deal for Dignity
¡°Mr. Lock will be here shortly. Please wait a moment, Ms. Ember.¡±
Zane motioned for someone to bring her a ss of water.
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Momentster, a junior assistant arrived and called Zane away, leaving Tess alone in the grand, spacious office.
Her eyes drifted toward therge executive chair, which was empty for now.
She remembered how he always sat there in a crisp, couture suit, every button fastened meticulously to the top, handling the affairs of thepany with an air of effortless control.
Back then, as his chief attorney, she had spent countless hours across from him discussing legal strategy andpany affairs.
But never¨Cnot once¨Chad she stood in this office as his wife.
And now, standing here again, it felt like she had stumbled into a different life entirely.
Her fingertips brushed against the armrest of the chair, and in that fleeting moment, she could almost see his eyes¨Csharp, dark, and fixed on her through the void.
To others, those eyes might seem full of warmth and affection, but only Tess knew how cold and calcting they truly were.
¡°I heard Mr. Lock and Ms. Nadine are getting married soon.¡±
¡°Well, if I were him, I¡¯d marry her too. She¡¯s beautiful, smart¨Cthey¡¯re the perfect couple.¡±
¡°Ms. Nadine is right next door, actually. Word is, she¡¯s waiting for Mr. Lock to get off work so they can grab dinner.¡±
Right next door?
Tess clenched her fists inside her sleeves.
So that¡¯s why Finn wasn¡¯t showing up. This was his way of putting her in her ce.
She knew exactly why she hade¨Cto ask Nadine for forgiveness.
But she hadn¡¯t expected their offices to be this close¨Cseparated only by ¨¤ corner and a thin
wall. The source of th?s content is find(?)ovel
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When Tess entered, Nadine barely looked up, her eyelids liftingzily as if she¡¯d been expecting her.
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¡°Fancy seeing you again, sis,¡± she said with a bright smile, but her eyes glinted with mockery.
The way Nadine called her made Tess¡¯s skin crawl. Too sweet. Too fake.
Tess met her gaze coldly. Their eyes locked in the air. Tess¡¯s jaw tightened, her blood roaring in her ears, and then¨Cshe lowered her head.
¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said softly.
If an apology could spare Charles from Finn¡¯s wrath, she¡¯ll do it.
¡°What did you say?¡±
Nadine tilted her head and cupped her ear theatrically, feigning confusion.
Tess looked up and caught the smug sparkle in her eyes.
¡°I said, I¡¯m sorry.¡±
Tess felt a rush of bitterness and numbness rise in her chest.
Nadine blinked, surprised by how quickly Tess folded.
But she recovered fast, her smile widening. ¡°Tess, Mom always said, ¡°if you¡¯re going to apologize, do it like you mean it.¡±
Tess looked up and narrowed her eyes. ¡°What do you want?¡±
¡°Oh, you know,¡± Nadine said, feigning reluctance. ¡°You did p me. And I¡¯m not one to stoop to your level. But¡ ¡± Nadine recalled the humiliation of that day, and a sh of cold light flickered beneath her eyes.
¡°How about this?¡±
She leaned in, lowering her voice, her lips almost brushing Tess¡¯s ear. ¡°Go to the main lobby and bow for two hours. Then maybe I¡¯ll forgive you.¡±
She straightened up, arms folded, expression cool¨Clike the words she¡¯d just uttered hade from someone else entirely.
Tess¡¯s pupils shrank. She stared at Nadine as if she were a snake.
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Even the onlookers who¡¯d gathered were stunned. No one had expected Nadine to be this ruthless.
¡°What? You don¡¯t want to?¡±
Nadine¡¯s voice dropped, a mocking whisper.
¡°I heard Charles went out drinking just for you. He even auctioned off one of his properties. All that, and you can¡¯t even do such a simple thing for him?¡±
Her tone was yful, but the pressure behind it was unmistakable.
¡°Ms. Nadine ¡¡± someone began to interject, unable to stay silent.
But Nadine raised a hand, silencing them. ¡°Finn sent her here to ask for my forgiveness. Are you saying you want to get involved in that?¡±
Her smile was warm, pleasant even, but her eyes dared anyone to disagree.
The room went quiet again. People backed off, ncing at Tess with faint sympathy.
Her head stayed bowed, hair covering her face, her expression unreadable.
But beneath her sleeves, her trembling fists betrayed her inner struggle.
The silence pressed in. The only sounds were the unsteady rhythm of her breathing against Nadine¡¯s calm, measured inhales.
¡°If you don¡¯t want to do this, I won¡¯t force you,¡± Nadine finally said with mock concern, breaking the silence. ¡°I¡¯m not unreasonable.¡±
Then she leaned closer and mouthed one name. ¡°Charles.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± Tess muttered.
She lifted her head slowly, eyes filled with something bitter and hollow.
All she felt was numb.
Was this what they wanted? For her to surrenderpletely?
They threw her in prison¡ªand now even her right to exist made them ufortable?
Was her very breath a sin?
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She stared straight into Nadine¡¯s eyes. ¡°If I did this, will Finn let Charles go?¡±
Her eyes were detached. Hollow.
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¡°Of course,¡± Nadine said, folding her arms. ¡°You might not trust me, but you trust Finn, don¡¯t you?¡±
Her voice, soft and sweet and brimming with flirtation, lingered on his name.
Nadine watched Tess carefully, savoring the stunned look on her face¨Cthen smiled.
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Tess turned her head slightly, her eyes locking onto Zane, who had just stepped into the room. It was clear she was hoping he¡¯d say something¨Canything¨Cthat would hint at Finn¡¯s true intentions.
Zane was clearly thrown by the situation. Under Nadine¡¯s sharp gaze, he finally gave a hesitant nod. ¡°Mr. Lock did say that if Ms. Nadine agreed to let it go, he wouldn¡¯t go after Mr. Jackman anymore. But ¡ ¡± He paused, shifting uneasily. Mr. Lock never said anything about Ms. Ember having to bow. And tonight .. tonight wasn¡¯t supposed to go down like this. If Mr. Lock finds out Ms. Nadine showed up unannounced and forced Ms. Ember to bow-
¡°Enough, Zane,¡± Nadine cut in smoothly before he could say more. She turned to Tess, her tone gleaming with false sweetness. ¡°It¡¯s up to you now, Tess. You wouldn¡¯t want Charles to lose everything, would you?¡±
Zane¡¯s words extinguished thest flicker of hope in Tess¡¯s eyes. A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
Fine.
If this was how they wanted to y it, so be it.
After all, she¡¯d already served time¨Clost her dignity, her freedom, and her reputation. What was left to lose?
If her sacrifice could spare Charles, she would do it.
Tess curled her fingers into her palms, sharp nails digging into her flesh as though her heart were bleeding from the inside out.
¡°Tess, you see-¡± Nadine bent down slightly, whispering close to Tess¡¯s ear.
Her breath was warm, but it felt like a venomous serpent hissing with cruel delight.
Nadine¡¯s words were cold and sinister,ced with a determination to drag Tess straight into the abyss.
¡°You betrayed thepany. You crossed a line he never forgives. You think he has a shred of pity left for you?¡±
Tess¡¯s eyes flew open wide in shock.
Nadine¡¯s hand pressed down on her shoulder, pinning the wave of emotion in her chest.
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She chuckled softly, her eyes filled with venomous mockery. ¡°Even if you tell him it was me, so what? Do you think he¡¯ll believe you?¡±
With that, she straightened up.
Tess had always stood a bit taller than Nadine, but after prison, she hadn¡¯t worn heels even
once.
Nadine, on the other hand, stood proudly in a pair of stilettos, her chin lifted like royalty looking down on a beggar.
A cold wave swept through Tess¡¯s chest. A wave of regret washed over her.
A bitter smile tugged at her heart as a voice inside scolded her for her own foolishness.
She¡¯d nearly said it. Nearly told the truth about what happened back then.
But who would believe her?
She swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth. The light in her eyes dimmed again¨Cwhat little was left of it.
Then, in one smooth motion, she turned away.
Zane blinked in surprise, then rushed after her. Nadine hesitated, then followed.
The lobby was spacious, its marble floors gleaming under the overhead lights. Employees and visitors bustled in and out, the constant motion adding to the chill in the air.
In one swift motion-
Tess bent her back.
The lobby¡¯s noise nearly drowned out the quiet defiance in her bow.
Zane froze, a cold shock shooting up his spine.
Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he pulled out his phone to alert Finn.
People began to slow their steps, curiosity written all over their faces. Their curious nces turned invasive, scanning her like she was some bizarre spectacle.
The marble floor beneath her feet was freezing, the chill was sinking through the soles of her shoes, creeping into her bones.
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eyes-
What made it even more unbearable than the cold floor was the constant stream of curious, suspicious, unkind. Some were wide with excitement, lighting up as if they had just stumbled upon tomorrow¡¯s headline.
A woman bowed in the lobby of Lock Group¨Cwhat was she doing there?
The gossips couldn¡¯t resist themselves. Eager to feed their thirst for drama, they began snapping photos of Tess¡¯s face, inching closer and closer.
The shes burst in quick session, forcing Tess to duck her head. But it was no use. Phones were nearly jammed into her face, as if she were an animal in a zoo.
¡°What¡¯s she doing here? Does she even know where she is?¡±
¡°Is she trying to pull some kind of stunt? Are we about to see some major drama unfold?¡±
¡°Wait a sec¨Cthat figure ¡ Doesn¡¯t she look like¡ª¡±
The voice was quickly drowned in the growing buzz of spection.
¡°Zane,¡± Nadine called, a sly smile ying on her lips. Her eyes shimmered with a sinister kind of joy. ¡°Have her take off the mask.¡±
She was positively glowing with satisfaction as she stared at Tess, who was now surrounded by a full¨Cblown audience.
The memory of every p she had once dealt Tess came back to her crystal clear, and this was better than revenge.
Her teeth clenched tightly as she looked at the woman in the center of the crowd, as if Tess were some animal on public disy. The bitterness that had long been stuck in Nadine¡¯s chest began to dissolve. Chapters first released on F?ndNovel
Anyone who dared to defy her¨Cthis was the ending they deserved.
Zane¡¯s eyes flickered with hesitation, but Finn had made his orders clear. Tess was to apologize. And in his absence, no one¨Cabsolutely no one¨Cwas allowed to defy Nadine. So Zane took a breath, steeling himself under the weight of a hundred watching eyes, and stepped forward. ¡°Mrs. Lock,¡± he said, his voice low but firm, ¡°I¡¯m going to have to ask you to remove your mask.¡±
The words hit Tess like a punch. Her back went rigid.
Ever since giving birth to La, she had barely cared about appearances. And the scar that ran across her cheek¨Cdeep, raw, and impossible to ignore¨Cwas now her greatest shame.
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¡°Please,¡± Zane added gently. ¡°Let¡¯s not drag this out.¡±
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The stares all around made his scalp prickle with difort.
Tess¡¯s lips trembled as she bit down hard, tasting blood.
Not far off, Nadine stood with her arms crossed, looking utterly rxed¨Clike she was enjoying the best seat at a twisted circus show.
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Chapter 57 Animal in Disy
She was nothing more than a clown¨Csomething for others tough at.
Tess¡¯s fingers curled tighter and tighter.
¡°Mrs.¡±
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Before Zane could prompt her a third time, Tess yanked off the mask covering her face.
Her pale, delicate features were exposed for all to see: A faint pink scar, raw from healing, ran down her cheek¨Can unmistakable reminder of suffering.
It was as if the entire world had hit pause.
Everyone stared at the woman in the center, and the noisy whispers from just a moment ago faded into utter silence.
¡°Oh my God! That¡¯s Ms. Tess!¡±
Someone gasped and quickly covered their mouth, but in the hush, the soundnded like a stone in water¨Csharp and echoing.
Dozens of eyes turned her way, each with its own reaction, all locked on the woman who kept her head lowered.
She seemed to have lost all strength and sound, like a withered flower, limp and lifeless against the ground.
Her face betrayed no emotion, but her knees were trembling, her joints aching from the cold that had begun seeping in.
In that moment, she felt like she was back in prison again¨Cstripped of everything, dignity and all.
Her eyes squeezed shut as a bitterugh escaped her lips.
¡°She¡¯sughing? After all this?¡±
¡°That¡¯s the woman who dared steal confidential documents from Mr. Lock. Shameless.¡±
¡°Tess, yourugh is hideous. Honestly, crying would be better.¡±
Nadine giggled, her hand pressed to her lips in mockery.
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Zane, watching it all unfold, felt a chill sink into his bones. That wasn¡¯tughter¨Che could see it inly now; she was crying.
No, it¡¯s something far worse.
If Mr. Lock see this¡
Frantically, Zane sent him a message. ¡°Mrs. Lock is here. It¡¯s bad.¡±
The response came instantly. ¡°I¡¯m outside.¡±
Tess instinctively tried to cover her back, pressing her palms down to offer even the tiniest bit of warmth.
But her back had gone stiff and numb, crawling with invisible ants biting through bone.
Her face turned ghostly pale. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FindN()vel
She looked around, dazed. Anyone who met her gaze flinched in shock before dropping their heads, whispering behind cupped hands.
More people entered the lobby by the minute, the quiet soon reced with murmuring voices and passing footsteps.
¡°How ¡ how did Ms. Tess end up like this?¡±
A whisper floated by, only to be swallowed up by the noise of approaching footsteps.
Tess had endured countless nightmares in prison.
That ce was hell.
Everyone said she came back a different person, but they had no idea. That year in prison had nearly killed her. She would¡¯ve lost all reason¨Cif not for La.
She clutched her knees with both hands as a creeping chill slithered up her legs like tangled
vines.
The cold crawled from her knees to her chest, then stretched out wed limbs that sank their teeth into her heart, wrapping around it tight, refusing to let go.
Prison had been a pit of demons.
The moment she arrived, she became a target.
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They bullied her, made her wash their clothes, and scrub their dishes. One mistake, and it was verbal abuse¨Cor worse, they left her outside in the dead of winter.
Within a year, Tess went from pride of the elite to a breathing shell.
She¡¯d gone from rage to despair to numbness.
Tess squeezed her eyes shut and forced herself to pull away from those memories.
Her legs had once been broken. Every time they got cold, they throbbed with a phantom pain¨Cas if the bones were shattering all over again.
Two hours for bowing was torture.
Before long, cold sweat had soaked through her back.
The chill in her knees spread up through her thighs and calves, and soon, she could feel the stiffness creeping through both legs.
Across the room, Nadine narrowed her eyes. She scoffed at Tess¡¯s contorted expression.
Seriously? Just from bowing for a while? You made it through prison, and now you can¡¯t handle this?
Nadine crossed her arms and snorted.
Zane¡¯s eyes darted around the exits, searching anxiously for any sign of Finn.
¡°What¡¯s Ms. Tess doing here?¡±
¡°Still calling her awyer? She¡¯s been cklisted for ages.¡±
¡°Tsk. Is she here to beg Mr. Lock for forgiveness?¡±
The mocking was relentless.
Tess¡¯s spine slowly curled inward, her strength buckling under the emotional weight.
Sweat clung to her forehead, stering wisps of hair to her face.
She felt like an animal on disy, poked and prodded in public¨Cright here in the very ce where she had once made her mark.
A bitter smile crept across her lips.
Nadine¡¯s cruelty had no limits. And yet Tess could do nothing.
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Then, the sound of footsteps¨Cstrong and sharp¨Ccut through the air, silencing every whisper.
A tall man strode in, surrounded by suited bodyguards andpany executives.
The crowd immediately lowered their heads! ¡°Mr. Lock.¡±
Finn¡¯s brows furrowed slightly as he scanned the lobby for her.
As if moved by instinct, the crowd parted, leaving a clear path.
And there, finally exposed in the open, a woman bowed in the center of the lobby.
Finn¡¯s pupils contracted.
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The sight of her hit him raw. His chest seized with pain as the image burned into his mind.
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Chapter 58 Shattered Pride
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Tess heard the synchronized shouts echoing through the building, but she could barely open her eyes, hovering between consciousness and copse. She didn¡¯t even have the strength to lift her head.
Finn¡¯s sharp gaze fell on her crumpled form, a flicker of shock breaking through his icy stare.
He parted his lips, but his throat was so dry that no words came out.
How did thing to this?
His
eyes immediately snapped to Zane, who stood rigidly; he lowered his head, avoiding his gaze.
Zane had always followed orders to the letter. He would never overstep unless ¡
Unless this wasn¡¯t Tess¡¯s choice. Unless this was Nadine¡¯s doing.
Rage flickered across Finn¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t hesitate. In two long strides, he was at Tess¡¯s side and helped her to stand straight.
¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡± he snapped.
Tess braced herself against his chest, her voice t and bitter. ¡°What¨Cdid you and Nadine not agree that I should bow for two full hours?¡±
Finn froze. The coldness in her voice sent a chill down his spine. He turned sharply to re at Nadine.
Nadine shrank under his gaze, murmuring pitifully, ¡°I told her she didn¡¯t need to apologize. But she insisted. She said she¡¯d bow for two hours. I couldn¡¯t stop her. I guess¡ she wanted to make a scene in front of you.¡±
She said it with a wounded look, as if Tess had orchestrated the whole thing to gain sympathy.
Tess stared at her in disbelief, as though seeing a stranger.
This was the girl she once treated like a sister.
¡°Zane,¡± Finn said sharply.
Zane stepped forward andid out the truth.
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Chapter 58 Shattered Pride
¡°It was Ms. Nadine,¡± he said, his voice steady.
Zane¡¯s word shattered Nadine¡¯s carefully woven lie.
Her face went pale. ¡°Zane¡¯s on Tess¡¯s side-¡±
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But her voice faltered the moment Finn¡¯s eyes met hers¨Ccold, sharp, and unforgiving. She fell silent.
¡°Finn, I-¡± Nadine started, but he was already turning back to Tess.
He wanted to exin.
That he never meant for it to go this far. He only hoped a forced apology would break her pride a little and make her listen for once.
But before he could finish¡ª
¡°Get lost!¡±
Tess¡¯s voice cracked with fury. Her legs nearly gave out beneath her. She stumbled a little before she steadied herself. When she saw Finn stepping closer, something inside her snapped. She shoved him back with every ounce of strength she had left.
Finn stumbled, caught off guard.
¡°Stop pretending, will you?¡±
Her voice was raw, her smile twisted with pain. ¡°Pride? Is that what this is about? I don¡¯t have any left¨Cnot after you shattered it, piece by piece.¡±
She tilted her head back, the pale skin of her face stark against the faint scar on her cheek.
Finn¡¯s breath caught. He wanted to say something, but it was as if an invisible hand gripped his throat. ¡°You ¡¡±
¡°You wanted an apology? Fine,¡± she said hoarsely. ¡°I bowed. That should count.¡±
She cast a nce at Nadine, who looked like a ghost in the corner. Then Tess leaned weakly into Finn, whispering her final words like a dying wish. ¡°Now keep your promise. Let him go.¡±
Each word felt like it had been wrenched from her bones.
Then she staggered away, dragging her numb legs across the lobby.
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Alone. Broken. Humiliated.
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The entire room had fallen into a stunned silence. No one could look away from the tragic figure disappearing out the door.
Not a sound¨Conly the faint scrape of her steps.
As soon as her figure vanished from sight, the entire building fell into a silence so deep, you could hear a pin drop. The very air inside seemed to freeze in ce.
Finn stood where Tess had just bowed, his jaw clenched tight. A bitter chill radiated from him, wrapping around his entire being. He was like a towering iceberg¨Csilent, unyielding, and cold to the bone.
Zane¡¯s heart sank.
Nadine trembled, her chest tight, wanting to escape. But just as she turned, she met Finn¡¯s dark, stormy gaze.
His eyes were like a cold de, so sharp that it could slice through her.
Nadine flinched.
Finn strode forward and stopped in front of her.
His towering frame cast a long shadow over her, his restrained fury pressing down like a thundercloud.
He stared at her as though he didn¡¯t know her anymore. She was once a kind and capable girl -how had she be this?
¡°Who gave you permission to mess with
my wife?¡±
His voice was low and sharp as ice.
Nadine¡¯s scalp prickled.
It wasn¡¯t just Finn¡¯s overwhelming pressure. Everyone else¡¯s curious and judgmental stares pierced her like needles.
¡°Finn¡¡± she whispered, barely audible, begging.
But Finn didn¡¯t budge. Zane, worried about the growing public attention, quickly stepped in to disperse the crowd.
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Chapter 58 Shattered Pride
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Within moments, it felt like a heavy storm had settled over the building. Everyone walked on eggshells.
At the center of it all, Nadine stood with her head bowed, too ashamed to lift it.
And the man before her¨Chis heart had already followed Tess out the door.
Outside, the scorching sun seemed to dull the ache in Tess¡¯s legs.
She didn¡¯t know what happened after she left. She just kept walking¨Cmechanically, painfully.
When she finally reached the edge of the road to call a cab, her phone rang.
¡°Ms. Ember, Mr. Jackman is awake.¡±
She rushed to the hospital.
Charles was sitting up in bed, taking small spoonfuls of grits with the help of a nurse. An IV line still hung from his arm.
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Chapter 59 A Quiet Goodbye
Chapter 59 A Quiet Goodbye
¡°You came.¡±
The moment Charles saw her, a flicker of warmth lit
¡°How are you feeling?¡±
Tess forced a smile as she turned to ask the nurse.
up his usually calm eyes.
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¡°He¡¯s recovering well. Just a couple more days
discharge,¡± the nurse replied gently, collectin of observation, and he should be ready for
the empty te from Charles¡¯s bedside.
Once she left, the room grew quiet with only Tess and Charles remaining.
Tess finally exhaled in relief and settled into the soft chair beside the bed.
¡°Are you okay? Does anything still hurt?¡± she asked, her voice gentle with concern.
Charles arched his brows in azy smile, his demeanor gentle¨Clike a big, obedient dog. ¡°Nope. Didn¡¯t the nurse just mention that I¡¯ll be discharged soon?
Tess nodded.
After that, silence fell between them again.
Charles tried to say something but couldn¡¯t seem to find the right words. The air felt heavy, the space between them filled with unspoken things.
Tess was the one to finally break it.
¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±
She lowered her gaze, guilt swirling in her eyes.
If Charles hadn¡¯t taken her in out of kindness, he wouldn¡¯t have found himself in Finn¡¯s
crossfire.
Charles hadn¡¯t expected that. Flustered, he tried tofort her.
m now. After a moment¡¯s
But despite his eloquence in court, the right words escaped struggle, he managed to say, in a somewhat dry and awkward manner, ¡°This wasn¡¯t your
fault.¡±
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Chapter 59 A Quiet Goodbye
Tess gave a small shake of her head, silent.
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Charles¡¯s brow knit slightly, a trace of worry flickering across his face. ¡°Don¡¯t carry all of the burden by yourself. You haven¡¯t done anything wrong.¡±
And for a brief moment, it felt like someone had gently tapped on the locked door around her heart.
Ever since her release from jail, Tess had adopted a hedgehog¨Clike demeanor, always preparing for the next blow.
Whether it was Kylie, Nadine, or Finn, she met them all with a cold indifference. But the truth was, everything she did was to protect herself and La. Her strength was forced. Her resilience, a disguise. She had no choice but to build walls around herself just to survive.
¡°Don¡¯t stress about it. That house they¡¯re auctioning off already has a decent opening bid. I¡¯ve got some savings, and I still have myw firm. Really, it¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Charles said gently.
Tess blinked fast, her eyes growing misty.
¡°Hmm, I should go check on La.¡±
She stood up.
Charles tensed up at the thought of her daughter alone in the house. He quickly waved her off and said, ¡°Go on, don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m fine here.¡±
Tess gave him onest look, then turned and walked out.
Her silhouette disappeared at the doorway, and the room returned to stillness.
Charles leaned back against the pillow, his eyes flickering with something unreadable.
Something didn¡¯t sit right. His gaze lingered on the door where she¡¯d vanished.
Then¨Cknock, knock.
A knock broke the silence outside the door.
Ruling out the possibility that Tess might return, Charles¡¯s gaze fell on the door, his eyes darkening.
¡°Come in.¡±
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When Tess got home, Bessie had just finished making La a bottle of form.
¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±
Even though her legs still ached from days of running around, all the pain and tiredness vanished the moment she saw La.
Bessie caught the gauntness in Tess¡¯s face; she was startled, but then she saw the sparkle return to her eyes. She swallowed her words.
She handed the baby over.
Tess cradled La tightly, the familiar scent of milk washing over her like a balm. Every muscle in her body finally rxed.
La hadn¡¯t seen her mother in days. She reached up with chubby little arms, trying to wrap them around Tess¡¯s neck.
Their heads touched gently, a quiet moment of warmth between mother and child.
Moved by the way the two looked at each other, Bessie couldn¡¯t help but be swept up tenderness of it all. A soft smile blossomed across her face.
in the
¡°Alright, let me hold her. You go rest,¡± Bessie offered, reaching for La.
As if understanding the exchange, La blinked her big round eyes and stretched out her arms toward Bessie.
Tess didn¡¯t argue.
Something urgent required her attention.
¡°Bessie, could you watch La a bit longer?¡±
Bessie noticed the look on Tess¡¯s face. She didn¡¯t understand what was going on, but she patted her chest confidently. ¡°Of course, no problem.¡±
Tess headed into the bedroom.
She moved from room to room, finally dragging out a familiar suitcase.
¡°Hey, what are you doing?¡± Bessie asked, startled.
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Chapter 59 A Quiet Goodbye
¡°I¡¯ve already troubled you long enough,¡± Tess said with quiet apology.
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Bessie knew Tess had always been the kind of girl who didn¡¯t like imposing on others. But this was a big house with plenty of rooms, and she and La barely took up a corner. How Iwas that a burden?
¡°Have you found a ce to stay?¡±
Bessie ced the bottle near little La¡¯s mouth, letting her hold it and drink on her own, while asionally lending Tess a hand as she packed.
¡°I found a few live¨Cin jobs online¨Cfood and amodation included. I¡¯m heading out with La for some interviews,¡± Tess said briskly.
Tess moved swiftly, with ease.
Given how firm her tone was, Bessie didn¡¯t press.
Before long, Tess had packed up everything for herself and La. Then, with careful attention, she cleaned the ce.
Standing in the doorway, she gave the neat little home onest lingering look.
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Chapter 60 The Hollowness She Left Behind
The door clicked shut behind Tess.
Once again, she had no home.
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Tess was determined not to drag anyone else down with her, even if it meant sleeping on the streets with La in her arms.
Bessie offered, ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to the bus stop.¡±
The two of them walked in silence until they reached the station. Before getting on, Bessie turned back and gave a fewst words of concern, her voice filled with worry.
Tess nodded along with a grateful smile, watching as the bus pulled away before finally turning to leave.
She took La straight to the Lock Group Private Hospital.
Charles had already done more than enough for her. She didn¡¯t want to burden him any further.
Still, she knew that if Charles found out she was leaving, he¡¯d try everything to stop her.
To avoid that, she handed the keys to the front desk nurse and asked her to pass them on to Charles.
And with that, Tess walked out, carrying La in her arms.
The nurse nced down at the keys in her hand, then made her way toward Charles¡¯s room.
But just as she reached the door, it opened from the inside¨Cand she nearly bumped into Zane.
She gave
him a polite nod, then stepped inside.
Charles was sitting up, his eyes vacant and unfocused.
The nurse hesitated for a moment, then held out the key.
¡°Mr. Jackman, Ms. Ember asked me to give this to you.¡±
A flicker of light sparked in Charles¡¯s eyes. He stared at the key as it slowly came into focus-
his house key.
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Chapter 60 The Hollowness She Left Behind
He suddenly bolted upright. ¡°Where is she?¡±
Startled, the nurse answered truthfully, ¡°S¨Cshe just left.¡±
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Charles threw back the covers and tried to get up. But he was still hooked to an IV, and the nurse rushed forward to stop him. ¡°Mr. Jackman, you can¡¯t! You¡¯re still on fluids!¡±
She couldn¡¯t hold him down alone and had to call for help. Several nurses and a doctor came running in.
Eventually, Charles copsed back onto the bed, utterly drained. His eyes were hollow and dull.
The nurse wrung her hands; she seemed torn. ¡°Mr. Jackman, I know you want to find Ms. Ember, but please be patient. You¡¯ll likely be discharged tomorrow.¡±
Charles was unconvinced, his face pale and unreadable.
¡°Did she say anything else?¡± His voice was hoarse, almost breaking.
The nurse shook her head. ¡°No¡ nothing.¡±
The small spark in his eyes dimmed outpletely.
Of course. He should¡¯ve known.
No wonder she had acted so strange that day.
Tess had probably decided to leave just so she wouldn¡¯t burden him any further.
His hands curled into fists as his mind reyed the earlier conversation with Zane.
-m
That man
stood awkwardly beside his bedside, struggling to ry a message.
¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, just say it,¡± Charles had told him.
At those words, Zane stopped beating around the bush. ¡°Mr. Lock has a few questions for you.¡±
Charles wasn¡¯t surprised. With his hands folded calmly in hisp, he waited in silence.
¡°Your rtionship with Mrs. Lock,¡± Zane began, ¡°and the child is she Mr. Lock¡¯s?¡±
Two questions, both exactly as Charles had expected.
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Chapter 60 The Hollowness She Left Behind
¡°Our rtionship?¡± He gave a slight pause, then answered with a wry smile.
¡°Does mutual affection count?¡±
He nced sideways, the corners of his mouth curling with quiet sarcasm.
He had once thought he could treat Finn as just another boss.
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Back when Tess was imprisoned for allegedly stealing confidential files from Lock Group, Charles hadn¡¯t known all the details. But he had never doubted her character¨Cor the sincerity of her love for Finn.
How was that possible? Anyone might have leakedpany secrets, but not Tess. She would never do anything to harm Lock Group.
The next time they met was outside aw firm. Max was harassing her.
A child at her side¨Cone who bore a striking resemnce to Finn.
And yet that same woman¨Ckind, loyal, and once full of promise¨Chad been driven to the streets by Finn himself.
Charles clenched his fists at the thought.
Zane, taken aback by the bluntness, warned him with a sharp look, ¡°Mr. Jackman, I suggest you tread carefully. Provoking Mr. Lock won¡¯t benefit you.¡±
Charles shut his eyes for a beat.
He already knew what it was like to be on Finn¡¯s bad side¨Che was 30 million in debt because of it.
¡°So tell me,¡± he said with a cold smile, ¡°is it you who can¡¯t handle the truth or Mr. Lock?¡±
Zane broke into a nervous sweat.
He gave Charles a long, uneasy stare.
Was this gentleman really the same man he used to know? The once¨Cshy rookie, who had grown into the polished andposed lead attorney¨CZane had seen him shine in court, always eloquent and restrained,
But now there was something different about him. A razor¨Csharp edge, like thorns beneath his usual calm.
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Chapter 60 The Hollowness She Left Behind
¡°And the child?¡± Zane pressed, forcing his voice to remain steady,
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¡°She¡¯s not his,¡± Charles said tly. He lifted a hand and gestured toward the door, left slightly ajar. ¡°If that¡¯s all, you can go.¡±
¡°Then whose child is she?¡± Zane asked quickly.
Charles gave a cold chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±
He turned his face away, clearly done with the conversation.
Zane realized he¡¯d hit a wall. With nothing left to ask, he ced a file on the nightstand and quietly walked out.
The memory ended there. Charles stared down at the house key still clenched in his palm, the jagged edges pressing faint red lines into his skin.
She was gone.
And with her, she took the light¨Cleaving a void in his heart. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F?nd-Novel
He reached for the file Zane had left behind. Inside was a torn contract¨Cthe same breach of agreement he¡¯d once signed.
Attached was a formal statement: Lock Group will no longer pursue legal action against Charles Jackman and is prepared to invest substantially in Jackman Legal.
Beneath it was a nk check.
Charles held the check between his fingers, a bitter smile spreading across his face. For the first time, he truly felt the weight of his helplessness.
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Charles instinctively unlocked his phone. A message from an old colleague popped up¡ªsomeone he used to be close with at work. Attached was a photo.
It showed Tess, standing in the Lock Group¡¯s lobby, surrounded by onlookers pointing and whispering.
A sharp pain pierced through Charles¡¯s chest.
If it weren¡¯t for him. Tess wouldn¡¯t have been humiliated by Finn.
She had gone that far¡ for him.
Even though he had already seen the photo, looking at it again made it just as suffocating.
¡°I want to be discharged,¡± Charles said suddenly.
He buzzed the nurse, his expression clouded with shadows.
The nurse blinked, startled by the sudden shift in the usually soft¨Cspoken Charles. She felt unsettled but rejected him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Jackman. That youngdy gave strict instructions -You can only be discharged when you¡¯re fully recovered.¡±
At her words, Charles¡¯s hand, which had been reaching for the doorknob, slowly withdrew.
Meanwhile, Tess wandered the streets with her head low, defeated.
Her phone rang inside her pocket again and again.
Grimacing, she finally switched it to silent mode.
It was Charles calling.
She¡¯d declined the call several times. Eventually, she gave up trying to stop him.
Clutching La tightly in her arms, she shielded the child from the harsh midday sun that might harm her soft skin.
Earlier, Tess had applied for a job as a hotel cleaner. But the moment employers saw the baby in her arms, they immediately. rejected her; some barely masked their fear of inconvenience.
She nced up at the zing sun overhead. Everything felt heavier under its re.
If she couldn¡¯tnd a job before nightfall, where would she and La go?
Before the interview, Tess had counted the cash she had left.
Even the cheapest motel would onlyst them two or three nights. And that didn¡¯t even include food.
She could go without a proper meal¨Cbut not La. And the form Bessie had given her was already running low.
Lost in worry, she didn¡¯t notice the luxury car that suddenly veered too close, swerving recklessly past her.
Startled. They quickly pulled tighter and stepped back to the curb.
But the car dyin¡¯t drive off It began circling her.
Once Two That want a consulence
blue squinted toward the driver¡¯s side window When she saw the familiar face twisted in a mocking smile, her body tensed all
Over
Tess gopped La closer and lowered her head, hoping to ship away unnoticed.
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Chapter 61 Enemies on Every Corner
Toote. The car door flung open, blocking her path.
¡°Well, look who it is¨Csmall world, huh?¡± A sharp voice sneered.
Someone stepped out, perfectly poised in expensive designer heels.
s
Nadine tossed her sunsses back into the car, her eyes narrowing in on the bundle Tess was shielding in her arms.
But Tess had wrapped La so securely in a soft nket that nothing could be seen. Latest content published on find~novel
Nadine scoffed, her tone dripping with contempt. ¡°Do you know what you look like right now? A pathetic little stray nobody
wants.
With Finn nowhere nearby, she no longer bothered to keep up her innocent act.
Tess instinctively took a step back.
Something urred to her; Tess¡¯s gaze dropped to Nadine¡¯s heels and slowly lifted toward her t stomach.
Wasn¡¯t Nadine supposed to be pregnant? Why was she still wearing stilettos and riding in sports cars?
Nadine caught the shift in Tess¡¯s stare and followed her line of sight¨Cstraight to her stomach.
Dammit!
I told everyone I¡¯m pregnant. Did Tess just figure something out?
Flustered, Nadine immediately ced her handbag in front of her abdomen like a shield.
¡°What are you looking at? Are you jealous and nning to hurt my baby?¡±
Their eyes locked midair.
Tess didn¡¯t respond right away, but something about Nadine¡¯s expression struck her as strange.
What kind of mother looked like that when she mentioned her own child?
There was nothing maternal in Nadine¡¯s eyes¨Cjust restlessness, irritation, and open hostility toward Tess. But not a trace of tenderness for the life supposedly growing inside her.
Tess couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off.
Mayle not all women be doting mothers right away, Tess told herself.
| Under the weight of Tess¡¯s stare, Nadine shifted ufortably, not knowing what to do with her hands or how to hold
benell
¡°What are you staring at she snapped, her neck stiff with forced defiance.
Tess slowly pulled her gaze away. Her voice, when it came, was cool and t, ¡°Move,¡±
With that any Mare gone, Nadine felt a subtle sense of relief¨Cbut it didn¡¯tst. Her pride kicked in, and she crossed her arms dramatically, raising her cun
what now! You own the sidewalk? she inocked.
Madine naised an eyebrow and nted her hands on her hips, stepping in even more arrogantly to block Tess¡¯s path.
Fiun in¡¯t here right now, she sneered. ¡°So don¡¯t give me that look. That whole lonely and misunderstood act only works on men who sull feel sorry for you¡±
Nadine let out a densive sport, dearly here with an agenda.
Trss knew it, too. No¨Cthis woman had stumbles across her by ident. She was here on purpose, clearly looking for a
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Chapter 61 Enemies on Every Corner
fight.
And sure enough, Nadine¡¯s next words cut like a deced with glee.
¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did Charles finally kick you out?¡±
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She sneered. ¡°Ever since younded yourself in jail, that mutt¡¯s been barking at me non¨Cstop. He really was loyal, wasn¡¯t he?
¡°But I didn¡¯t expect his loyalty to vanish so fast. You drag him down with 30 million in debt, and just like that¨Che drops your
Nadine folded her arms with smug satisfaction, as though waiting to watch Tess break down.
But the moment never came. Tess stood still, face calm, gaze steady. Not a flicker of emotion crossed her expression¨Cnot anger, not shame, not even surprise.
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Chapter 62 I Won¡¯t ept Your Apology
¡°Done talking? Move.¡±
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Tess lifted her gaze coldly, her piercing eyes slicing right past Nadine andnding straight on the driver¡¯s seat of the luxury car behind her.
The driver visibly flinched and ducked his head lower.
Tess¡¯s eyes darkened.
It was someone she¡¯d once trained herself¡ªa loyal assistant, or so she thought. After Tess was thrown behind bars, the woman had jumped ship without hesitation only to end up chauffeuring for Nadine.
Disappointment flickered across Tess¡¯s face, but she quickly masked it.
¡°She¡¯s my driver now. Who do you think you¡¯re ordering around?¡± Nadine tilted her chin smugly.
Tm ordering yourpdog,¡± Tess shot back without missing a beat.
Nadine blinked, stunned, before breaking into a syrupyugh. ¡°Aw, getting upset? It hurts to see your people turn on you, doesn¡¯t it?¡±
She leaned in close, her breath brushing Tess¡¯s ear like honeyed venom¨Csweet on the surface, deadly underneath.
But she had miscalcted.
¡°She doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Tess said with calm indifference, shaking her head. ¡°She¡¯s no one.¡±
Her words were soft, but the scorn ran deep¨Clike a p in the face cushioned with silk.
Nadine¡¯s confident smirk faltered, but before she could fire back, Tess grabbed her shoulder and shoved her against the car door and forced her to make way.
The sudden movement left Nadine dazed, her mind reeling. The world spun around her, and the first thing she felt was the sharp pain searing through her back.
¡°Tess!¡± she shrieked, her voice shrill with rage, eyes zing.
But Tess had already stepped away, cradling the baby in her arms, her smirk cold.
¡°Nadine,¡± she said, her voice quiet but sharp as a de. ¡°No matter how well you lie, the truth always finds its way through.¡±
Her tour was almost gentle, yetced with cruel irony.
Nadier¡¯s face flushed crimson
Was Tess mocking the little show she¡¯d put on for Finn?
Fury boiled in Nadine¡¯s eyes. Her hands clenched, and her expression darkened.
Look belund you. Tess said coolly, sensing Nadine was about to get physical.
¡°You think in falling for that? Nadine growled, clenched her teeth, and stomped forward in her heels. Follow current nov?ls on find¡¤novel
Mrs Lock
The poor came like a crack of lightning- Zane¡¯s
Nadine froze mid¨Cstep and turned. Zane approached holding a folder, his expression unreadable.
Noting the document she had just handled not long ago. Nadine¡¯s face turned visibly sour. Sull, she forced out a smile that tried to pass as polite. Something so trivial¨Cdid it really need you to permally deliver this?¡±
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Chapter 62 I Won¡¯t ept Your Apology
Zane nced at Nadine, whose expression was oddly tense. He figured she was just feeling embarrassed.
¡°Mr. Lock¡¯s orders,¡± he replied simply.
s
At the mention of that name, Tess¡¯s face hardened. She took the chance to turn and leave while they were distracted.
¡°Mrs. Lock!¡±
Zane noticed and rushed to block her path, trying to ce the folder in her arms¨Conly to realize both of her hands were full.
Instead, he respectfully opened it in front of her.
Inside was a check. One million dors.
¡°This is Mr. Lock¡¯s way ofpensating you,¡± he exined quietly.
Tess stared at the check, shocked. Then, without a word, she took a step back.
She let the check fall to the ground.
Zane blinked, confused. He bent to retrieve it, offering it again.
But Tess didn¡¯t take it. Her eyes were full of scorn.
¡°If this is his apology for making me do that,¡± she said coldly, ¡°then can I buy him to do the same thing? I can give him a million. Will he agree to this?¡±
¡°Mr. Lock would never do that!¡± Zane shot back without thinking.
As soon as the words left his mouth, his scalp turned numb and his face turned bright red.
¡°Exactly,¡± Tess said, her voice icy. ¡°If he wouldn¡¯t do that for this amount of money, why should I? Is my dignity worth less-
than his?¡±
Zane had no answer. He stepped aside quietly, letting her pass.
A little head poked out from the bundle in Tess¡¯s arms¨CLa, curious and blinking.
Zane¡¯s eyes widened in shock.
The child looked like a doll. There was no mistaking it¡ªshe looked just like his boss. Exactly like Finn.
Why was there even a question about her parentage?
¡°Hey! Isn¡¯t that the hotshot attorney everyone¡¯s been talking about?¡±
¡°Oh my gosh, that¡¯s Ms. Nadine! I love her!¡±
¡°She¡¯s brilliant and beautiful, and she¡¯s the chief attorney at Lock Group! Mr. Lock practically had her on a pedestal!¡±
People started pulling out their phones, snapping photos.
The Bases were blinding
Tess turned quickly, shielding La with her body,
People wond toud her name the same.
Now, wanding in the middle of the crowd, fallen from grace, she locked eyes with Nadine, who looked both smug and
furious
And someone in the crowd muttered-
¡°Shit¡¯s not even that pretty. The real beauty was Tess Ember, Lock Group¡¯s former star attorney!¡±
10:26 AM
Chapter 62 I Won¡¯t ept Your Apology
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¡°I heard Nadine wed her way up after Tess got locked up. Even got cozy with her brother¨Cinw. A homewrecker through and through!¡±
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Chapter 63 Make Sure She Gets Something
Chapter 63 Make Sure She Gets Something
As Tess expected, Nadine¡¯s furious voice rang out from behind her. ¡°Stop filming! Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡±
A loud thud followed¨Cthe sound of her bag mming against the car.
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The sharp crack echoed as the impact left a deep scratch on the limited¨Cedition pink sports car. Nadine ignored all that. She yanked the door shut with a deafening ng.
Zane stood frozen. He had never seen Nadine this angry, this unhinged. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t even react.
The camera clicks only grew louder.
Snapping out of his daze, Zane rushed to contain the scene, ordering security to check every phone on¨Csite. He ensured no damaging photos or videos slipped through before letting anyone leave.
After all, Nadine was thepany¡¯s starwyer. Any bad press about her could quickly be a liability for thepany.
He sighed, barely cleaning up the scene when he caught sight of Tess walking away.
In his mind, Tess was just too stubborn for her own good.
She could¡¯ve gone back to living the high life, enjoying wealth and luxury. Instead, she chose to taste the bitterness of life at the bottom.
Would it have hurt her so much to just admit she was wrong and apologize to Mr. Lock?
She had already been to jail¨Cwhy still cling so hard to pride?
And that child¡
Zane sensed troubleing. He shoved the check back into his pocket.
I better head back to the office.
On the top floor of Lock Group-
¡°She refused?¡±
Finn¡¯s brow furrowed deeply.
Zane reported Tess¡¯s reaction inly but glossed over Nadine¡¯s earlier harassment.
Years as a personal assistant had taught him well¨Conly focus on what truly mattered.
Finn pressed his thin lips together, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. But his mind betrayed him¨Csuddenly, an image of Tess¡¯s eyes appeared, dark and intense, filled with a stubborn fire that refused to die.
Those eyes had once been full of light, like stars reflected in the night sky. Now, they were hollow. Distant. When had they changed sopletely?
His heartbeat quickened for no reason he could name. Even his thoughts started unraveling into chaos.
With a sharp tap, his finger struck the desk again.
¡°I heard there¡¯s still some dispute over Mrs. Larson¡¯s legacy. But the portion designated for her¨Cif she doesn¡¯t want it, then apply pressure on the Larsons. Force them to give her a share.¡±
Zane blinked. ¡®Mr. Lock, you mean¡?¡±
¡°Mrs. Larson¡¯s legacy is worth hundreds of millions. Tossing her a little for living expenses won¡¯t kill them. And all those investment dividends? They want to swallow it whole?¡±
Finn rubbed his temple and spoke again, his voice low. ¡°Make sure she gets something.¡±
10:26 AM
Chapter 63 Make Sure She Gets Something
Zane¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll get
it done.¡±
He left and gently closed the door behind him.
His desky buried in paperwork, yet none of it held his attention.
He exhaled and wandered over to the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window.
His mind was a mess.
He couldn¡¯t shake the image of Tess stood in the lobby. It haunted him¨Clike a thorn lodged in his chest.
Unlike Finn, who was drowning in guilt and unease, Tess was experiencing an unexpected stroke of luck.
s
¡°Ms. Ember, your monthly dividend of 30,000 dors has been deposited,¡± awyer said over the phone, his voice calm and professional.
Tess stared at her phone, barely believing what she was hearing.
Did Kylie really give in?
But either way, it had been her grandmother¡¯s money.
And with this amount every month, she could take care of La.
The weight pressing on her chest lightened; she let out a breath of relief. The rightful source is find?novel
There was no need to rush into job hunting. It was evening, and it would be challenging to find a decent ce on such short notice, so she booked a hotel room for the night.
¡°Here¡¯s your room key, ma¡¯am.¡±
The hotel was clean and quiet.
As the night fell, Tess had just begun to rx when La suddenly began to cry. Her stomach was upset. Her bright little face turned pale and worn out.
Tess quickly changed her diaper and ran out to buy medicine.
She found a 24¨Chour pharmacy and wrapped La up carefully against the night chill, holding her close under the streetlights as she made her way.
She had just paid for the medicine and turned to leave when a hand blocked her path.
A group of drunk men stood in front of her.
The one leading them was a blondie named Craig Dunn, swaying with intoxication. Behind him were a few rowdy punks, clearly out for trouble.
Tess¡¯s heart tightened. She instinctively tried to sidestep, but Craig wouldn¡¯t let her.
¡°Hey prettydy, what¡¯s the rush?¡± he slurred. ¡°Mind giving me your number?¡±
He was so drunk his eyes nearly rolled back, yet he still managed to unlock his phone and sh a QR code at Tess.
¡°Dude, seriously? She¡¯s a mom,¡± one of the punks snickered. ¡°You¡¯re down bad.¡±
¡°What do you know? Yeah, she¡¯s a mom¨Cbut look at that figure. That tiny waist, those long legs. Bet she¡¯s a real thrill
A group of punks huddled together behind him, their lecherous eyes scanning Tess from head to toe. They exchanged a look, thep burst into a chorus of sleazyughter.
Tess felt like an object on disy¨Csomething cheap and exposed. Their brazen stares tightened every nerve in her body.
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Chapter 64 A World Away
+5 Free Coins
A surge of humiliation and frustration swelled in Tess¡¯s chest, but the thought of La, still sick and needing her care, forced her to grit her teeth and keep her head down.
¡°I didn¡¯t bring my phone,¡± she said softly, barely above a whisper.
¡°Whoa! Lady, are you mute or something?¡± a punk jeered from the crowd, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Laughter exploded around her like firecrackers. The street echoed with mocking voices, growing louder by the second.
Tess tried to block it all out, to disappear within herself, but it was impossible. A ring of people had already gathered, drawing curious nces from passersby.
A few onlookers looked at her with sympathy¨Cuntil they recognized Craig. Then they quickly averted their eyes and hurried
away. ?????? ???? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
¡°No phone? Then say your number out loud!¡± Craig snapped, his patience wearing thin. He shoved her hard on the shoulder.
Tess stumbled, nearly falling to the ground.
She staggered back a few steps before regaining her bnce. Craig didn¡¯t care. He kept shing his blindingly bright phone screen in her face.
¡°What are you, mute and deaf too?!¡± he barked.
One of Craig¡¯s goons, catching his cue, lunged forward and reached for Tess¡¯s hair.
Her eyes flew wide open. She fought back on instinct.
In the chaos, her face mask was yanked off.
The noisy street froze.
Only the music thumping from the nearby bar kept ying.
Craig¡¯s eyes bulged. The alcohol¨Cinduced haze vanished from his face.
You¡¯re-¡± he started.
Tess quickly ducked, shatched the mask from the ground, and put it back on in one swift motion.
Her face stayed buried in her chest, terrified to meet anyone¡¯s gaze.
She took advantage of the momentary shock and tried to slip away.
Before she could slip away, a hand grabbed her arm. ¡°Hey, everyone! Hurry up and greet my wife!¡±
Craig shouted, gripping her tightly, eyes glittering with excitement.
Who would¡¯ve guessed such a stunning face was hiding under that in outfit? Even with the faint scar on her cheek, she was a knockout. He felt like he¡¯d just won the lottery.
Craig waved over the sameckey who had grabbed Tess earlier and pped him hard across the face. ¡°How dare you hurt my
wife?
Startled by his sudden action, Tess instinctively cast a nce at theckey who had just taken the blow,
The skinny thug¡¯s face flushed red and swelled up instantly.
¡°Let me go!¡± Tess cried, panic rising in her chest.
Tess couldn¡¯t get involved with them. For all she knew, the next p might be aimed straight at her face.
10:26 AM
Chapter 64 A World Away.
She twisted hard and broke free, bolting down the sidewalk.
1
Craig wasn¡¯t about to let her escape that easily. He chased after her without hesitation.
Just then¨CScreech!
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A luxury car came to a sudden stop at the curb, its gleaming headlights piercing through the dim street like twin daggers.
Craig froze, and he fell a step behind.
The moment that car appeared, he came to a full halt. He didn¡¯t dare take another step.
If Tess¡¯s beauty had half¨Csobered him, this car woke him uppletely.
He tugged on his goons and retreated in a hurry.
Tess blinked, stunned.
No¡ it couldn¡¯t be. Finn?
The street, already sparsely popted, fell into an even deeper silence.
The window rolled down, revealing a chiseled face as cold as sculpture.
More people began pouring out of the bar.
And that¡¯s when she realized¨CFinn hadn¡¯te for her.
The bar had cleared out to receive him.
Surrounded by bodyguards, Finn stood tall and distant, his mere presence creating a rift between him and everyone else.
Dressed in a simple ck suit, he walked briskly forward, lips pressed into a line..
Several women, still buzzed from drinking, had their eyes lit up the instant he walked in.
But hismanding aura kept them at bay. They could only gape in longing as he disappeared inside.
¡°Oh my God! He¡¯s gorgeous.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t even bother. That¡¯s Aetheris¡¯s richest man. You could go blind staring, and he still wouldn¡¯t look twice at you.¡±
The whispers rolled through the crowd like a breezeced with
envy
and awe.
Tess kept her head down, clutching her child close as she melted into the crowd and left.
And just as she slipped away, a man stepping into the bar suddenly paused. As if guided by instinct, he turned back. But all he saw were shapeless shadows shifting in the dark.
His brows knitted as he scanned the figures¨Cuntil his gaze locked on a woman carrying a child.
A mother¡ bringing a baby to a bar?
Finn rubbed his brow and looked away, expression indifferent,
As he stepped inside, the ce had already been cleared. The floor was being scrubbed down by cleaners in a hurry.
¡°Mr. Lock, would you like your usual private room?¡°
The bar¡¯s elusive general manager hurried with a ttering smile and eager nod.
¡°The second floor¡±
Finn had a business meeting scheduled here.
10:26 AM P
Chapter 64 A World Away
The manager quickly arranged for someone to escort him upstairs.
s
Unlike the chaos downstairs, the second floor had the feel of a private lounge¨Cquiet, refined, and removed from the usual bar atmosphere.
The moment Finn appeared, all eyes turned to him.
He hadn¡¯t even sat down yet when a man nearby instantly straightened in his seat.
¡°Mr. Lock,¡± he said, rising to his feet with an apologetic look.
Finn nced at him, his cool gaze like a stillke hiding a storm beneath.
¡°Mr. Holden asked me to wait for you here,¡± the man said. ¡°But unfortunately, he got into a car ident on his way over. He sends his regrets and hopes to reschedule.¡±
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Chapter 65 It¡¯s Her
Chapter 65 It¡¯s Her
Finn¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, displeasure flickering across his face.
s
¡°Recovering from serious injury takes months¨Clet alone a car crash. If your boss is talking about postponing the meeting for three months, then I¡¯m afraid Mr. Lock will not be attending.¡±
Zane stepped forward with a stern expression and finished the statement for him.
The secretary from Holden Group panicked, quickly waving his hands. ¡°No, no! Mr. Holden said¨Cthree days! Even if he has toe in a wheelchair, he¡¯ll be there in three days, as promised! He feels awful for bailing out this time. As long as he¡¯s breathing, he¡¯ll show up to apologize in person. Please, Mr. Lock, give us one more chance to continue this partnership.¡±
He kept his head bowed low, afraid of hearing the rejection that might crush all their hopes.
After all, Brody Holden had poured his heart and soul into getting this meeting with Lock Group¨Can opportunity that rarely came by.
But fate had other ns.
¡°Three days,¡± Zane repeated after ncing at Finn for a signal.
Holding up three fingers, his voice firm and final, he said, ¡°If he doesn¡¯t show in three days, the deal is off.¡±
¡°Yes, absolutely!¡± The secretary¡¯s face lit up with relief.
Finn stood slowly, his tall frame.ening as his assistant and bodyguards nked him on either side..
Just as they reached the doorway, the
group came to a sudden halt.
Finn froze, his gaze fixed on a small item lying on the empty ground just outside the entrance
A medicine bottley on the ground.
Somethingpelled him to pause.
He stepped forward, his polished shoes glinting under the lights, and reached down to pick it up.
A bottle of children¡¯s anti¨Cdiarrheal medicine.
And immediately, the image of a woman flitting nervously through the crowd came rushing back to him.
That strange sense of familiarity gripped him again.
Finn¡¯s hand clenched around the bottle.
¡°Zane, he said in a low,manding voice, ¡°find out who dropped this.¡±
Zane blinked, confused for a moment by the request.
A medicine bottle? Why is Mr. Lock making such a big deal about it?
¡°If I¡¯m right, Finn added, it belongs to a young mother carrying a child.¡±
At thai, realization dawned. Zane instantly recalled a delicate face from his memory¨Cif this was about her, it had to be
serious
He sprang into action, ordering his team to search the area for anyone who marched the description and to request street surveince footage from the municipal office.
Soon, a video was emailed to his tablet
Zane yed the footage and confirmed it¨CMrs. Lock was the one who dropped the bottle.
Chapter 65 It¡¯s Her
¡°Mr. Lock,¡± he said, handing over the tablet.
Finn gave it a nce. His eyes locked onto Tess¡¯s anxious face in the frame.
It really was her. She was avoiding him.
s
His eyes drifted to the bundled¨Cup infant in her arms. The lighting wasn¡¯t great, but he could just make out the child¡¯s scrunched little brow.
The footage cut off there, showing only Tess¡¯s retreating figure.
Finn looked up from the screen. ¡°Find out which hotel she¡¯s staying at.¡±
He¡¯d frozen her credit cards, and he knew she¡¯d left Charles¡¯s ce. She was likely surviving on whatever cash she had left- probably in a hotel somewhere.
Rubbing his temples, Finn felt an unshakable wave of frustration building inside.
That child must be sick.
She was dragging a sick baby around the city alone. How could she think that was okay?
Zane recalled the tiny pained expression on the baby¡¯s face in the video, understood the urgency, he didn¡¯t waste a second.
Just as he was about to give further orders, a figure stumbled into view beneath the streetlight.
Tess. Her face was pale.
The medicine she¡¯d shoved into her coat pocket earlier was now missing¨Cmost likely lost in the rush of people when they exited.
She had already returned to the hotel with La but had braved the cold toe back for the missing bottle.
The sight of her instantly eased the wild rhythm in Finn¡¯s chest.
Tess¡¯s entire focus was on finding the medicine as quickly as possible for La. She held her phone¡¯s shlight low and scanned the sidewalk inch by inch.
¡°Is this what you¡¯re looking for?¡± a voice asked.
A hand appeared in her vision¨Cholding the exact bottle she¡¯d been searching for.
¡°Yes¡± Tess¡¯s eyes lit up as she snatched the bottle, looking up with gratitude. ¡°Thank y¡ª¡± Readplete version only at find~novel
Her words froze in her throat.
Finn?
The man raised an eyebrow ever so slightly, deliberately ignoring the surprise on her face.
¡°Well? Aren¡¯t you going to give it to her?¡± he asked, his voice low and rough, as the cool night breeze carried his words down
the silent street.
Tess snapped out of it, quickly backing away from him.
Her brow furrowed, every movement radiating resistance toward the man in front of her.
Finn reached out instinctively to help but hesitated, then slowly curled hack his hand like nothing had happened.
Time was slipping away. Tess was frantic. She didn¡¯t even try to return to the hotel¨Cjust clutched La in one arm and clumsily fumbled with the boule cap using the other.
But her hands were sweaty from her anxiousness; La¡¯s tighty shut eyes only made her more desperate. She twisted the cap several times without suerCSS.
Chapter 65 It¡¯s Her
s
Finn moved forward, the faint scent of his cologne drifting past her. Gently but firmly, he reached over and took the bottle out of her shaking hands.
Keepsake 66
Chapter 66 A Fragile Truce
Chapter 66 A Fragile Truce
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Tess¡¯s back was stiff as a board, but she knew Finn was helping her and La. So she pressed her lips together and said nothing.
Without a word, he reached for her free right hand and gently ced two small pills in her palm.
They moved in silence, not even the hum of a breath between them.
But La was the priority now.
Whatever grudges she held had to wait. Tess turned and carefully fed the medicine to the little girl.
La, ever obedient, opened her mouth and swallowed them without fuss.
Only then did Tess finally exhale. The warmth on her face from a moment ago faded into cold distance.
Though every instinct in her resisted Finn, she couldn¡¯t deny it was his help that got them through the worst just now. Still, no kindness could erase the past. With a cool expression, Tess walked away.
2
A gesture of goodwill¨Chowever small¨Cwas nowhere near enough to settle old debts.
Her figure swiftly retreated several steps away.
A flicker of emotion crossed Finn¡¯s eyes, but in the blink of an eye, he caught up with her.¡±
¡°The anti¨Cdiarrheal won¡¯t work right away,¡± he said curtly.
His words worked like a charm. Tess paused.
¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±
Inside the hotel room.
¡°Get me a warm towel,¡± Finn instructed.
He carefully unwrapped La from her nket. The once¨Cspirited little girl now looked pale and drained, her tiny stomach letting out asional gurgles.
Teas handed him the towel, then dropped to her knees beside the bed, pressing a hand to La¡¯s forehead.
Still warm. Still normal.
She let out a slow, careful breath, but her chest remained tight.
La¡± she whispered.
Usually, the baby would giggle and reach for her fingers at the sound of her name. Now, she was still, eyes closed, and
unresponsive.
Tess felt like a taut wire about to snap. Panic flooded her chest at the thought¡ªwhat if she lost her daughter?
She swallowed hard and turned the temperature higher. Her hands trembled as she began to wipe La¡¯s body down gently.
Hasn¡¯t the medicine kicked in yet? Why is La so weak?
Tess felt the world darken before her eyes until a hand gently pressed down over hers.
¡°Don¡¯t be scared¡±
Tess jolted and yanked her hand away.
10:27 AM
Chapter 66 A Fragile Truce
Finn felt the warmth disappear from his palm, and strangely, his chest hollowed out with it.
His
eyes dropped to his own hand, frozen midair.
That delicate touch¨Csoft and cool¨Cwas gone.
s
He blinked slowly,shes fluttering like shadows. He pushed whatever emotion flickered in his gaze back down deep.
But that touch stirred something in him, something he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time.
His fingers fell by his sides, his fingertipsrubbing together like they were trying to grasp what had already slipped away.
The air in the room felt warmer.
Too warm. The heat gathered at Tess¡¯s throat, making her dizzy.
But when her eyesnded on La, her mind cleared instantly. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
They worked together in silence, changing diapers and wiping her down. The only sound was the quiet rustle of cloth and the faint coo of the child.
It was a strange kind of peace.
Bit by bit, La¡¯s color began to return. The worst had passed.
Tess finally rxed. After changing La¡¯s diaper once more, she let her body copse onto the carpet. Her limbs felt like jelly.
Finn pressed his lips and nced down at the mother and daughter.
From his angle, all he could see was Tess¡¯s profile, her he
head bowed low, a few messy strands of hair falling across her face.
But through those strands, her eyes still shone with unmistakable tenderness..
A year had passed, and she looked like a stranger.
She¡¯d always been gentle, but before, it was a passive sort of softness¨Cagreeable to the point of dull. Now, her warmth had gained depth. It was a mother¡¯s strength¨Cstrong enough to carry, soft enough to soothe.
La¡¯s eyes fluttered open. Though she still looked weak, she managed a feeble smile in Tess¡¯s direction.
Her daughter¡¯s quiet resilience made Tess¡¯s heart clench. The panic from earlier lingered in her chest. She leaned in closer and murmured soothing words.
Her voice was gentle, imbued with a calming magic that softened even the air around them.
Finn, who had been standing nearby, felt something stir in his chest. Something he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. His eyes, almost against his will, stayed fixed on her.
They were still legally married, and yet here she was¨Cgentlyforting a child who might not even be his.
By all ounts, he should have felt bitter, Jealous. Resentful. But watching the quiet scene unfold, a strange sense of contentment began to settle over him.
For a fleeting moment, he found himself thinking, Maybe this isn¡¯t so bad,
The thought startled him.
*Mama¡.
La babbled her tiny fingers twitching as she reached out at the air.
Maybe it was the unfamiliar face or childlike curiosity, but her big round eyes locked onto Finn. Clear and innocent.
So bright. So pure.
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Chapter 66 A Fragile Truce
He¡¯d seen the clearestke, but not even that could match the rity in her gaze.
Finn¡¯s heart gave a sudden jolt, frozen in that
very moment.
Why? Everyone said this child wasn¡¯t his. He knew it shouldn¡¯t be possible. Why did she look so much like him?
¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Tess said quietly, her tone polite but firm. ¡°But it¡¯s gettingte; you should leave.¡±
s
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Chapter 67 He Wants Her Back
Chapter 67 He Wants Her Back
Tess lifted her daughter into her arms, shielding her from Finn¡¯s gaze with her body.
s
She turned her back to him, her profile stiff with defiance, though her fingers trembled slightly as they held La close.
Tess didn¡¯t push away his help¨Cpartly because she¡¯d panicked,pletely overwhelmed and out of options¨Cbut more so because he was La¡¯s father.
Even if she intended to keep this secret buried for the rest of her life, a small, selfish part of her still hoped La could grow up with a father in her life, even just for a moment.
But that brief exchange of eye contact between them¨Cit shook her to her core. Is this what people mean by blood ties?
The very thought made her scalp tingle.
Her eviction order petrified Finn in ce.
¡°Tess,e home with me.¡±
The words slipped from his mouth before he could stop them.
Tess¡¯s gentle rocking of La came to a halt.
¡°Get out,¡± she said coldly.
Her voice was firm, urgent, andpletely unyielding.
The air in the hotel room turned frigid.
Time seemed to stop.
Finally, the door shut with a soft click, leaving only the sound of Tess¡¯s quickening breaths.
She couldn¡¯t imagine what might¡¯ve happened had Finn tried to force her. What can she do if thingse to that?
The thought sent a chill through her bones.
Tess stepped toward the door and added another lock.
Outside, Finn remained motionless.
He hadn¡¯t left.
He slowly lifted his head, his eyes swimming with emotions too tangled to name.
Every moment spent with Tess, he felt her tension like a tight wire.
Is she afraid of me?
His eyes flickered with doubt. His heart sank, an unfamiliar loneliness settled over him.
¡°Mr. Lock?¡±
Zane¡¯s voice called softly from beside him, but he couldn¡¯t help stealing a nce into the room.
Mrs. Lock is staying in a hotel with her baby?
The Locks have ess to the best private doctors and state¨Cof¨Cthe¨Cart medical equipment. Why does she have to be this stubborn?
¡°Let¡¯s go, Finn said. His voice was low and cold.
The luxury car sped through the empty street, its silhouette vanishing into the night¨Cyet someone was watching it all.
10:27 AM The source of th?s content is find~novel
Chapter 67 He Wants Her Back
Inside the hotel, La had fallen asleep. Her cheeks were rosy, and the flush of illness hadpletely faded.
s
Outside, the night was so dark it seemed like ink could drip from the sky. But Tess couldn¡¯t sleep. She stood by the window, a thin breeze slipping in through the crack.
She wore a light nightgown, her slender figure like a dandelion in the wind, fragile and silent.
Earlier, she¡¯d checked her bank ount. Since it had been frozen, the trust fund had bounced back. To im it, she¡¯d need to visit the trustpany the next day.
Tightening her cor, shey down in bed.
Not far away, as soon as her figure disappeared from the window, Finn looked away.
¡°Mr. Lock,¡± Zane called out, finally daring to speak. ¡°Mr. Holden¡¯s surgery is done. It wasn¡¯t serious. They say we can resume the talks in two days.¡±
So they¡¯d be back here in two days?
Finn¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. In his mind, Tess appeared again¨Calways turning away from him, hiding her face, never meeting his eyes.
A strange ache tightened in his chest. He didn¡¯t understand it.
His hand clenched into a fist.
She was the one who had messed up in the first ce. And what happened at the lobby hadn¡¯t been his intention.
He rubbed his forehead, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
¡°Change the meeting location. Find some ce nearby¨Ca hotel with a higher floor,¡± he ordered.
Zane immediately understood.
A nearby hotel with a high floor? His boss wanted a clear view of his wife¡¯s hotel.
¡°Understood. I¡¯ll make the arrangements right away.¡±
As the car drove off, the city seemed to drift into sleep.
But at that same moment, the lights in Charles¡¯s office were still burning,
He couldn¡¯t sleep.
It had already been two nights.
Tess¡¯s sudden disappearance had left a gaping void.
She hadn¡¯t just left¨Cshe¡¯d vanished, like a drop of water melting into a river. No trace. No goodbye.
Charles sat wearily at his desk, staring at the paused video on hisptop Tess was holding a sign in the Lock Tower¡¯s lobby.
Snap!
He mmed theptop shut, heart pounding
No matter how many times he tried, he could never get through that video,
Pale moonlight spilled on his face. After a long silence, he finally stood and rummaged beneath the desk for a document.
It had been a year. A thinyer of dust had gathered on the folder.
Under the soft glow of the deskmp, his eyes flickered withplicated emotion¨Cthen wentpletely dim.
His fingers tightened around the paper creasing it sharply.
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Chapter 67 He Wants Her Back
With a heavy sigh, Charles opened his tablet and searched for Finn¡¯s recent whereabouts..
The top headline in the finance section read, ¡°Holden Group and Lock Group Expected to Coborate.¡±
He tapped into the article, his eyes locking onto the meeting location: Hignd Hotel.
Charles stood and turned off the deskmp.
The next day, on the top floor of Lock Tower.
¡°Ms. Nadine, the trust fund has been withdrawn.¡±
ck!
The sound of Nadine mming the blinds down echoed loudly through the room.
s
¡°Fine, I¡¯ll admit I went too far. It was meant to be a joke¨CI didn¡¯t think Tess would actually take it seriously. But whatever. She
the money in the end, didn¡¯t she? That¡¯s all that really matters.¡±
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Chapter 68 A Mysterious Invitation
Chapter 68 A Mysterious Invitation
Nadine voice was soft, but there was a strange chill beneath it.
s
Zane took it as nothing more than a polite farewell. After hanging up, he dismissed the lingering sense of unease that had started to stir.
Nadine, on the other hand, could no longer maintain her smiling fa?ade. The moment she put down the phone, her expression twisted with rage, and she swept the stack of documents off her desk with a loud crash.
Finn had gone to see Tess¨Cand worse, he¡¯d penalized Nadine¡¯s bonus and handed it to Tess as a trust fund.
Her whole body trembled with fury, her eyes burning red with rage.
How?! Tess isn¡¯t that brilliant, dazzling attorney anymore. She¡¯s a washed¨Cup ex¨Ccon with a criminal record!
But then, a wave of panic rose in Nadine¡¯s chest.
Wait! Tess and Finn haven¡¯t officially divorce¡
Her palms broke out in a cold sweat.
When she looked up again, a dangerous glint had reced the fury in her eyes.
Tess had no idea she was being watched. After collecting the 30,000 dors from the trust fund, she returned to her hotel.
But as she neared her hotel room, something odd caught her
eye.
A stranger stood just down the hall. The moment he saw her, he rushed over and slipped a note into her hand before vanishing without a word.
Confused. When she looked up again, the stranger touch.
already gone. Only the note in her hand remained warm from his
Her alert red. A warning rm sounded in her mind. But when her eyes skimmed over the contents of the note, her pupils
shrank.
She sucked in a few sharp breaths, trying to suppress her shock, and quickly stuffed the note into her palm before heading
inside.
It said, ¡°Tomorrow. Hignd Hotel. The case file you want will be there.¡±
The case file¡
Tess¡¯s breathing quickened.
She wasn¡¯t awyer anymore, but there was only one case file she desperately wanted to see the one connected to the nightmare that sent her to prison a year ago.
That disaster had hit her out of nowhere. Even now, she didn¡¯t know the full truth¨Cbut she was sure of one thing: it hadn¡¯t been a coincidence.
Her hand tightened into a fist, her heart racing,
Who had sent this note? And what were they after? The messenger had only been the delivery guy. The real sender remained
in the shadows.
A thousand tangled thoughts surged in her mind, forming a knot of doubt and questions.
She couldn¡¯t tell if this was a trap or the lifeline she¡¯d been waiting for.
But what she did know was this¨Cshe was tired of living under the weight of a crime she nevermitted.
She wasn¡¯t just herself. She was La¡¯s mom
Chapter 68 A Mysterious Invitation
That changed everything; she cared about her reputation.
s
Nothing happened for the next two days; the storm held its breath. Until the business meeting between the twopanies.
Charles was already waiting where Finn was supposed to arrive. He sat with a roll of legal documents at his side, tapping them restlessly against the edge of the table.
Bored by the wait, he ordered liquor to pass the time.
¡°Hard to get a meeting with Mr. Lock these days,¡± he muttered to himself.
A voice greeted him politely from behind, pulling him from his haze. Charles, already tipsy, sobered halfway in an instant. His back straightened like a rod.
Brody sat in a wheelchair, unable to stand but still offering a courteous nod.
Finn didn¡¯t return the gesture. He leaned back in his seat, exuding an effortless kind of power. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±
Brody didn¡¯t seem offended. He motioned to his secretary, ¡°Suzane, bring me the documents.¡±
Even though they were still technically in a bar, the air instantly shifted into something sharp and formal, like a high¨Cend boardroom.
The conversation faded into background noise. Charles¡¯s back finally rxed, his eyes drifting once again to the nearly empty bottles on the table.
He was drunk.
Charles knew he shouldn¡¯t be. Thest time he drank too much, it triggered a severe allergic reaction. That should¡¯ve been a wake¨Cup call. But this time, the alcohol brought something else¨Ca numbness he¡¯d been craving,
It silenced the pain. Blurred his worries.
The ache in his gut, tangled with his reckless thoughts, created a twisted kind of pleasure he couldn¡¯t help but sink into.
Maybe it was seeing Finn again that stirred something in him, but all Charles could think of was the conversation he¡¯d had with Zane. ?????? ???? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?
Charles admitted he was despicable.
He had been maniptive. Every word carefully crafted to make it seem like he and Tess were more than friends.
But the truth was, they had kept their distance. There was nothing going on between them.
It was his own selfishness that had started the whole thing.
He hadn¡¯t beenpletely clueless when Tess left. But he¡¯d felt so ashamed that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to stop her.
Maybe it was better this way.
Thoughts spiraled in his head, and without thinking, he took another long swig.
He wasn¡¯t built for heavy drinking
But the empty wine bottles kept piling up.
And soon, his neck was flushed red, heat rising across his skin.
He thought it was just the alcohol as he gulped down another ss of wine.
And then Tess walked in.
Her eyes swept the room, instantly alert for anyone susp
The first person she noticed was the tall man seated at the center of the room.
Chapter 68 A Mysterious Invitation
s
Even just sitting there, his posture straight and cold gaze fixed ahead, he lookedpletely out of ce¨Ctooposed, toomanding.
His presence was conspicuous.
Finn? What is he doing here?
Tess¡¯s eyes flickered, and she immediately looked away, trying to shrink into the background.
But in that brief second, her brows furrowed. Something didn¡¯t feel right.
Keepsake 69
Chapter 69 You¡¯ll Regret This
s ?????? ???? find¡¤novel
Chapter 69 You¡¯ll Regret This
Tess¡¯s eyes froze on the figure beside Finn.
Charles?
What is he doing with Finn?
Her heart seized up in rm.
Is Finn up to something again?
That was her first instinct.
Holding her breath, Tess pressed herself further into the shadows.
As her gazended on Charles¡¯s face, her brows furrowed even deeper.
Charles couldn¡¯t drink¨Che had a severe alcohol allergy.
His face was already flushed red; why is he still downing drink after drink?
Panic rose in her chest, and her eyes drifted toward Finn.
His jaw was tight, eyes sharp with cold disdain.
He didn¡¯t even look away¨Chis stare was fixed icily on Charles.
Tess¡¯s heart sank.
She instinctively pulled La closer to her chest.
Hadn¡¯t she apologized? Hadn¡¯t she done everything he asked?
Why is he still going after Charles?
A flicker of rage ignited in her chest.
La seemed to sense her mother¡¯s distress. She reached out her tiny hands, waving in the air before hugging Tess tightly around the neck.
That small gesture pulled Tess back to the present.
She wasn¡¯t here to start trouble¨Cjust to retrieve some case files. Best not to make a scene.
Swallowing down her anger and confusion, Tess scanned the restaurant but didn¡¯t see any familiar faces.
Her frown deepened. Is this all some kind of prank?
At that moment, a clumsy waiter carrying a tray brushed past her, identally bumping her shoulder.
A wine bottle tipped and sshed its contents across her face. Tess blinked in surprise, swiping the liquid from her lips.
Some liquor touched her lips; before she could wipe it away, it had already seeped in¨Cleaving behind an oddly sweet taste.
Her first thought was for La¨Cthankfully, the child hadn¡¯t gotten any of it on her. Tess exhaled in relief.
¡°So sorry, ma¡¯am! the waiter apologized profusely.
Since La was unharmed, Tess didn¡¯t dwell on it. She quickly waved him away, trying to keep a low profile¨Cespecially with Finn so close by.
Finn¡¯s ear twitched slightly, but he didn¡¯t react otherwise.
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Chapter (69 You¡¯ll Regret This
Tess daredia quick nce and breathed in relief. Good¨Che hasn¡¯t noticed.
She tugged at litercor, suddenly feeling a little too tight.
But gradually even her throat began to feel dry and scratchy.
A warning beillenium loudly in her mind. She looked around, searching for the waiter¨Cbut he had vanished.
Her breath caught.
That waiter¡something was wrong with him.
Her vision started to blir Highting to stay upright, she stumbled toward an empty seat and slumped down.
Meanwhile, Finn¡¯s expressionliad grown darker.
¡°You came for her?¡± le rall.
His voice cut like a de. ¡°Chartless, iffiit weren¡¯t for her, would you even bother sitting across from me to negotiate?¡± Charles gritted his teeth his visionswimming.
¡°I owe her,¡± he said hoarsely. ¡°That¡¯s why Ilhad toe.¡±
He was clearly tipsy¨Chis words slightlyslurred¨Cbut his conviction was unmistakable.
Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed, an inexplicablefrustrationwing at his chest.
¡°Speak. What is it?¡± he snapped, turning his face awayin disgust.
¡°Here. Take this.¡±
Charles handed over a worn, crumpled domument.
Finn frowned, already impatient.
But before he could fire back a snide remark Chiantessstundlupssuddenly and said, ¡°You¡¯ll regret this.¡±
And with that, he staggered off.
Zane watched nervously, ready to jump in if Charles tripped over his feet
Charles¡¯s cryptic parting words only deepened Finn¡¯s irritation.
Regret?
What is there to regret?
Still his gaze dropped to the document. It looked old.
Curiosity overcame him. He flipped to the first page¨Cand then his expressimahanged. His eyes grew sharp.
His fingers trembled slightly.
He flipped quickly to thest page¨Conly to find it missing.
What?
For a moment, he was speechless, as if something had lodged in his throat Achilreptowanis siltin
¡°Mr. Lock?¡± Zane asked, noticing the storm brewing behind Finn¡¯s eyes.
His voice jolted Finn back to the present, but his heart was still pounding wildly,
He finally shoved the document into Zane¡¯s hands. ¡°Reep this sain¡±
Chapter 69 You¡¯ll Regret This
The tight line of his jaw made Zane instantly straighten, nodding with a seriousness that matched his boss.
s
Meanwhile, Charles didn¡¯t leave. He paused at the hotel entrance, ncing back at Finn¡¯s shifting expression onest time- then turned and disappeared into the night.
He had warned him. He would regret it.
Charles exhaled, the heat in his chest making it hard to breathe.
The streetlights stretched his swaying figure into a long, lonely shadow on the pavement.
By the time Charles had vanished from sight, Zane had already gone to carry out his orders. He returned shortly after, leading Finn a few steps forward¨Conly to find Tess.
She was slumped over a table, barely conscious. Her arms, however, were still locked tightly around La, protecting her with everyst ounce of strength.
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Chapter 70 Burning Desire
Chapter 70 Burning Desire
s
La let out a soft whimper, her clear, big eyes blinking uneasily. Normally, even the slightest noise from her daughter would make Tess spring into action¨Cbut this time, sheypletely still.
Finn grew worried. rmed, he stepped forward to check on her. The moment he got close, he sensed a wave of heat radiating off her body.
He straightened up, a flicker of shock crossing his face.
Trying to steady himself, he brushed her hair aside.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her plump lips were parted and unnaturally red.
There was something strange¨Calmost seductive¨Cabout the way she looked. Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed. His mind quickly returned to the night a year ago, when they had lost control.
He shrank his pupils.
¡°Get a penthouse suite,¡± he ordered, his voice low and urgent.
Then, without another word, he scooped Tess into his arms.
Zane was stunned, but a nce at Tess¡¯s flushed face told him all he needed to know. He sprang into action.
¡°Hot¡¡± Tess murmured.
Bang!
Finn kicked open the hotel door and gentlyid her on the bed.
The jolt must have stirred her¨Cher eyed her on the bed.
Finn froze for a moment, unsure what
¡°Hot ¡¡±
opened slightly, hazy and unfocused, as she looked at him.
She stirred restlessly, her body squirming as she mumbled the same word.
¡°Tess?¡±
Finn¡¯s throat tightened as he whispered her name. He reached out and gently shook her shoulder, trying to rouse her.
But all he got in return was a faint frown, hershes fluttering in vague irritation.
He bit his lip.
She was drugged, and the effect was pretty strong, judging by the state she was in.
Finn¡¯s heart stirred uneasily as he reached out,ying his hand gently on Tess¡¯s forehead.
It was scorching.
But that simple touch sent a wave of cool relief through her overheated body. Her eyes, zed and unfocused just moments before, flickered with a trace of rity.
Meel
Gir¡¯s
hot¡.¡±
The dry whisper escaped her lips as her body shifted restlessly, inching toward Finn.
The moment her body touched his, the coolness of the man¡¯s skin made her let out a soft, relieved sigh.
But that moment offort didn¡¯tst long. Simple contact was no longer enough.
10:27 AM
Chapter 70 Burning Desire
s
Her lips parted as she gasped for breath, eyes hazy and unfocused, fixed on Finn with a strange, feverish longing. There was something haunting in her gaze¨Can unspoken need, a maic pull of temptation.
His eyes darkened.
There was only one way to draw the heat out without harming her.
And they were still husband and wife, after all.
Somehow, he slowly leaned closer.
Her soft scent and the heat radiating from her body drifted over him, clouding his gaze with something darker.
¡°You¡¯ll feel better soon,¡± he whispered hoarsely, his voice rough with restraint.
His fingers moved toward her cor.
Each button was fastened all the way up to her throat, and the sight of her flushed face paired with her modest, tightly wrapped body made the contrast almost surreal.
His hands trembled ever so slightly.
¡°Mama¡ Hug¡
The little one suddenly fussed, interrupting the silence.
Finn froze. He turned to see La sitting up, her big, innocent eyes wide with joy.
She reached out toward her mother and then turned to Finn, beaming, letting out a joyful gurgle,
That pure, innocent little face hit him like a wave of ice. He couldn¡¯t carry on. His hand fell away.
Finn stood and rubbed his temple, the tension in his chest twisting painfully.
A storm of thoughts churned in his mind before he finally gave up and walked into the bathroom. A few minutester, he returned, carrying a towel soaked in cool water.
La watched his movements in quiet confusion, no longer fussing. She sat there with wide, curious eyes, gently nibbling on her fingers as she yed. Content originallyes from find?novel
¡°Zane, give the private doctor a call.¡±
Finn ended the call and returned to the task he¡¯d left unfinished.
Focused, he slowly continued wiping Tess¡¯s body with the damp cloth, inch by inch.
But as his eyes swept over her smooth, delicate skin, his throat tightened involuntarily.
Maybe the cooling sensation was tooforting, because Tess let out a soft, dreamy sigh, her expression peaceful, almost
content.
Finn¡¯s fingers paused for a split second. His gaze deepened, dark with emotion, and something unfamiliar stirred faintly in his chest. He resumed his movements, this time even gentler than before.
A knock came at the door.
Mr. Lock, the doctor¡¯s here, Zane called from outside.
¡°Give me a minute.
Finn quickened his pace, making sure Tess¡¯s body had been carefully wiped down. Only when he was satisfied did he finally step back and allow Zane to bring the doctor, in.
The moment the doctor and Zane stepped into the room, the lingering heat inside hit them like a wall, flushing their faces
Chapter 70 Burning Desire
The doctor nced at Tess and immediately sensed something was off.
s
His eyes flicked to Finn, taking in the slightly rumpled cor of his shirt. He lowered his gaze without a word, already understanding more than he wanted to.
¡°Can you help her?¡± Finn asked quietly, his tone low and firm, though his eyes never left Tess.
¡°Yes,¡± the doctor replied quickly, not daring to meet his gaze.
He opened his medical kit and prepared the necessary medication.
After carefully helping Tess take it, he walked over to the window and pushed it open to let in the fresh, cooling air.
All the while, he could feel Finn¡¯s intense gaze pressing on his back like a weight. It made his skin crawl, but he kept working, forcing himself to focus.
Gradually, the unnatural flush began to fade from Tess¡¯s face.
The doctor was the first to exhale in relief.
¡°Thank you,¡± Finn said, stepping forward and blocking the doctor¡¯s view of the bed.
¡°Zane, walk him out.¡±
A breeze slipped through the open window, cooled the room, and chased away the lingering heat¨Calong with the storm that had been burning in Finn¡¯s chest just moments before.
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Chapter 71 I¡¯m Getting a Divorce
Chapter 71 I¡¯m Getting a Divorce
Finn¡¯s
gaze fell
upon the woman lying quietly on the bed.
Tess still had her eyes shut, as if she were peacefully asleep.
Her pale face looked serene, almost delicate.
s
Something tugged at Finn¡¯s heart¨Can invisible hand pulling gently at his chest. He sat down beside her, trying not to make a sound.
La had noticed her mother ignored her; the little one turned her attention to Finn and giggled at him.
Why? Why did he feel so close to this child, even though she wasn¡¯t his?
As if guided by instinct, Finn slowly reached out and touched La¡¯s cheek. His fingertips brushed over her soft skin.
La didn¡¯t resist. She simply looked up at him with her big, curious eyes, studying him quietly.
¡°Who¡¯s your father?¡±
Finn murmured before he could stop himself. The question escaped his lips, and he blinked at himself, letting out a bitter chuckle. What am I doing, talking to a baby?
La gave no answer, of course¨Cjust tilted her head and gnawed on her fingers.
Finn couldn¡¯t stop himself from gently tugging her hand. ¡°Would you like to go home with your mom?¡±
¡°She wouldn¡¯t, and neither would I.¡±
The husky voice cut through the stillness.
Tess struggled upright, her eyes wary as she quickly pulled La¡¯s hand back into her arms.
Finn tensed. His face returned to its usual calm,posed state. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±
He nced over, and when his eyes met Tess¡¯s guarded gaze, a strange heaviness settled in his chest.
Tess tapped her head, trying to recall the moments before she passed out.
It started after a waiter bumped into her¨Cthen came the dizziness, the heat coursing through her body.
¡°Was it you who helped me?¡±
She nced at him uncertainly, her arms tightening around La.
¡°Yes.¡±
Finn stood. His tall frame blocked out the overhead light, casting a long, heavy shadow across the room.
The pressure in the air was unmistakable.
Tess looked conflicted.
Silence crept in between them again, thick and ufortable.
¡°Thank you,¡± she finally muttered, her voice scratchy.
She turned her face away, visibly awkward.
¡°No need to force yourself, Finn replied with a cold buff, clearly unimpressed.
¡°If that¡¯s all, Mr. Lock. I¡¯d like you to leave.
10:27 AM
Chapter 71 I¡¯m Getting a Divorce
Tess lifted her head. Her messy hair half¨Chid her strained expression, making ber seem distant, almost heartless.
Finn let out a lowugh¨Cdry, humorless. ¡°That¡¯s your thank¨Cyou? Use me, them toss me aside?¡±
¡°Use you?¡± Tess frowned, catching the strange tone in his voice.
Finn raised a brow, dragged a chair closer, and dropped into it without invizmkom.
His presence instantly filled the room, shrinking the space around them.
s
You were drugged,¡± he said, propping his elbow up on the armrest, watching her reaction like a cat waiting for a mouse to flinch.
As expected. Tess¡¯s expression shifted, her lips twitched.
¡°You mean
that kind of drug?¡± She whispered, barely audible, then snapped her head up. ¡°Then how did you ¡
She didn¡¯t finish the question.
¡°Hone else do you think it could¡¯ve been handled?¡± Finn muttered, pulling at the cor of his shit with visible annoyance.
Only then did Tess notice how loosely his shirt was buttoned. Her mind jumped to conclusions so fast she nearly fainted
Finn caught the horror in her eyes, and something inside him stirred¨Che couldn¡¯t tell whether it was pity, anger, or just exhaustion.
¡°I had a private doctor from thepany to check on you,¡± he said coolly.
That news seemed to visibly calm her. Her whole body rxed.
And than reaction made his eyes narrow dangerously.
Tess. need I remind you? We¡¯re legally married. Even if I had done something, it wouldn¡¯t be out of line.¡°¡±
His voice was sharp move, his sharp nce sliced through her face.
¡°And do I need to remind you?¡± Tess shot back. ¡°I already had the divorce papers drawn up; the only thing missing is your signature.¡±
Tess sat upright, her voice sharp and unyielding. There wasn¡¯t a hint of hesitation.
Finn was momentarily stunned. The woman in front of him felt like a stranger.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked away. ¡°Tess, if you keep pulling stunts like this, I¡¯m going to run out of patience.
His tone was deliberately low, but Tess had no trouble picking up the threat in his words.
¡°Oh, you know exactly whether I¡¯m joking or not,¡± she shot back with a bitterugh, not even flinching at the change in his
expression.
¡°The divorce papers will be on your desk any day now. Then you¡¯ll know¨Cwhether this is some twisted attempt to win you back or just me finally walking away
She lifted her chin. Her face was pale, worn down by exhaustion, and a faint scar marked her neck. But even so, she looked like a proud swan¨Celegant cold, and fiercely diethunt
Finn¡¯s eyes darkened.
He yanked his hand back with a sharp flick. Don¡¯t even think about it¡®
Why did she always carry herself so proud that meet break that pride¨Cbend her until she surrendered.
His eyes were clouded over with a stormy teFSIFIER
Chapter 71 I¡¯m Getting a Divorce
s
But just as the anger rose, a sh of memory pushed through: Charles, drunk out of his mind, still managing to hand him a file like it mattered more than anything. Find the newest release on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
Finn thought of the contents of that file. Hisshes quivered, and something unreadable flickered in his eyes, dimming the fury that had been burning just beneath the surface.
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Chapter 72 The Mother and Daughter is in Danger
Chapter 72 The Mother and Daughter is in Danger
Finn exhaled heavily, trying to soften his voice. ¡°Come home with me.¡±
s
Tess had been deliberately provoking Finn, hoping he¡¯d get so angry he¡¯d finally sign the divorce papers and let her walk away for good.
But this? This wasn¡¯t what she expected at all.
His sudden proposal sent warning bells ringing in her head. She tightened her arms protectively around La.
¡°Back to what? To the sneer of your servants? Or to lie awake through every one of the sleepless, wandering nights waiting for you toe home?¡±
Her tone dripped with scorn, and a mocking smile tugged at her lips.
Finn heard the bitterness in her voice and assumed it was just more resentment.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, already tired of the argument. ¡°If the staff¡¯s giving you trouble, tell me¡ªI¡¯ll handle it,¡± he said. ¡°And as for thete nights¡
Finn looked
up
11
and met her eyes. He promised, ¡°I¡¯ll rearrange my schedule.¡±
Tess was taken aback. Her gaze instinctively lifted to meet his, but the seriousness in his eyes made her heart skip. She quickly looked away.
What did he say?
For a moment, her thoughts blurred into confusion. None of this made sense. And then, she found herself blurting out, ¡°Finn, have you ever heard the saying?¡±
He frowned slightly. ¡°What is it?¡±
¡°Love that shows up toote isn¡¯t worth a damn thing.¡±
She raised her head, her gaze unwavering. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re trying to lure me back just to keep tormenting me, if you and Nadine want to use me for your twisted games, or if you¡¯ve suddenly grown a conscience¨Cbut let me make this very
clear-
She clutched La and took a step back, pointing at the door. ¡°Get out.¡±
Her tone left no room for negotiation. Her eyes were cold¨Csharp as frost on an autumn wind.
Finn rubbed his head, clearly frustrated at her stubbornness¨Cbut surprisingly, he didn¡¯t lose his temper.
Instead, his voice dropped low, calm, and deliberate. ¡°Do you really think what happened tonight was just a coincidence?¡±
Tess froze.
Of course not.
That kind of drug wasn¡¯t something you could just get over¨Cthe¨Ccounter. Why would a waiter slip her something like that?
She snapped her head up, her gaze cutting straight through him.
¡°I¡¯m not that desperate.
Finn twitched his mouth but held her stare.
¡°Why were you even there?¡± she asked, her voiceced with suspicion.
He shrugged, visibly rxed. ¡°Last time, I ran into you at the bar because a client canceled a business meeting. Tonight was the same thing¨Cjust different ce!
Chapter 72 The Mother and Daughter is in Danger
She studied his face, trying to catch a lie. But he seemed sincere. She nced down, thoughtful.
Indeed, he had no reason to drug her. Finn wasn¡¯t interested in her; Finn wouldn¡¯t have drugged her.
He hadn¡¯t done anything to her. Her body told her that much.
So then¡ Who?
A chilling thought crept into her mind, and a cold shiver shot up her spine.
s
¡°And if I hadn¡¯t been there tonight?¡± Finn¡¯s voice was quiet but heavy with meaning. ¡°What do you think would¡¯ve happened?¡±
The fear in her expression deepened, and he took advantage of that hesitation. ¡°Come home with me; you¡¯ll be safe there.
¡°If not for yourself, then at least think of her.¡±
He nced at the little one cradled in Tess¡¯s arms.
Bringing her daughter up, without a doubt, hit Tess right where it hurt most.
¡°And why should I trust you? What makes you any better than the rest?¡±
Tess suddenly looked up, her emotions ring.
She¡¯d actually hesitated just moments ago¨Chow could she have been so foolish?
Hadn¡¯t he been the one who sent her to prison?
Finn¡¯s heart clenched at the sight of her¨Ceyes burning with a mix of rage and sorrow. The words he was about to utter became stuck in his throat.
She was ming him for what happened back then?
But then another thought crept in.
The redness in her eyes said it all¨Cevery bit of it a silent cry of how deeply she¡¯d been wronged.
Why did she look so hurt, so wronged, if she had been the one at fault?
His eyes darkened and flickered as the memory of the file Charles had given to him surfaced in his mind. Suddenly, his once- firm beliefs wavered.
Did he actually misunderstand her?
Meeting Finn¡¯s increasingly dark and unreadable gaze, Tess wiped her face and put her mask back on¨Ccold andposed.
¡°I don¡¯t trust you. She¡¯s my daughter. And I care about her safety more than anyone.¡±
Her voice dropped to a final, unyielding edge. ¡°Leave. Now. I won¡¯t say it a third time.¡±
She turned away, her resolve as hard as stone.
The tension between them thickened, the silence pressing down like ice.
Staring at Tess¡¯s stiff posture, Finn felt as if a heavy weight had been dropped on his chest.
Still, he rose to his feet. Before leaving, he gave her onest look, ¡°You¡¯re not safe here. If you change your mind, you cane back anytime.
With that, the dull thud of his shoes echoed across the floor.
The door clicked shut behind him. And Tess copsed onto the bed like a puppet whose strings had been cut.
She clutched La tightly in her arms, every nerve stretched tant For original chapters go to find?novel
10:28 AM
Chapter 72 The Mother and Daughter is in Danger
s
Finn¡¯s warning still echoed in her ears. She jumped up and hurried to draw the curtains closed, sealing out the world.
A creeping dread crawled up her spine.
Tonight, it was an aphrodisiac. But what if next time it¡¯s something stronger¨Csomething that knocks her outpletely? What would happen to La then?
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Chapter 73 Her Instinct Screams Danger
Chapter 73 Her Instinct Screams Danger
Tess didn¡¯t dare let her thoughts spiral any further.
s
Meanwhile, down the street at a newspaper kiosk tucked beneath the hotel awning, behind a drawn curtain, a woman sat with her face half¨Ccovered by dark sunsses and a wide¨Cbrimmed hat.
Her twisted expression was visible.
Why?
Why is she always so lucky?
Nadine pulled off her sunsses, revealing eyes brimming with venom.
Her fingers curled into fists, sharp nails digging into her palms.
The pain sliced through her skin, but she didn¡¯t flinch.
Everything had been set. Once the drug took effect, Tess would¡¯ve ended up in bed with Charles¨Cand with Finn arriving right on time, they would¡¯ve caught them red¨Chanded.
Divorce would¡¯ve been inevitable.
Nadine¡¯s stare could have set fire to the hotel curtain¨Cit burned with that much fury.
How on earth did Finn find her first?
Her hands trembled. She didn¡¯t even want to imagine what might¡¯ve happened during the time she couldn¡¯t see what¡¯s going- on.
She dialed Finn¡¯s number, her voice deliberately soft and sweet. ¡°Finn.¡±
On the other end, Finn sensed her uneasiness. He frowned and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±
Just hearing his calm voice brought her a trace offort.
Maybe¡ maybe nothing happen after all.
¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just¡ missed you,¡± she cooed, voice dripping with false sweetness.
Finn immediately pulled the phone away. ¡°This is work hours. Only call if it¡¯s work¨Crted.¡±
With that, he hung up.
Zane, who was behind the wheel, blinked in surprise.
His boss always held Nadine¡¯s talents in high regard and treated her with unusual indulgence. It was rare¨Calmost unheard of ¨Cfor him to be this stern with her.
Sensing the weight of Zane¡¯s nce, Finn snapped, ¡°What? You trying to lose your bonus this quarter?¡±
Zane straightened up immediately, focusing on the road like his life depended on it.
Back at the kiosk, Nadine stared at her screen in disbelief.
The disconnected tone beeped like a p across the face.
Finn never treated her like this. Never.
Something inside her snapped. Her eyes darkened as they locked onto the hotel window again. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on f?ndnovel
It had to be Tess.
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Chapter 73 Her Instinct Screams Danger
It was her fault.
She was just a convict, freshly out of prison¨Chow could Finn grow cold to her because of Tess?
Nadine clenched her jaw, practically shaking with rage. She wanted to storm in and tear Tess to pieces.
But Tess,pletely unaware of the fury watching her from nearby, was calmly packing her bags.
It wasn¡¯t safe for her to stay here.
fon
That waiter¨Csomething was off about him. He might not have even been a waiter but someone who was sent there to harm her.
Being awyer¨Ca high¨Crisk profession by nature¨Chad always made her extra vignt about situations like this. Tess had sensed something was off; her first instinct was to pack up and find a new ce to stay.
Within minutes, she¡¯d checked out.
Across the street, Nadine spotted her.
Her blood ran hot as she watched Tess exit the building, suitcase in one hand, a small bundle in the other.
Great. You¡¯re leaving? Running again?
Tess clenched her fists tighter, inch by inch, her teeth grinding together with a faint, snapping sound.
She might have slipped away this time¨Cbut what about next time?
Nadine narrowed her eyes, a venomous glint shing through them.
*Shhh, easy now, La.¡±
A soft, motherly voice drifted through the warm evening air.
Nadine looked up to see Tess gently rocking the swaddled baby in her arms, patting her back and whispering soothing words.
Though the sun was setting, the heat lingered, heavy and oppressive.
La squirmed restlessly in the stifling warmth, fussing and whimpering.
But Tess, calm and patient, held her closer, even raising her back to shield the baby from the harsh rays.
Nadine watched them closely. Her eyes slid from Tess¡¯s serene face to the small bundle cradled in her arms¨Cand narrowed.
They say a child is a mother¡¯s whole world.
You too. Tess?
Jealousy red inside her, fierce and burning like a wildfire. Her fingers trembled as she pulled out her phone.
Her gaze stayed locked on Tess¡¯s retreating figure. ¡°Yes,¡± she whispered into the phone, her voice low and cold. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±
Tess,pletely unaware of the danger watching her from a distance, felt a sudden chill run down her spine.
She turned and nced back, puzzled by the eerie feeling¨Cbut there was nothing unusual behind her.
Sull, it confirmed her gut instinct she couldn¡¯t stay here any longer
She held La tighter and went to another hotel.
The new hotel was on the far side of the city.
The farther she got, the safer she¡¯d feel. She wouldn¡¯t allow anything¨Canything¨Cto happen to La
As they travelled, the sun dipped below the skyline, and darkness slowly crept in.
10:28 AM
Chapter 73 Her Instinct Screams Danger
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The baby¡¯s recent illness and the fact that she was drugged, all the stress from the past few days, had left Tess on edge.
She stared out at the dimming sky and leaned forward. ¡°Can you drive a little faster?¡±
Soon, the taxi came to a stop.
¡°This is it,¡± the driver announced.
Tess stepped out with La bundled tightly in her arms. A gust of wind blew against her, and she instinctively shielded the baby with her coat.
The driver helped unload her luggage, then pulled away without another word.
Tess adjusted her jacket and hugged La closer, her eyes flicking to the map on her phone.
She followed the directions and, after a short walk, spotted a sleek, well¨Clit five¨Cstar hotel ahead.
Her breath eased, and she headed toward it.
But just a few steps in, Tess stopped dead in her tracks. A strange sensation crawled up her neck. The hairs on her arms stood straight. Something was wrong.
Keepsake 74
Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff
Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff
That eerie feeling returned¨Cthe same one she¡¯d had just before leaving thest hotel.
Was someone following her? Get full chapters from f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?
Tess¡¯s heart thudded hard against her ribs. Panic surged, and she picked up her pace, rushing toward the hotel.
The front desk hotel staff, Jennifer Webb, was startled by her disheveled state. ¡°Ma¡¯am, is everything alright?¡±
The warm, golden light of the lobby wrapped around her like a nket, calming her nerves.
Tess forced a shaky breath and offered an apologetic smile. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Just here to check in.¡±
Hearing that, Jennifer¡¯s face lit up, and she promptly began the check¨Cin process with practiced cheer.
When the key card was finally handed over, Tess exhaled in relief.
Still, before heading to her room, she nced over her shoulder at the outside.
Only dry leaves swirled across the pavement, nothing visibly out of ce. Maybe she was just being paranoid,
She patted her chest and tried tough it off. ¡°Get a grip, Tess,¡± she muttered.
¡°Is there a problem, ma¡¯am?¡± Jennifer asked kindly, catching the flicker of unease in her expression.
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¡°Nothing.¡± Tess shook her head and asked, ¡°This area is sort of on the outskirts, right? How¡¯s the security around here?¡±
Jennifer gave a bright smile and said, ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s what you were worried about. Don¡¯t worry¨Cour hotel is fully equipped with security features. Every room has an emergency rm button. If anything feels off, just press it, and help wille right away.¡±
That did ease her mind. Tess nodded gratefully. ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s reassuring.¡±
Once inside the room with La, the tension she¡¯d been carrying began to dissolve into exhaustion.
She changed the baby into her pajamas, fed her, and was just about to settle in for the night when-
Knock Knock.
The sudden sound joited her.
Tess groaned and rubbed her temples, then opened the door.
It was Jennifer, holding a food tray.
¡°I didn¡¯t order anything. Tess said, confused.
Jennifer smiled politely and said, ¡°It¡¯s aplimentary gift for first¨Ctime guests. Just a littlete¨Cnight treat.¡±
She gently nudged the tray toward Tess.
Tess still felt something was off but epted it politely.
| ¡°This bread is a new item we¡¯re testing our, Jennifer exined with a bright smile. ¡°Our manager asked us to gather some
customer feedback as we deliver it¡±
Tess caught on ¡°So you¡¯d like me to try it now?¡±
¡°Yes, please
Jennifer ced the tray on the nightstand beside the bed. ¡°If you could just take a bite, that¡¯d help me report back
Tess nced at her closely. The woman still wore that perfect customer service smile. wless. Impable.
Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff
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After falling from a wealthy socialite to cleaning motel floors, Tess had learned to read people in the margins. She always thought herself adept at empathizing with those at the bottom.
Jennifer waited patiently while Tess hesitated. Her gaze drifted¨Ctoo long¨Cto where Lay sleeping on the bed. ¡°Is that your daughter?¡± she asked with a sugary tone. ¡°She¡¯s adorable.¡±
Tess offered a stiff smile and a polite nod. Then, from the tray, she picked the smallest slice of cake.
Just as she raised it to her lips, her hand froze.
Jennifer still hadn¡¯t looked away from La.
A shiver crawled over Tess¡¯s skin like ice.
She set the cake down without a word and clutched her stomach, frowning in faux difort. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry; I think my stomach¡¯s acting up all of a sudden.¡±
Seeing the sudden change in her expression, Jennifer grew visibly anxious. ¡°Are you alright, ma¡¯am?¡±
Probably just period cramps. Would you mind running out and grabbing some painkillers for me? I¡¯ll try the cake while you¡¯re gone and give you my thoughts when you¡¯re back.¡±
Tess looked at her with a pleading, vulnerable gaze.
Jennifer hesitated, clearly unsure¡ªbut faced with Tess¡¯s twisted expression of pain, she finally nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±
Just before leaving, she turned at the door and added with a smile, ¡°Please don¡¯t forget to taste it.¡±
Tess nodded quickly, letting out a dramatic groan. ¡°I will, I promise. Just¨Cplease go!¡±
Jennifer picked up her pace, but she muttered under her breath, ¡°Didn¡¯t know cramps could be that bad.¡±
The second she turned the corner and disappeared from view, Tess straightened. The pain? Gone.
She grabbed her suitcase, scooped La into her arms, and made for the back exit without another second¡¯s dy.
Tess hadn¡¯t imagined it¨Cthe gleam of calction in Jennifer¡¯s eyes had been real.
Something about this ce wasn¡¯t right.
Her gut screamed it. Adrenaline surged through her. She didn¡¯t even risk the elevator¨Cjust bolted for the emergency stairwell
The stairwell was dim, lit only by the green glow of the exit signs. Each step echoed beneath her feet, her heart hammering against her chest.
Meanwhile, Jennifer had just purchased the painkillers when she suddenly stopped.
If she had cramps, could she still eat dessert?
A sense of wrongness hit her. She frowned, her steps quickened.
By the time she reached the hallway, she saw it immediately¨Cthe door to Tess¡¯s room was slightly ajar.
A wave of dread surged through her.
Bang
She shoved the door open. The room was in chaos¨Ctossed sheets, scattered clothes¨Cbut not a soul in sight
Jennifer stood in the doorway, her chest heaving in panic.
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Chapter 75 The Vanishing
Chapter 75 The Vanishing
That bitch lied to me!
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Jennifer¡¯s fingers curled into a tight fist.
Still so cautious, even now? I had taken every possible precaution¨Chow did she see through it?
With a cold flick of her eyes, Jennifer removed her uniform, revealing a slim two¨Cway radio clipped to her waistband.
¡°Boss. Ms. Ember¡¯s gone.¡±
A sharp breath cut through the silence on the other end.
Though no words were spoken for a moment, the air turned chilling.
¡°You have one job, and you actually fail at this?!¡± The voice finally thundered, low and dangerous.
Even though her boss wasn¡¯t there in person, Jennifer instinctively lowered her head, shoulders trembling.
¡°Find her! And bring me the kid!¡±
The man¡¯s eyes burned red with fury. With a low growl, he abruptly ended the call.
The call ended abruptly, and only then did Jennifer dare to breathe.
Wiping the cold sweat from her brow, she rushed to pull up the surveince footage.
Under the pretense of a guest caught stealing hotel property, she alerted her coworkers.
The entire hotel erupted into motion, scouring every hallway and corner. Eventually, faint traces showed up in the emergency stairwell.
Tess didn¡¯t stop to look back. Moving silently, she crept down to the first floor and cautiously peeked around the corner toward the front desk.
Just moments ago, two or three staff were stationed there. Now, it waspletely deserted.
Her heart dropped.
They were definitely out searching for her.
Pank clutched at her throat. Staying low, she bolted out of the hotel.
Her strange movement didn¡¯t go unnoticed. A dejected¨Clooking bellhop spotted her and suddenly lit up. ¡°There she is!¡±
His shout triggered a wave of frenzy. The hotel burst into chaos.
Tess dared not stop. To her, the noise behind her might as well have been a stampede of monsters. Newest update provided by
The footsteps grew louder, closer. She was no match¨Cone arm carrying La, the other dragging a suitcase. They¡¯d catch her
in no ume
Thinking fast she darted her eyes and ducked into an unlit corner just past a bend in the hall.
Where¡¯d she go? She was right here!¡±
No idea! She¡¯s carrying a kid, she can¡¯t have gone far. Split up¨Cfind her!¡±
If you spot her report immediately
Footsteps scattered in all directions.
Chapter 75 The Vanishing
Tess gently patted La¡¯s back, praying the baby wouldn¡¯t make a sound.
Thankfully, La nestled quietly in her arms, as if she understood what was at stake.
The area slowly fell silent.
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Only then did Tess cautiously poke her head out, eyes scanning the empty surroundings. Seeing no one, she darted out of hiding.
Pulling out her phone, she ordered a ride. Her voice trembled as she whispered to the driver, ¡°Yes, pleasee quickly. I don¡¯t care about the fare.¡±
Her voice trembled with panic, and the driver on the other end of the line immediately tensed.
It was the middle of the night, and she sounded fragile¡ªlike a woman in trouble. He didn¡¯t know what was going on, but his gut told him it was bad.
Without a second thought, a surge of urgency and righteousness kicked in. He mmed the gas pedal and shouted into the phone with force, ¡°Hang tight! I¡¯m on my way!¡±
The strength in his voice hit Tess like a wave of warmth, slowly thawing her frozen limbs. She let out a shaky breath and turned her head to take in her surroundings.
The road with the streetlights was far away, just a faint yellow haze in the distance.
Everything else was still and dark. Only the soft rustle of leaves stirred in the wind.
Tess tensed again. Each step she took on the leaf¨Cstrewn ground made a brittle crack, every sound loud enough to make her flinch.
Then¨Ca shadow shed before her eyes.
Before she could react, something mmed into her, knocking her t on the ground.
For a split second, she was dazed. And then¨CLa was gone.
It happened in an instant. Her arms were empty.
La had been snatched.
Tess¡¯s eyes flew wide, her mind nk with shock. She stood there frozen, like she¡¯d been clubbed over the head.
Then, as if the paralysis shattered, she shot to her feet and screamed, her voice raw and ragged, ¡°Who are you?! Give me back my baby!
She broke into a run, letting the suitcase crash behind her as she spun wildly, shouting at the dark, ¡°Come out! What do you want? Money? I have money! I¡¯ll give you whatever you want¨Cjust give her back to me!¡±
Silence. The only sound was her voice echoing through the night, desperate and breaking.
A gust of cold wind swept past, and terror crept up her limbs like icy vines.
Her La¨Cgone.
It felt like her heart had been crushed in a fist and torn out, still bleeding.
Back at the hotel entrance, some of the hotel staff who had been chasing her paused. They exchanged uncertain nces. suddenly unsure. Something felt off. Even though she was screaming like her soul had been ripped in two, none of them moved a muscle.
Tess copsed to the ground, clutching her chest, the pain so sharp it felt like a knife had been driven straight into her.
Suddenly, a beam of headlights pierced the dark.
A muscr man stepped out of the car, startled by the sight of the woman sprawled in agony on the pavement. ¡°You ¡
Chapter 75 The Vanishing
you Ms. Ember? You called for a ride?¡±
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His voice faltered as he cautiously stepped closer. When he saw how pale her face was, his heart gave a frightened jolt.
Keepsake 76
Chapter 76 A Desperate Plea
Chapter 76 A Desperate Plea
45 Free Coins
Suddenly, a cold, trembling hand clutched his thick arm. The woman¡¯s eyes were wide and ssy, filled with despair and heartbreak. ¡°Please! I¡¯m begging you! Someone took my child!¡±
¡°What?!¡±
The cab driver¡¯s eyes flew open in shock. He grabbed Tess from the ground in one swift motion. ¡°Don¡¯t panic, ma¡¯am. Quick, tell me everything.
¡°Who took your kid? Did you see them? I¡¯ll help you chase them down!¡±
His voice was full of righteous fury, ready to act. Tess, unable to hold it together anymore, broke down. Tears streamed down her face.
She choked on her sobs, barely able to form a full sentence. ¡°It was too dark; I didn¡¯t see who it was.¡±
That stopped the driver cold, He clenched his jaw, helpless. He was ready to help but wasn¡¯t sure where to start.
¡°But!¡±
Tess suddenly grabbed him again, as if clinging to thest strand of hope.
¡°I know where to look. Evermount Vi
Please, take me there!¡±
The driver blinked.
Evermount Vi?
He cast a skeptical nce at Tess.
Wasn¡¯t that one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city? Rich folks didn¡¯t go around snatching kids, did they?
But when he looked into her devastated eyes, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say no. ¡°Alright¨Cget in!¡±
He threw her suitcase into the trunk, mmed it shut, and hit the gas.
The cab was warm inside, the heater humming softly, but Tess couldn¡¯t stop shivering. Cold sweat still clung to her back. Her mind was racing.
She wasn¡¯t the kind of person who made enemies easily. She¡¯d always kept her head down, lived a quiet life. So why La? Why her daughter?
Tess struggled to control her breathing, trying to piece things together.
The receptionist¨Cshe¡¯d been acting strange from the beginning. Had this been nned? Did someone set this all up after she booked that hotel, waiting to trap her?
A chull ran down her spine at this thought.
This had been premeditated. It wasn¡¯t random. They hade for her and La specifically.
Tess suddenly felt as if she¡¯d been plunged into icy waters
Aside from Nadine, she hadn¡¯t crossed anyone. Original content can be found at Find¡ïNovel
Nudine?
Her breath hitched. A glint of sharpness shed in her eyes.
If it really was Nadine, she would make sure she paid.
Tess clenched her fists and turned to the driver, her voice tight. ¡°Mister, how much longer?
10:28 AM
Chapter 76 A Desperate Plea
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The man didn¡¯t look away from the road. ¡°You started in the south part of the city. Evermount Vi¡¯s on the opposite end- it¡¯s the nicest spot in Aetheris besides downtown. It¡¯s a haul.¡±
Still, he pressed harder on the gas.
Tess¡¯s heart dropped.
¡°Ma¡¯am, why didn¡¯t you call the cops? I mean, your kid got taken. Wouldn¡¯t the police be faster?¡±
The driver seized a lull in traffic and nced at Tess through the rearview mirror.
¡°Wouldn¡¯t calling the police be faster?¡±
Tess shook her head.
For most people, yes¨Cthe police would be their best option.
But La¡¯s father was Finn.
And Finn? Finn was the wealthiest man in Aetheris. The kind of man whose power and reach went beyond thew.
And if Nadine was behind this, then Finn was the only one who could fix it.
Going to him would do more than any police officer ever could.
The driver didn¡¯t get it, but he respected her choice.
After all, judging by how anxious she looked, there was no way this mother would joke about her child¡¯s safety.
He said nothing more, just kept pushing the car to its limit within thew.
Time slipped by in anxious silence.
¡°Ma¡¯am! We¡¯re here!¡±
The driver reminded her.
Tess didn¡¯t even wait for the car to stop. She leapt out, snatched her suitcase, and bolted for the gate. ¡°Thank you!¡±
Her words were carried away by the wind.
The driver only caught a glimpse of her disappearing silhouette, wild with panic.
It was nearly midnight. In the garden of the vi, the flowers had just been watered by the household staff. Droplets clung to the petals, glowing under the soft porch lights.
Finn happened to nce out the window. The water shimmered under the light, catching his eye.
For some reason, his heart was unsettled.
He rubbed the bridge of his nose, turned off the lights, and prepared to turn in for the night.
Then-
Knock, knock-
A sudden knock broke the silence,
Finn frowned and looked toward the door.
At this hour? Who would it be?
Knock, knock, knock-
He hesitated for just a moment, but the knocking at the door grew more urgent.
10:28 AM P
Chapter 76 A Desperate Plea
Finn¡¯s eyes darkened in irritation as he strode over and opened it himself.
But the moment he turned the knob, the door was shoved open by a sudden force.
A figure rushed in¨Cone he never expected to see.
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Tess. She stood there in front of him, her hair a mess, her face drained of color, as pale and brittle as a dead branch.
Finn froze, startled. ¡°What happened?¡±
His gaze instinctively dropped to her empty arms.
Something was wrong. Where was the baby?
Before he could ask. Tess suddenly grabbed the cor of his shirt. ¡°Finn, please¡ªsave our
She stopped herself just in time. The words nearly fell apart in her throat. She sobbed, struggling to speak, then rasped in a hoarse voice, ¡°You once said you had the power to protect us. Does that promise still stand?¡±
Keepsake 77
Chapter 77 A Race Against Time
Chapter 77 A Race Against Time
Her voice was sharp and frantic, setting Finn¡¯s jaw tighter by the second.
¡°What on earth happened?¡± He questioned harshly.
¡°La¡¯s gone.¡±
Tess forced herself to stay calm, but her voice trembled with panic.
¡°Sit down. Talk me through it.¡±
44
s
Finn could tell this was seriously wrong. In his mind shed the image of the baby who had smiled at him, babbling sweetly. His chest tightened at the thought.
¡°There¡¯s no time! The Wintergale Hotel¨Csomething was off from the start. That receptionist had her eyes on La. You¡¯ve got power, right? Use it. Look into the hotel staff, their background¨Cthis has to be connected!¡±
Tess grew more agitated as she spoke, gripping the front of his tailored shirt until it was a wrinkled mess.
¡°Got it.¡± Finn¡¯s eyes flicked down to her clenched fist on his chest but didn¡¯t push her away. Instead, he pulled out his phone and called Zane immediately.
In just a few sentences, he exined the situation. Once Zane began giving orders on the other end, Finn finally hung up and reached for Tess¡¯s hand.
Her skin was ice cold and it jolted him.
She didn¡¯t pull away this time.
Clearly still trapped in her fear of losing La, her eyes were wide with dread, her emotions teetering on the edge.
¡°Zane¡¯s good at what he does. We¡¯ll hear something soon,¡± Finn reassured.
¡°No.¡±
Tess turned to face him, eyes burning with determination. ¡°Lend me a car. I need to look for her myself.¡±
Their eyes met, sharp and intense. Finn¡¯s heart sank.
¡°It¡¯ste. Are you sure? It¡¯s not safe out there alone ¡ ¡®
¡°The keys. Now.¡± Original content can be found at ?ovelFind
Tess¡¯s voice was cold and cutting, her grip on his cor fierce.
She stood her ground with fierce resolve, leaving no room for argument. And yet, the faint tremble in her body betrayed a fragile vulnerability that tugged at the heart.
Finn barely hesitated before giving in. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± he said quietly.
He took her hand and led her toward the garage, tucking it against his side as they walked.
Tess felt his warmth seep into her arm, but La came first. She didn¡¯t shake him off¨Cat least, not right away. Once they reached the car, she yanked her hand back and slipped into the passenger seat without a word.
Finn nced down at his empty palm, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he climbed behind the wheel.
¡°Tess,¡± he said as he started the engine, his tone low, edged with frustration. ¡°You¡¯re asking me for help.¡±
She stiffened. Only now did the weight of her earlier outburst catch up with her.
Her expression faltered, but she quickly masked it with cold defiance. ¡°Are you trying to go back on your word?¡±
Chapter 77 A Race Against Time
Finn let out a low, bitterugh. ¡°We¡¯re still legally married. Something this small? I wouldn¡¯t turn you away.¡± Tess bit down on her lip, using every ounce of self¨Ccontrol to keep herposure.
Finn nced sideways at her tense figure, but his concern only deepened.
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Then, Zane¡¯s voice came through the car system, ¡°Mr. Lock, we pulled the Wintergale Hotel surveince, but the footage is too dark to make out anything clearly. The receptionist¡¯s file says the original staff were on leave¨Creced by temps. That¡¯s all we¡¯ve got for now.¡±
Finn had connected his phone with the speaker, and Tess could hear Zane¡¯s voice loud and clear¨Ceach word hitting her like a ssh of cold water.
If even Finn couldn¡¯t get more information, then what chance did La have?
Just the thought of it sent a sharp pain shooting through her chest¨Cso intense it felt like she could hardly breathe.
Finn noticed the way her eyes dimmed, the light in them all but gone. His heart ached at the sight.
¡°Keep going. Check every surveince camera in the surrounding area. I want her found¨Csafe and unharmed.¡°,
Finn¡¯s voice was low andmanding and left no room for negotiation.
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Zane responded firmly, ¡°Yes, Mr. Lock!¡±
Tess¡¯sshes quivered.
Whet
She nced at Finn instinctively.
I had told him previously that La wasn¡¯t his child. So why¡ why is he still doing all this?
Tess bit down hard on her lip, but the pain didn¡¯t register. When the metallic taste of blood seeped into her mouth, she finally snapped out of her daze.
If you want to thank me, Finn said, eyes never leaving the road, ¡°then once La¡¯s found,e back to Evermount Vi with me
He¡¯d caught the shift in her emotions, noticed the tension radiating from her frame, and raised an eyebrow as he spoke.
Tess turned her face away and didn¡¯t respond.
Finn pressed his lips into a tight line but didn¡¯t push it.
The air in the car grew beavy again, thick with silence.
Soon they pulled up to the Wintergale Hotel. Zane was already there, along with several investigators, surrounding the front desk area with a hurrian wall.
As the two stepped out of the car, Zane rushed forward and greeted them. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Lock!¡±
Finn waved him off His gaze was sharp and cold. ¡°Anything new?¡±
Zane¡¯s face arrised with difort as he shook his head.
Tess¡¯s face went even paler
¡°Show me. Fins mattered, his brows furrowed even deeper as he stepped forward.
Keepsake 78
Chapter 78 The Kidnapper
Chapter 78 The Kidnapper
The investigators standing around quickly moved aside, clearing a path.
Tess followed closely behind Finn.
The footage on the screen was just as Zane had said¨Cdark and blurry. Even though the moment La was taken had been recorded, the quality was too poor to make out the abductor¡¯s face.
When the video ended, a heavy silence fell over the room.
Tess felt her heart sink. She stared at the frozen final frame, refusing to give up, when suddenly her eyes narrowed.
¡°Wait!¡±
Her voice broke through the silence, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.
Finn turned to her. She was practically sprawled over the desk, but her eyes lit up with urgency.
Here¨Cthis part. Brighten the screen and rewind just a little.¡± She pointed to a spot on the video, her voice brimming with hope
The tech, confused, nced toward Zane for approval.
Zane nodded, and the technician immediately started adjusting the footage. Checktest chapters at ?ovelFind
From the shadows, a small glimmer appeared.
¡°Zoom in,¡± Tess said, her voice trembling.
The technician, now understanding what she¡¯d spotted, skipped asking for permission and quickly enhanced the image.
Finn leaned in beside her, squinting.
¡°A license te!¡± Tess gasped, her finger shaking as she pointed at the screen.
¡°Run this te! Someone find out who it¡¯s registered to!¡±
Her voice cracked with emotion.
Finnmanded, ¡°Go¡± The investigators hurried out of the room to begin the search.
As they wasted, Tess¡¯s chest heaved. She was breathing heavily, her whole body tense.
Soot, someone returned.
¡°Mr. Lock it¡¯s a temporary te¡±
Tess nearly copsed. Her knees buckled, and Finn reached out just in time to steady her.
His tonach was firm but warm. And in that moment, Tess could no longer hold back. She broke downpletely, sobbing uncontrobly
Her cries were row, filled with such grief they seemed to tear through the room: Finn¡¯s chest tightened at the sound.
¡°Tess he tourmoured, his grip on her shoulders tightening.
She bat her lip hard, trying to suppress her voice, but tears still slipped through.
¡°Even a temporary te can be tracked¡± she said through clenched teeth Find out who registered it.¡±
Finn nodded sharply, his tone cold andmanding. Do it Now!
The team rushed out again
Chapter 78 The Kidnapper
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Tess¡¯s body was still trembling. Her fingers clenched tightly at Finn¡¯s shirt¨Cnot out of trust, but out of sheer desperation and
rage.
Who had taken La?
Her hands were clenched so tight the veins stood out. Her eyes, shadowed by longshes, were dark with despair and fury. ¡°They¡¯ll handle it. I¡¯m taking you home to get some rest,¡± Finn said, his voice softer now, almostforting.
But Tess shook her head. Her voice was hoarse. ¡°No. I need to find La.¡±
They¡¯ll need time to investigate. You¡¯re still recovering from the drug; your body¡¯s still weak. Don¡¯t copse before we get
news.
His words were firmer now.
Tess froze.
I¡¯ll tell you the moment we find out anything,¡± he added.
Her grip slowly loosened.
She slumped slightly, suddenly aware of the heavy fatigue in her limbs.
Was this a side effect of the drug?
She recalled Finn¡¯s advice: what if she did copse right when La needed her?
Finn sensed her wavering and pressed the advantage. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone take you back to the vi. There¡¯s a room prepared for you at Evermount Vi. The servant cleans it everyday.¡±
Tess lowered her head, lips pressed tightly together.
Take her. Finn ordered.
An investigator stepped forward respectfully, gesturing for Tess to follow.
The way Mr. Lock had just spoken, it was clear he adored his wife. The staff grew more cautious, their respect for her silently doubling.
Tess said nothing as she left but cast onest reluctant nce back through the ss.
As soon as she was gone, Zane shut the hotel doors firmly.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
The air around Finn shifted, the temperature seeming to plummet, like a towering iceberg¨Csilent, imposing, and deadly cold.
Zane lowered his voice and leaned in. ¡°Mr. Lock, that license te, it¡¯s registered to the Hunts.¡±
Finn¡¯s gaze darkened at this, his voice sinister and dangerous. ¡°Max¡±
Zane pressed his lips together and said nothing. The hotel lobby had gone deathly still, smothered under the heavy pressure radiating from Finn.
Put us on the phone,¡± Finn said coldly, ¡°I want to see exactly what he thinks he¡¯s doing.¡±
His voice was like a de grinding out between his teeth¨Cquiet, sharp, and chilling to the bone.
Everyone in the room involuntarily shuddered.
Meanwhile, at Hunt Group headquarters-
Max narrowed his eyes and tightened his hold on the child in his arms.
His usu§Ñ§á§å §ã§á§Ñ§Ô§ß§Ñ§ß§Ñ §Þ§Ö§ç
face, which stirred a deep, unwee irritation in him.
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Keepsake 79
Chapter 79 The Game He ys
Chapter 79 The Game He ys
Max reached out his fingers and pinched the little girl¡¯s soft, squishy cheek.
It was as soft as cotton candy¨Cexcept it rubbed him the wrong way.
¡°Finn¡¯s kid¡ looks just like him.¡±
Max¡¯s voice drifted into the air like mist¨Clight, almost inaudible, but chilling in a way that made the skin crawl.
La had always been sweet and well¨Cbehaved, never shy around strangers. But right now, she was visibly restless.
Smack!
The p echoed through the room, so loud it could¡¯ve sliced through silence like a knife.
s
The secretary stiffened, heart jumping into his throat, eyes wide in disbelief at the fearless baby who had just struck out.
Max frowned and looked down at La. Her tiny hand had smacked his arm¨Cnot hard, not enough to leave a mark.
But still, she had done it.
He found himself smiling. Curiously, he studied her big round eyes, blue as theke.
Leaning closer, he grinned at her. ¡°Got your mom¡¯s temper, huh?¡±
La didn¡¯t understand what he said, but her instincts screamed at her to back away. She crinkled her nose and pouted, a clear sign of disgust¨Ceven if it looked more adorable than threatening.
Max wasn¡¯t irritated, though. On the contrary, the resemnce between her and Tess intrigued him. He suddenly became more patient.
¡°What if it hadn¡¯t been me this time?¡± he mused, propping his head up with one hand. ¡°What if it had been a real kidnapper What would Tess have done then?¡±
The secretary replied without hesitation. ¡°Miss La could¡¯ve been hurt or worse.¡±
Max¡¯s brow furrowed in mock concern. ¡°Exactly. Just the two of them out there in the world¡ªit¡¯s dangerous. Wouldn¡¯t it be safer for them to stay with me?¡±
The assistant said respectfully, ¡°we¡¯ve reached out to Ms. Ember. She should be responding soon.¡±
Max absentmindedly held La¡¯s little hand to stop her from fidgeting. ¡°Tell her I found La. She shoulde pick her up.¡±
¡°But wouldnt Ms. Ember find that a little suspicious?¡±
The secretary scratched his head, clearly uncertain.
Her child was kidnappedte at night, only to be rescued by Mr. Hunt himself?
The coincidence was impossible to ignore
¡°Of course she will Max replied, raising his eyes with a smile that didn¡¯t reach them.
Tess was smart¨Che knew that She¡¯d put the pieces together.
But
¡°the secretary hesitated, confused.
Just do it
Max lowered his gaze, hiding the gleam in his eyes.
Tess wasn¡¯t going to believe some fairy tale about him just happening to find La. But she¡¯d also realize he had the power to take the child in front of her if he wanted if he truly meant harm, nothing could¡¯ve stopped him
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10:29 AM P P
Chapter 79 The Game He ys
His fingers clenched slowly.
ording to thetest updates, Tess had already met with Finn.
+5 Tree Coins
He opened a file tucked in the corner of his desktop. A high¨Cresolution photo of Tess holding a sign¨Cher face pale with
humiliation¨Cstared back at him.
His eyes flicked past it and continued to flip to the next picture,
It was the picture of Tess and Finn entering and leaving a hotel together.
Even after all this, she was still willing to be close to Finn but pushed him away?
Jealousy twisted like a de in his chest, eating away at his sanity.
The top floor of the Hunt Group headquarters was bathed in light¨Cjust like the bedroom in Evermount Vi, where Tess sat,
stunned
She hadn¡¯t even had the strength to book another hotel. All she could do was sit in the familiar room, numb from head to toe.
It was Max.
Max had taken La. But why?
Tess gripped the edge of the sheets, her nails digging so hard into her palms they drew blood.
The sting was the only thing keeping her from passing out from rage,
¡°What does he want from me?!¡±
A polite voice came through the phone. ¡°Ms. Ember, please don¡¯t misunderstand Mr. Hunt. He merely assisted in recovering your daughter. If you have a moment, you maye pick her up at the Hunt Group headquarters.¡±
Tess¡¯s eyes burned red with fury, the sheer absurdity of it all making her let out a bitter, teeth¨Cclenchedugh. ¡°Do you really take me for a fool?¡±
She and La had nearly been kidnapped from a hotel, and somehow Max¨Cwho had been at his office¨Cwas the one to save
La
There was only one exnation: Max had staged the whole thing.
Tess had had enough. She shouted into the phone, her patience gone, ¡°Where¡¯s Max? Put him on!¡±
The secretary flinched, his polished demeanor cracking as he looked to Max for help.
Tess had exploded, but Max didn¡¯t seem angry. He actually looked satisfied, eyes narrowing in pleasure.
He reached for dar phone When he spoke, his voice was rich and slow, like a cello. ¡°Tess, La¡¯s perfectly safe here.¡±
¡°She¡¯s not safe with you? Iess¡¯s voice shook ¡°Max, I don¡¯t care what kind of mess is between us. back
She tried to keep calm, but the tremor in her voice gave her away¨Cshe was terrified.
Just give me my daughter
Max¡¯s eyes darkened, but his voice turned gepile¨Ccoaxing almost tender. ¡°How could she not be safe? If it weren¡¯t for me. she would we been taken. Tess, you¡¯re out there alone, struggling to protect a child through all that danger. Come to me. I¡¯l have a full security team watching over you, day and night. La will have everything¨Ca beautiful home, top¨Ctier education, and a peaceful life. She¡¯ll grow up happy. Isn¡¯t that what you want?¡±
Keepsake 80
Chapter 80 Finn¡¯s Arrival
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Hearing the man¡¯s voice on the other end, which was soft and calm like a breeze, sent shivers down Tess¡® spine. To her, it sounded more like the devil breathing down her neck.
This madman! That was a direct threat!
Tess trembled in fury, wishing she could punch Max through the phone.
He actually used La¡¯s safety to pressure her!
¡°Lock Group headquarters, Tess. I¡¯ll be expecting you.¡±
A low, mockingugh slipped through the speaker, and before Tess could say anything, the line went dead.
A cold chill crept through her body, and her vision spun.
At that moment, Max lounged back in his chair, clearly pleased with himself, even taking a moment to tease La.
But La didn¡¯t give him the slightest attention.
Soon after, the secretary who had stepped out returned looking uneasy. He held his phone and lowered his tone, ¡°Mr. Hunt, it¡¯s Mr. Lock.¡±
¡°Finn?¡±
Max¡¯s eyebrows rose as he nced at his limited¨Cedition timepiece.
He had arranged for everything to happen discreetly, and it was already quitete. Why would Finn be aware?
His expression darkened, a sh of alertness in his eyes. ¡°Tell him I¡¯m already asleep.¡±
¡°If you don¡¯t answer within 60 seconds, Lock Group
will shut down one of your project deals.¡±
Finn¡¯s voice came through like frozen steel, full of menace.
The secretary quickly muted the phone, cold sweat gathering at his temples.
Max¡¯s face dropped immediately.
¡°Mr. Hunt¡*
The secretary gave Max a nervous look as panic flickered across his features.
¡°He¡¯s already on his way, isn¡¯t he?¡±
Max¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously.
The secretary stiffened. The very next moment, someone knocked at the door.
¡°Mr. Hunt, a representative from Lock Group is here.¡±
Both Max and the secretary tensed at the announcement.
He had only just sent a message, and Lock Group was already at the entrance?
Max¡¯s brows drew together as he eyed the door.
The secretary stepped toward it, but Max raised a hand to stop him. Read full story at Find¡ïNovel
He moved to open it himself, but the moment his fingers touched the knob, a chill traveled up his arm.
Standing just outside was Finn, with the receptionist beside him, looking lost and panicked.
10:29 AM P.
Chapter 80 Finn¡¯s Arrival
Finn¡¯s gaze was like ice, cutting straight through Max.
The air seemed to thicken under the weight of his presence.
Their stares collided, like sparks bursting in the silence.
¡°Mr. Lock Been a while.¡±
Max was the first to break the silence. There was a faint smirk at the edge of his mouth.
Finn didn¡¯t respond. His eyes flicked past Max.nding directly on the baby on the couch.
La was sucking her fingers, looking back with wide, glistening eyes that could soften any heart.
Finn¡¯s stare sharpened again as he looked back at Max.
He brushed past Max without a word, walked straight in, and picked up La.
s
Cradling the small bundle in his arms, Finn looked up, his voice like frost. ¡°Max, care to tell me what this is about?¡±
About whaa!¡±
Max gave a shortugh, but he was clearly more tense than Finn¡¯s calm yetmanding demeanor.
Finn didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Unlike Tess. I¡¯m not one you can y with. A year ago, you tried to take us down. That chapter isn¡¯t
Cinand.¡±
He fingers tapped lightly on the edge of the coffee table, each tapced with quiet threat.
Mas a expression soured.
The air was wo tense that it could snap.
¡°Les cater to you first, didn¡¯t she?¡±
Max Genched his teeth, looking up.
Einu sitni kona surprised
* 109 wide, Somarthing like this happens. Of course she¡¯d call me first.¡±
Fir gave a tant sout
penly wiping La¡¯s mouth with a handkerchief.
Mas maschend the ad way Finn handled the baby and felt like something was wing at his insides.
¡°Bl?r? banen dying to bear you. Beup fooling yourself.¡±
Bax o kann
wlusooed saades k¨²s sleeve as he fired back with a cold sneer.
Funts hated fessee you this eyes red colder. When he looked up, his patience had vanished
Though they wour moughly the same bright. Mas looked slummer, while Finn exuded an overwhelming presence.
Dary and cach oder down hoses sharp es sa. ¡°Em taking the child. You¡¯d better think hard about what you¡¯ll say to
Tom¡®
His down the cab welke a de digging into Max¡¯s chest
Hang
The dosened sisu
2-3
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Chapter 80 Finn¡¯s Arrival
s
The secretary tiptoed forward, clearly wanting to say something, but one look at Max¡¯s furious expression made him hold his
tongue.
¡°Should we stop him. Mr. Hunt?¡±
He couldn¡¯t help but ask.
¡°Stop him¡± Max spat bitterly. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s even possible?¡±
The secretary scratched his nose awkwardly
That was Finn, after all¨Cthe wealthiest man in Aetheris. Who had the power to stop him?
Max was burning with fury.
A year ago, he¡¯d built the Hunts into a major force, thinking he could crush Finn. But the man¡¯s instincts in business were terrifying he rebounded almost immediately and minimized the damage.
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Keepsake 81
Chapter 81 La¡¯s Back
Chapter 81 La¡¯s Back
Even now, Max couldn¡¯t deny that Finn was still ahead of him.
s
When it came to Tess, Max had assumed that once she got out of jail, he could keep her close by. But things hadn¡¯t gone as nned
A flicker of doubt passed through Max¡¯s eyes as a realization began to dawn.
Tess had spent a year in prison, and then came out with a baby.
As far as he knew, Finn was unaware that the child belonged to him.
With Tess criminal past and the presence of a so¨Ccalled ¡°illegitimate child,¡± that alone should¡¯ve been enough for Finn to cut
So why
Max couldn¡¯t shake the image of how Finn had acted with La. There hadn¡¯t been even a trace of rejection; if anything, he had heen gentle, almost affectionate.
Recent reports only confirmed that Finn cared a lot about Tess. He had rejected her divorce applications repeatedly and insisted on taking her and the child back to Evermount Vi.
Actild sweat broke out on Max¡¯s back as an rming theory began forming in his mind.
On the other side, Finn wasn¡¯t thinking about any of this. He simply told Zane to get them home to Evermount Vi as quickly as possible.
Teas had agreed to rest there, but Finn knew she wouldn¡¯t sleep a wink.
If La wasn¡¯t at home. Tess would stay up waiting all¨Cnight.
If La was gone two nights, she¡¯d wait two nights.
That was just how shar
¡°How hang amil we arrive?¡± he asked, brows pulling together.
For menes away Late answered a bit too hastily.
The ch?t ba bo revered, and Ms. Ember just needed a few moments with her. Why is Mr. Lock still so on edge?
He didnt get it, ist f¨¹r kurge the car moving fast.
Exactly for soutester, Fino arrived at the door with La safely in his arms.
baty
The swan Lese brand the kiss shot up from the bed.
She swung the dune gay andnd eyes un Fan holding her daughter. ¡°La¡±
Her vonte cracked with towers young ferret¨Czimmed eyes
Sibar jailed La close andteral in that fans weer l habry powder. Finally, her racing heart began to settle.
Everything her fill away Sharias put a mother haza
For those in ce, sab¨¦r My stoga sharing at the twiz nad absen
Taxi framed by face sobby, hey features elegant yes fragile. The quiet strength she carried, and those tremblingdders,
19
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Chapter 81 La¡¯s Back
made his chest tighten.
His breath caught. His pulse quickened.
¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± he said before he could stop himself, voice rough and low.
Tess didn¡¯t nce at him. The relief of having La back was soon overtaken by concern.
She pinched La¡¯s cheek. The little girl was sucking her fingers, probably starving after all that had happened.
Even though Evermount Vi was secure, Tess¡® nerves were still frayed. She couldn¡¯t put La down yet.
She headed straight to the kitchen with her.
Finn trailed behind, puzzled but careful not to press.
When she took out a can of form, it finally clicked for him.
But she paused at the counter.
¡°Take La,¡± she said, her voice firm and brisk.
Finn raised a brow but didn¡¯t object. He gently took the child from her arms.
Now able to move freely, Tess started mixing the form. But when she reached for the kettle, it was clearly too heavy. ¡°I got it,¡± Finn offered.
He managed La in one arm while lifting the kettle with the other.
The moment she heard the water, La¡¯s eyes lit up. She pped excitedly and giggled aloud.
Her giggles broke the heavy silence, warming the air in the room. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on F¦Énd£Îovel
Tess blinked, forcing the odd feeling in her chest to the side,
She gave the bottle a few shakes and brought it to La¡¯s lips.
The baby eagerlytched on and drank hungrily.
The only sound in the kitchen was the rhythmic swallowing.
La, never one to sit still, grabbed with both hand; one caught Finn¡¯s thumb, the other clung to Tess¡® finger.
Sheughed and tugged at both of them at once.
Their fingers brushed, and each idental touch made Tess jolt with difort.
Finn didn¡¯t seem to notice. His eyes stayed on La, soft and quiet.
Tess questioned herself, Maybe she was just being overly cautious, but she stayed silent. When La finally let go, she let out a breath she didn¡¯t know she¡¯d been holding.
By tomorrow morning, she¡¯d find a new hotel¨Cone with better safety measures for both her and La.
Being here made her tense¡
Well, not every single moment.
She gave Finn a quick nce.
Only to see that he was already looking at her, gaze locked right on her face,
Keepsake 82
Chapter 82 Evermount Vi Isn¡¯t Their Home
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Chapter 82 Evermount Vi Isn¡¯t Their Home
Tess¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her gaze.
Meanwhile, Finn kept his eyes fixed on her face.
¡°That¡¯s twice now, Tess.¡±
His words caught herpletely off guard, and her hands froze mid¨Cmotion.
Twice? What did he mean?
Confused, she looked up and met his unreadable gaze.
In the next moment, it clicked.
The first time was when La had diarrhea at the hotel, and he had helped take care of her.
Now was the second¨CLa had been kidnapped, and again, she was troubling him for help in the middle of the night. Tess¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°I¡¯ll take La and leave tomorrow.¡±
¡°You misunderstood me.¡±
Finn casually pulled out a chair and sat down.
La, now full and energized, was squirming and babbling in his arms. But despite her restlessness, he held her securely. The sight of a man in a suit holding a baby with a pacifier should¡¯ve looked absurd¨Cbut strangely, it looked¡ right. Tess blinked and softened her tone. ¡°What do you mean then?¡±
¡°Max isn¡¯t wrong about one thing¨Cyou and La aren¡¯t safe out there alone. And Aetheris belongs to the Locks.¡±
He sounded arrogant, but Tess didn¡¯t argue¨Cbecause he wasn¡¯t wrong.
The Locks were the wealthiest family in Aetheris, and they controlled the city¡¯s entire economy.
Under his protection, she wouldn¡¯t have to keep running with La, constantly in fear.
Tess¡¯s gaze dimmed.
She had believed that she could raise La safely and give her a good life on her own.
But after the kidnapping, she was forced to reevaluate everything.
Could she really protect La?
Max could send his men to snatch La right out of her arms, bold as hell
¡ª
and she was helpless against him.
Tess began to slump as if a heavy weight had been ced on her shoulders. Even breathing felt difficult.
Finn noticed the shift in her demeanor. His voice softened instinctively. ¡°You¡¯re my wife, Evermount Vi is always your home
His tone turned gentle, almost coaxing.
¡°No¡±
Tess shook her head.
Finn was taken aback.
She bit her lip, then gently lifted La out of his arms.
Chapter 82 Evermount Vi Isn¡¯t Their Home
Finn stared into her eyes and asked, ¡°Why?¡±
Tess took a step back, putting space between them.
¡°Evermount Vi isn¡¯t my home. And it isn¡¯t La¡¯s either,¡± she said.
A flicker of emotion crossed Finn¡¯s face, while Tess gave a bitter smile.
She had almost forgotten that she had lost everything due to the man standing in front of her.
He had sent her to prison in the name of justice, without hesitation.
s
He had stood by while Nadine bullied her, even forcing her to be humiliated at Lock Tower¡¯s lobby where she once worked.
A cold chill ran up her spine, and her gaze turned icy.
¡°I¡¯ll leave with La tomorrow,¡± she said with a straight face.
Then, without waiting for Finn¡¯s response, Tess turned and walked away.
Her movements stirred a gentle breeze in her wake.
Finn¡¯sshes trembled. He looked up¨Cand for some reason, the kitchen suddenly felt colder.
Tess was already gone. A momentter, the sharp m of a door echoed through the vi.
He stared at the tightly shut door, his expression growing darker by the second.
He could¡¯ve easily kept Tess at Evermount Vi, whether she agreed or not.
Bui-
Finn couldn¡¯t stop thinking of Tess¡® resolute look.
With a heavy sigh, he instinctively reached for a cigarette¨Cthen paused, remembering the woman and child still inside the house. Silently, he lowered his hand and rubbed his temples instead.
Forget it.
The kitchen lights stayed on until dawn.
Finn didn¡¯t sleep a wink. When the first rays of morning light spilled into the vi, he cast one final nce toward Tess¡® room before leaving for the office.
Tess stirred as sunlight brushed against her cheek.
La was still asleep, so she moved carefully and quietly packed up.
When she opened the bedroom door, the vi was still and silent.
Tess peeked out cautiously, scanning the hallway. Once she was sure Finn wasn¡¯t around, she rolled the suitcase out.
She couldn¡¯t help but worry he might send someone to stop her¨Chis absence made things easier. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find?novel
La was already awake when she returned to the room. The baby was rubbing her eyes and smiling up at her.
Tess felt a sharp pang in her chest.
All she had ever wanted was to give La a safe, stable life. Instead, she had dragged her through chaos and fear.
Yet La remained sweet and understanding.
Tess gathered her into her arms and held her close.
Their hearts beat in sync, and some of the heaviness in Tess¡¯s heart melted away.
Keepsake 83
Chapter 83 You¡¯re Really Useless
Chapter 83 You¡¯re Really Useless.
Nadine emerged from the shadows, her eyes bloodshot.
Why is Tess out of Evermount Vi so early in the morning?
Her hands clenched tightly around the hem of her dress as she pulled out her phone from her bag.
The call connected almost instantly.
¡°Why was Tess at Evermount Vi overnight?!¡± she snapped.
There was a pause before Max¡¯s cold chuckle echoed through the line. ¡°Nadine? Are you questioning me now?¡±
His voice was icy, sending a chill down her spine.
She realized her mistake and immediately fell silent. A cold sweat broke out across her back.
An a fit of anger, she had forgotten what kind of ruthless man she was speaking to.
s
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. ¡°Tess went to Evermount Vi. You told me to spread false news about her being pregnant to drive her away. So why is she back now?¡±
She tried hard to soundposed.
Max¡¯s tone was clearly displeased. ¡°Maybe you should ask Mr. Lock instead.¡±
He let out a snort.
Nadine was stunned.
What does he mean by that?
Finn is the one who asked Tess toe back?
The realization hit her like a thunderp, and a wave of dread crept up her spine.
Her fingers trembled. ¡°Wh¨Cwhat do you mean?¡±
Max didn¡¯t bother to answer. Instead, he tossed the phone to his assistant and gestured for him to exin what had happened the night before.
When the assistant recounted how Finn had personally gone to Hunt Groupte at night to take the child back, Nadine¡¯s hand jerked involuntarily.
Rrrip!
Her sharp nails tore through the fabric of her expensive dress.
Her breathing grew short and frantic.
¡°Nadine,¡± Max¡¯s voice came back on the line, dripping with sareasm, ¡°Tess spent a year in prison, and you still couldn¡¯t win
over Finn?
Her cheeks were flushed with humiliation, but she didn¡¯t have the energy to talk back.
Ir
I was true¨Csince Tess had gone to prison, Finn had treated her decently. But it was nothing more than a boss appreciating apetent employee.
Every time she tried to get closer, that cold and distant man would shut her down, reminding her to know her ce.
Because of that, she had never even stolen a kiss from him, let alone anything more.
¡°Why? Finn knows the child isn¡¯t his, doesn¡¯t he? If that baby isn¡¯t his, why would he go to such lengths?¡±
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Chapter 83 You¡¯re Really Useless
s
Nadine was filled with resentment and disbelief.
Max had no intention of answering.
His face darkened. ¡°Nadine, I¡¯ve already done more than enough for you. You¡¯re really useless.¡±
With that, he hung up the call.
His assistant nced at him nervously.
Max¡¯s expression was grim, the air around him thick with fury.
He knew his temper had red just now, but it wasn¡¯t without reason.
He hadn¡¯t slept all night. The image of Finn barging into his office to take La away still made his chest burn with rage.
¡°Mr. Hunt, we¡¯re pretty tight with Ms. Nadine. If we pissed her off-¡±
The assistant couldn¡¯t help but speak up.
Max simply leaned back in his chair, lookingpletely unbothered.
Nadine is nothing more than a pretty face who took credit for Tess¡¯s work.
She¡¯s nothing without my support. And now she thinks she can turn against me?
¡°She¡¯lle crawling back soon enough,¡± he said coldly.
Meanwhile, Tess had no idea that two pairs of eyes were quietly watching her every move. At that moment, her only thought was to settle down somewhere safe with La.
The taxi pulled up near the location thendlord had given her.
She had barely stepped out with her luggage when a kind¨Clooking elderly woman came out to greet her with a warm smile You must be Ms. Tess?¡± Edith asked cheerfully, already reaching for the luggage to help.
Tess nodded and replied politely, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡±
Edith beamed.
¡°Make yourself right at home, dear. If you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡±
Tess felt her heart lighten.
¡°This is your ce¡± Edith said enthusiastically as she opened the door.
Tess pecked inside and blinked in surprise,
She had rented this ce for a month. This ce was great as it was close to a 24¨Chour convenience store, a pharmacy, and easy ess to public transportation.
Most importantly, the building had top¨Cnotch security, with guards on duty around the clock and regr night patrols.
She had
expected a small, simple room. But what greeted her was far more than that.
The ce was cozy and beautifully decorated. The walls were lined with paper cutouts, and a soft, luxurious carpet covered
the Boor Follow current nov?ls on Find¡ïNovel
Despite the affordable price, the ce was surprisingly spacious. It had two bedrooms draped in sheer curtains, a neat study, and even a yroom already set up for a child.
There was even afortable crib in one of the bedrooms.
Tess stopped in her tracks. Then, she turned to Edith with wide eyes. ¡°Edith, are you sure this is the right ce?¡±
Chapter 83 You¡¯re Really Useless
s
Just to be certain, she repeated her name, contact information, and the type of room she had originally reserved.
Edithughed and pulled her suitcase inside. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, dear. There are plenty of empty units around here¨Cand the moment I saw you. I just felt an instant connection ¡¡±
Keepsake 84
Chapter 84 Tess¡¯s New ce
Chapter 84 Tess¡¯s New ce
Edith paused, her voice softening with a touch of nostalgia. ¡°You remind me so much of my daughter.¡±
Tess blinked and met her gentle gaze.
In that moment, the guarded tension in her heart quietly began to dissipate.
¡°Big eyes, polite, and well¨Cmannered,¡± Edith added with a fond smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Tess couldn¡¯t help but be drawn in by her warmth.
s
It reminded her of herte grandmother¨Cstern and strict most of the time, but always wearing a soft smile whenever she looked at Tess. Just like Edith now.
¡°Don¡¯t worry about staying here. I¡¯ve got more than enough empty rooms, and it¡¯s not easy being a young mom. Picking out a good ce for you was no trouble at all.
My daughter and granddaughter used to live here, so all the furniture for kids is already set up.¡±
She gave Tess¡® shoulder a gentle, reassuring pat, and the warmth of that simple touch chased away thest of the chill in her heart
¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t just stand there like a statue¨Cgo on in,¡± Edith chuckled, then leaned in to gently tease the baby in Tess¡®
arms
¡°Little one¡¯s probably starving by now, and her mama¡¯s still in a daze?¡±
Tess quickly snapped out of her daze. After thanking Edith, she pulled a bottle and some form from her suitcase to prepare breakfast for La.
Edith offered to hold the baby and rocked her with practiced ease.
Following Edith¡¯s directions, Tess found her way into the kitchen.
It was still early, and the house was wrapped in peaceful quiet.
Sofi sunlight filtered through the window, and birds chirped as they fluttered through the yard outside.
As Edith hummed a luby, her gentle voice blended with the sound of warm water mixing with form, creating a soothing harmony.
Tess felt an unusual sense of calm, as if her heart had been wrapped in something warm and safe.
I
When she ced the bottle near La¡¯s mouth, the babytched on eagerly, her little eyes squinting in delight as she drank.
This little girl¡¯s just like her mom¨Cso pretty,¡± Edith said as her face glowed with affection. ?????? ???? Find?Novel
Tess blushed shyly at thepliment.
¡°Oh my, I nearly forgot¡ªI¡¯ve got more tenantsing to view another unit today,¡± Edith said while ncing at the wall clock. She then carefully handed La back to Tess.
Tess nodded her thanks, not wanting to keep her any longer.
Edith hurried off, and her figure soon disappeared.
Tess gently closed the door behind her and began unpacking her suitcase,
But despite what she¡¯d said. Edith didn¡¯t head straight to the main hall. She stopped quietly at a corner of the hallway and nced toward Tess¡¯s unit.
Then she pulled out her phone and made a call.
Chapter 84 Tess¡¯s New ce
A deep voice came through almost immediately. ¡°How did it go?¡±
It was Zane.
¡°Ms. Tess is very satisfied. I¡¯ve already ced her in the unit Mr. Lock requested,¡± Edith responded with respect.
+5 Free Coins
Zane nodded on the other end of the line. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll report back to Mr. Lock. Your reward will be delivered as promised.¡±
Edith¡¯s eyes lit up with delight. ¡°Please thank Mr. Lock for me. But honestly, I really do feel a connection with that girl.¡±
Zane took it as polite small talk and responded with a nomittal hum before ending the call.
Finn¡¯s eyes shifted toward Zane¡¯s hand as he lowered the phone. ¡°What did she say?¡±
His pen, which had been moving swiftly across a stack of documents, came to a sudden halt.
Zane gave a concise report. ¡°Mrs. Lock is settled.¡±
Finn¡¯s gaze flickered slightly at the words.
He lowered his eyes to the contract in front of him.
His longshes cast faint shadows over his unfocused gaze.
¡°Mhm.¡±
His voice was barely audible, fading into the air like a whisper on the wind.
Zane didn¡¯t say another word. He quietly stepped back to his post and resumed assisting from the side.
Time passed. Finn eventually set his pen down.
Though the documents had all been processed, his usual sharp efficiency was noticeably absent.
He rubbed his temples in frustration. ¡°Send a few more people to stay near her.¡±
Zane froze, then nodded as he recalled the danger Tess had faced recently. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll arrange for more people to move ito the nearby units around Mrs. Lock.¡±
Finn gave a small nod of approval.
Knock, knock
Someone knocked on the office door.
Zane paused, then looked at Finn. At his signal, Zane walked over and opened it.
Nadine stood on the other side with tears brimming in her eyes.
Zane¡¯s hand twitched slightly.
What worr
¡°Ms. Nadine, is there something you need? Mr. Lock is busy,¡± he said, quickly slipping into a polite, professional tone.
Nadine ignored himpletely. Her eyes went straight to Finn, who was still looking down at his desk. With a voice full of sorrow and longing, she called out softly, ¡°Finn!¡±
Zane felt his scalp single as Finn ser his pen down.
¡°What is it? Finn asked, finally looking up.
His gaze was sharp and cold.
Nadine flinched slightly at his tone, but quicklyposed herself, putting on a pitiful expression. ¡°I heard that you allowe
Chapter 84 Tess¡¯s New ce
Tess to spend the night at Evermount Vi.¡±
Keepsake 85
Chapter 85 Do It for Me
Chapter 85 Do It for Me
Nadine bit her lip and stepped forward.
s
¡°Finn, I know Tess doesn¡¯t like me, but I still see her as family. She clearly wants nothing to do with you, yet you keep forcing yourself on her ¡ I just wanted to speak up for her.¡±
Zane¡¯s lips couldn¡¯t help but twitch in disbelief.
Finn, however, furrowed his brows as his gaze turned sharp. ¡°You¡¯re here to fight for her?¡±
He pushed the documents on his desk forward and leaned back, arms crossing over his chest.
The powerful aura he exuded made Nadine swallow involuntarily. However, a flicker of fascination shed through her eyes.
He¡¯s the man standing at the very top of Aetheris¡¯s power pyramid, after all. And only someone like him deserved my love.
Her cheeks flushed pink as the thought ran through her mind.
She then straightened up and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±
Finn¡¯s eyes darkened, and a cold smirk tugged at his lips.
From where she stood, Nadine could only see the curve of his mouth, and her heart fluttered with hope.
She knew it she had been right all along.
People often said she and Finn were close. Even some colleagues would tease her in private, hinting that something was going on between them. But as the one actually involved, Nadine knew the truth better than anyone.
Aside from the asional moment when Finn sought her out to handle particrly difficult problems or cases, most of the time it felt like she was throwing herself at a wall of ice.
Still, someone as cold and distant as he, who had never allowed others to get too close, had silently epted her presence at his side.
There had even been a time when she got a minor scrape, and he¡¯d made a huge scene over it at the hospital. He had even mobilized every doctor to examine her.
That had to mean something.
But-
Nadine¡¯s hands curled into fists. All she could think about was the countless times Finn had avoided her in recent days.
It was all because of Tess.
Ever since he found out where Tess was, his time for her had all but vanished.
She couldn¡¯t just sit back and do nothing. She had to fight for this.
A flicker of calction crossed Nadine¡¯s eyes, but was quickly hidden behind a mask of innocence,
She smiled sweetly, her tone softening with a mix of affection and vulnerability.
Dressed in an elegant, perfectly chosen outfit, the contrast made her look even more striking.
Finn,¡± she said, stepping closer and blinking at him, ¡°if Tess doesn¡¯t want to stay, then maybe¡ you should let her go.¡±
Finn chuckled coldly. ¡°So I¡¯m supposed to let her go? Do I look like I run a charity?¡±
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharp as a de. She¡¯s the one who begged to marry me. And now what¨Cshe regrets it and sends you to plead her case?
s
Nadine¡¯s gaze swept over the man¡¯s cold, chiseled face. Even though his response wasn¡¯t what she¡¯d hoped for, his ruthless words only made the smile on her lips widen. There was even a touch of genuine joy in her eyes.
¡°Finn,¡± she said in a sweet, coaxing voice, ¡°just do it for me. And besides ¡
n
She nced at Finn¡¯s expression, then delivered her real blow. ¡°Tess gave birth in prison. Finn, can you really ept raising an illegitimate child?¡±
Her voice dropped to a whisper, deliberate and sharp.
As expected, the moment the words left her mouth, the air in the room turned icy.
Finn¡¯s expression darkened instantly. The source of th?s content is find?novel
Nadine flinched, but inside, she was ted.
Finn only wanted revenge.
Still, even if it was revenge, she couldn¡¯t let them continue ying house as husband and wife.
A flicker of hatred shed through her eyes.
Tess, a convicted felon, had no right to live as Finn¡¯s wife.
¡°Finn, if you¡¯re still angry with Tess, then let me take her ce. I¡¯ll atone for her sins. Just ¡ let her go,¡± she said softly.
Finn¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°Nadine, you and Tess are not the same. Her sins are not yours to atone for.¡± Then, he shot Zane a
look
Zane immediately stepped forward, blocking Nadine¡¯s view. ¡°Ms. Nadine, Mr. Lock is very busy. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to ask you
to leave.
Nadine¡¯s expression shifted. She stared at Finn onest time, eyes lingering with reluctant longing¨Cbut in the end, she had no choice but to leave.
As the door clicked shut, Finn¡¯s deep gaze remained fixed on it for a long while.
Zane nced at Finn, wanting to say something¨Cbut in the end, he held his tongue.
The whole scene had been strange from start to finish.
Even if there were issues between Finn and Tess, Nadine was still an outsidek
From what he knew, the Ember sisters had once been close. On the surface, Nadine¡¯s sudden concern might have seemed heartfelt.
But something about her words didn¡¯t sit right.
It hadn¡¯t sounded like concern at all¨Cmore like she was fanning the mes.
The more he thought about it, the more unsettling it felt.
Keepsake 86
Chapter 86 A Full Investigation
Chapter 86 A Full Investigation
s
Finn raised an eyebrow slightly, catching the odd look on Zane¡¯s face, but he said nothing and lowered his head. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find¡ïNovel
Then, as if remembering something, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a file.
It was the dossier Charles had handed him.
This time, he skipped straight to thest page, his fingertips brushing over the rough¨Ctextured cover.
The dossier was iplete, but the first half of it had been enough to leave a chill in his chest.
As thoughts swirled in his mind, he flipped back to the beginning and read through it again. His hands curled into fists gradually.
Why?
A year ago, all the evidence had pointed directly at Tess.
She had been Lock Group¡¯s chief legal counsel, and apart from him, she was the only one with ess to ssifiedpany documents.
When thepany¡¯s business secrets were leaked, he as the president of Lock Group, couldn¡¯t have sabotaged his own firm. That left only one suspect¨CTess.
Finn¡¯s
gaze
darkened.
Back then, he had been drugged, and they had spent a hazy night together. And the very next morning, just as he sobered up, the news of the leak exploded.
His heart was filled with rage and betrayal. He ordered her arrest and imprisonment without hesitation.
But now, his heart began to race out of nowhere.
A vivid image of Tess¡® beautiful face in grief appeared in his mind.
It had been drizzling that day, but even the rain couldn¡¯t drown out the sound of her cries.
In the end, all her protests and exnations had faded into silence¨Cleaving behind only a quiet, bitterugh as she was led
away.
Thatugh still echoed in his memory like thunder.
His eyes narrowed as the memory hit him.
Tess¡® reaction back then had been strange.
She had been obsessed with him, so why would she betray him?
It had been a whole year, and this was the first time Finn truly allowed himself to question what had happened. One by one, doubts began piling up in his mind like an oing storm.
¡°Zane,¡± he called out suddenly.
Zane immediately stepped forward.
Finn handed him the file. ¡°I want a full investigation into what happened one year ago. And this dossier¨Cfind the missing half, no matter what it takes.¡±
Huh?
Zane took the file with a puzzled frown. ¡°Mr. Lock, all Lock Group files are essible to the chief legal counsel. That means Ms. Nadine¡¡±
10:30 AM P
Chapter 86 A Full Investigation
Finn looked up at him expressionlessly.
Zane immediately shut his mouth and let out a knowing smile. ¡°Understood.¡±
As Finn¡¯s assistant, Zane was swift and efficient. Without another word, he jogged out of the office.
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Now alone, Finn sat silently at his desk, surrounded by untouched stacks of paperwork. His eyes drifted over them before finally picking one up¨Conly to find his thoughts drifting away once more.
He then picked up his phone.
Edith had sent him a message.
It was a photo of Tess sitting on a swing in the garden outside the condo, gently cradling a child in her arms. Her hair fell softly along her cheek, and her profile looked peaceful and calm.
Finn felt a sharp pang in his chest as his eyes locked onto the woman in the picture.
Could there really have been more to the story from a year ago?
If not, then why had she looked so utterly devastated?
His mind shed back to Tess bowing in the lobby of Lock Tower. Her clothes had been soaked through, her face pale and drained¨Cbut even then, her back had remained straight.
He had resented her back then. His family had forced him to marry her, and he had always believed she had used his grandmother to corner him. Even after the wedding, he rarely showed her any warmth.- ed. He had started watching
her more closely. Without even realizing it,
But somewhere along the way, something had
he had arranged private protection for her.
Finn¡¯s thoughts were a tangled mess. Everything was crashing together, and none of it made sense.
His gaze then drifted toward the baby in Tess¡® arms.
He had investigated the child¡¯s origins. The only thing he knew for sure was that Tess had given birth while in prison.
But who was the child¡¯s father? What exactly had happened to her in there? Everything was still a mystery.
Finn¡¯s jaw tightened.
Unlike Finn, who sat in quiet turmoil, Nadine stormed into her office and kicked over a chair in frustration.
Her assistant, Tiffany, stood silently off to the side, too scared to speak.
¡°Finn doesn¡¯t even like her! So why won¡¯t he just divorce her already?¡±
How am I ever supposed to be Mrs. Lock with that woman still in the picture?
Nadine¡¯s face was twisted in fury.
¡°And that criminal¨CTess! She won¡¯t even say who the baby¡¯s father is. It¡¯s obviously some illegitimate child! And she still has the nerve to unt herself in front of Finn like she¡¯s done nothing wrong?¡±
Tiffany¡¯s eyes darted nervously before she carefully spoke up.
¡°Ms. Ember, if you really can¡¯t stand her¡ Maybe it¡¯s time you teach her another lesson?¡±
¡°Teach her a lesson?¡±
Nadine scoffed, crossing her arms with a bitterugh.
¡°You think I haven¡¯t already? That bitch was just lucky! I had everything nned. She was supposed to sleep with Charles and get caught by Finn in the act. That would¡¯ve ruined her for good. But Finn found her first. And not only that¨Che even called in a private doctor to treat her. That idiot Charles copsed right there on the street and got hauled off to the hospital
Keepsake 87
Chapter 87 A Gift
Chapter 87 A Gift
Nadine growled through clenched teeth, seething with frustration. Official source is find?novel
Tiffany tiptoed up beside her, eyes glinting with mischief.
¡°Ms. Ember, your previous ns were a bit ¡ intense. Since she ruined your day, why not just give her a little trouble?¡±
She spoke in a hushed, mysterious tone.
Nadine frowned in confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡±
Tiffany leaned in and whispered a n into her ear.
A wicked smile slowly spread across Nadine¡¯s face, her eyes shing with malice. ¡°You¡¯re a sneaky devil, Tiffany.¡±
Though her words were harsh, her gaze held genuine approval.
It¡¯s nothing serious, just a little scare to put her in her ce.
¡°At worst, she might get fined¨Cand no one could trace it back to you.¡±
Tiffany grinned and began massaging Nadine¡¯s shoulders in a show of ttery.
Nadine smiled in satisfaction.
¡°A scare, huh? Sure, an adult can handle that. But she has a child with her ¡¡±
Now that makes things more interesting. And far less harmless.
Far across the city, Tess suddenly felt a strange heat rising in her ears.
She rubbed them with a puzzled look.
Someone must be bad¨Cmouthing me somewhere.
Just then, La began to squirm and fuss in her arms.
Having just finished her bottle, she was now full of at Tess¡® fingers.
ergy and curiosity, waving her tiny arms in the air and tugging yfully
At that moment, Edith walked over, wiping sweat from her brow.
Tess¡® eyes lit up. ¡°You¡¯re done with work?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right, Edith replied cheerfully. ¡°The weather¡¯s been so nicetely¨Cit¡¯s perfect for the rental season. This neighborhood¡¯s got a great location, and lots of young folks have beening by to check it out. Most of the units are already taken.¡±
Tess nodded as if she understood and kindly handed her a tissue.
Edith chuckled and took it with a smile, her gaze growing even warmer. She then turned her attention to La, who was
restless.
¡°Little one¡¯s quite lively, isn¡¯t she?¡±
She leaned in, thenughed knowingly. ¡°Babies this age are always full of energy. She¡¯s probably bored. There¡¯s a great park nearby¨Clots of moms go there with their kids. You should take her sometime. You might even meet some fellow moms and share parenting tips.¡±
Tess nced down at La.
The baby smiled back at her while blinking, melting her heart.
10:30 AM
Chapter 87 A Gift
s
¡°Sure,¡± Tess said with a smile,
Edith suddenly remembered something and rushed off. A momentter, she returned with a baby stroller.
¡°My daughter sent this over ages ago, but we never got to use it. It has been sitting in storage, collecting dust. Might as well let La enjoy it.¡±
She beamed, waving them over.
Tess hesitated and shook her head. ¡°I already feel bad enough staying in such a nice ce. I couldn¡¯t possibly ept-¡±
Edith cut her off with a wave. ¡°My daughter barelyes back, and her kid has grown now. What¡¯s the point of letting it sit there unused? At my age, I can¡¯t stand seeing good things go to waste.¡±
Her tone was firm, and Tess, touched by her kindness, could only ept with heartfelt gratitude.
As soon as she agreed, Edith lit up. ¡°Quick! Let¡¯s see if La likes it. What you think doesn¡¯t matter¨Cit¡¯s up to her!¡±
Tessughed and stopped resisting. She added a soft pad inside the stroller, then gently ced La in it.
As soon as she gave it a little push, La¡¯s eyes lit up with wonder, and she burst into delighted giggles.
¡°See that? La loves it! Come on, tell your mom to ept it!¡±
Edith held La¡¯s little hand and smiled with grandmotherly affection.
Tess couldn¡¯t help but smile back. But her gaze flickered slightly, and for a moment, her mind wandered.
Moments like this are so peaceful, so full of warmth.
If Grandma were still alive, would she have doted on La just like Edith did?
¡°Hey? Sweetheart?¡±
Edith waved a hand in front of her.
Tess blinked and came back to herse
a
soft smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You just reminded me of someone very dear to me.¡±
if remembering something, and added, this neighborhood is right next to a luxury vi district. That park nearby
Edith noticed her slightly reddened eyes and sighed. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you treat me like family from now on?¡± She paused, as
¡°Oh,
is basically their private backyard, so some of those rich folks can be a little snobby. Just be careful if you take La there.¡±
Slightly, but when she looked down and saw La¡¯s bright expectant
Tess blinked, a little surprised. Her excitement faded eyes, her heart softened. In the end, she decided they could still go for a stroll.
After chatting for a bit longer, Edith was called away by a new tenant. Before leaving, she pointed Tess in the general direction of the park.
Tess wasn¡¯t too worried. After all, Finn had already stationed people nearby to quietly ensure her safety.
Following Edith¡¯s directions, she made her way to the park without trouble. As she neared the entrance, the sound of soft chatter and the gentle rumble of stroller wheels greeted her.
She stepped through a thicket of low shrubs, and golden sunlight spilled down through the trees. Tess squinted against the brightness as a quiet sense of peace settled in her heart.
Keepsake 88
Chapter 88 It¡¯s You
Chapter 88 It¡¯s You
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Tess¡¯s beauty immediately drew the attention of nearby mothers who were chatting idly. One of them, holding her own baby, warmly struck up a conversation.
¡°Hey there¨Cout getting some fresh air with your little one too?¡±
The woman had a charming smile and refined features.
For some reason, Tess felt an unexpected sense of warmth and familiarity. She responded with a polite smile. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s been cooped up indoors too long. I thought a bit of sunshine would do her good.¡±
Upon hearing that, the woman leaned over to peek into La¡¯s stroller.
La blinked up at her with wide eyes, instantly softening the woman¡¯s expression.
¡°She¡¯s adorable,¡± the woman gushed with affection, then bounced the little boy in her own arms and leaned in closer. ¡°You must live nearby too? Look at my boy¨Che¡¯s going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up. How about we pair them up early? You and I seem destined to meet, after all.¡±
She ended the sentence with a wink. Her tone had that unmistakable yfulness of someone trying to seal a cheeky deal.
Tess let out an awkwardugh, unsure how to respond. ¡°I¡¯m actually just staying at a nearby inn ¡ and she¡¯s still very young. I think I¡¯ll leave decisions like that up to her.¡±
¡°Okay then.¡±
The woman sighed in mock disappointment.
Just then, azy teasing male voice drifted over from behind them.
¡°You really think he¡¯s gonna have that much trouble finding a wife?¡±
Tess instinctively turned to look. The woman, however, didn¡¯t even nce back. She coughed lightly and snapped, ¡°What? Did youe all the way to Aetheris just to annoy me?¡±
The man shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s the fifth mom you¡¯ve tried matchmaking with this month.¡°¡±
With the arrival of a third person, Tess¨Cclearly an outsider in the conversation¨Cfelt the awkward tension. She was just about to excuse herself politely when a tall shadow suddenly loomed over her.
¡°Well, I have to say,¡± the man drawled with a grin, ¡°you¡¯ve finally shown some good taste this time.¡±
The young man stood with both hands tucked casually into his pockets. His hair was slightly tousled, casting shadows over his eyes, and he carried anguid air that hinted at wealth or privilege.
Tess frowned slightly at hisment, her instincts already urging her to leave.
¡°Excuse me,¡± she said with a polite smile. ¡°I¡¯ll take the baby for a walk.¡±
Her pleasant tone made the man nce down at her, almost absentmindedly.
The moment his eyes met hers, he froze.
Abel Shaw stared at the woman standing just a few feet away, his pupils narrowing in shock.
His gaze traced the lines of her face. Her familiar features struck him like lightning.
Lucille Fletcher, noticing the strange expression on her distant cousin¡¯s face, gave him a puzzled look, ¡°What? Did you step on a nail or something?¡±
Abel didn¡¯t respond. Completely ignoring etiquette, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Tess¡¯s wrist, as though terrified she might vanish if he let go.
Chapter 88 It¡¯s You
¡°It¡¯s you.¡±
Tess¡¯s frown deepened at the unwee touch.
Abel¡¯s eyes were filled with emotions he tried hard to suppress.
Tess¡¯s irritation instantly vanished the moment their gazes met. It was as if something inside her had been pried open. Panic welled up, and she instinctively took a step back, putting distance between them.
¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person.¡±
Abel didn¡¯t let go. In fact, he stepped closer.
Lucille noticed his strange behavior and couldn¡¯t help but nce at Tess a few more times.
What¡¯s going on?
What kind of woman could make him lose like this?
The three of them now stood in the middle of the park, attracting curious nces from people walking by.
Lucille discreetly tugged on Abel¡¯s sleeve and shot him a warning look.
He hade to Aetheris under a hidden identity. Thest thing he needed was to draw attention.
Internally, Lucille sighed.
Finally, Abel seemed to realize what he was doing. His longshes trembled slightly, and after a brief pause, he reluctantly let go of Tess¡¯s wrist. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he muttered.
Those two simple words made Lucille¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. She stared back and forth between the two of them. This text is hosted at f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
What?!
Did the sun rise from the west today? The heir to the Shaws is apologizing?
¡°You two
know each other?¡± Lucille couldn¡¯t help but ask.
Just a few weeks ago, her husband had introduced Abel to her and asked her to y the role of his distant cousin to help keep his identity under wraps.
She had heard of the Shaws. Their reputation was legendary, and Abel¡¯s arrogance was even more so. The man barely acknowledged people, let alone apologized to them.
Tess, however, didn¡¯t react much. Her expression remained calm, though slightly puzzled. But Abel¡ Abel was still looking at her as if waiting or hoping for a response.
Tess shook her head. ¡°No. We¡¯ve never met.¡±
In an instant, the light in Abel¡¯s eyes dimmed.
Lucille was even more stunned.
Then, a thought struck her.
Rumor had it that the young heir of the Shaw once had a first love who died young. Could it be¡?
Her mind raced at the realization, and she nced between them again.
What a shame she¡¯s married. And with a child, too,
Tess shifted ufortably under their strange stares. There was no hostility, but something definitely felt off, and she had no intention of staying to figure out what it was.
Chapter 89 You Don
Chapter 89 You Don¡¯t Remember Me?
¡°I really have to go now.¡±
Tess forced a polite smile, though her hands were already pushing the stroller forward.
¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Abel replied without hesitation, immediately catching up.
Tess paused mid¨Cstride, her expression twitching in disbelief.
She clenched her jaw and picked up her pace, but he followed her like a shadow.
Finally, she stopped and sighed in exasperation. ¡°Sir, please stop following me.¡±
At first nce, she had mistaken him for a younger boy. But now that she looked more closely, despite his youthful face, there was a sharpness to his features that hinted at strength and confidence. He was clearly someone only a few years younger
than her.
Abel froze, and he looked hurt. ¡°Why?¡±
Tess couldn¡¯t believe it.
Why?
Do I even know you? You¡¯ve been following me non¨Cstop, and now you¡¯re asking why?
Her patience snapped. She shot him a warning re. ¡°One more step and I¡¯m calling the police.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
Abel didn¡¯t flinch in the slightest. In fact, he nodded with exaggerated innocence, lookingpletely obedient.
The next second, he was trailing behind her again without shame.
Tess was thoroughly creeped out. She quickened her pace, determined to shake off this overly persistent stranger.
Lucille caught up too as she called out, ¡°Hey, which building do you live in?¡±
A chill crept up Tess¡¯s spine. Regret flooded her¨Cclearly, today was not the day to go out.
Unfortunately, neither of these people seemed hostile, and she couldn¡¯t find an easy way to shake them off.
She sped up even more, walking so fast that she identally bumped into someone walking past.
¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡±
She quickly apologized and stopped in her tracks. The man she bumped into just let out a grunt, clutched his head, and bolted away without looking back.
Tess stared at him in stunned silence, noticing that he was limping.
Doesn¡¯t that hurt? I could¡¯ve paid for his medical fees ¡.
But within seconds, the man was gone.
Tess scratched her head, baffled.
What is going on today? Why is everyone acting so strange¡
Just then, Abel¡¯s voice came again.
¡°You really don¡¯t remember me?¡±
Tess was speechless. She looked at him sharply.
Chapter 89 You Don¡¯t Remember Me?
¡°Sir, what exactly do you want? If I¡¯d met someone like you before, don¡¯t you think I¡¯d remember?¡±
s
He stared at her wless face, and that overwhelming sense of familiarity surged through him like a current running from his fingertips straight to his heart. Aside from the faint scar on her cheek ¡
Abel¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The calm in his eyes gave way to something intense.
He had believed she was dead. And now¨Chere she was, alive, standing right in front of him.
He quickly raised his hands in a show of innocence. ¡°I swear I mean no harm. Let¡¯s just introduce ourselves. I¡¯m Abel Shaw, And you are
¡±
Lucille came hurrying over and chimed in, ¡°I can vouch for him!¡±
Watching the two of them echo each other in perfect sync, Tess suddenly felt drained.
¡°I don¡¯t care what your name is, and I¡¯m not telling you mine.¡±
Forget it. Let them follow. It¡¯s not like they¡¯d chase me to my ce.
With that, she pushed La¡¯s stroller forward again, strolling at an unhurried pace.
Abel lit up and quietly matched her pace.
He opened his mouth to say something, then stopped.
¡°Um¡ is she your child?¡± he finally blurted out awkwardly.
¡°Yeah,¡± Tess answered casually.
Abel stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°She¡¯s yours? Not your niece or anything? You have a kid?¡±
Tess shot him a look that clearly said, Duh.
La may have resembled Finn more, but anyone with eyes could tell they were mother and daughter.
Abel looked as if his world had just copsed. His shoulders drooped, and he lowered his head.
His fists clenched silently.
I was toote.
Still, after a brief wave of grief and disappointment, his expression hardened. He lifted his head again, his tone firmer now, ¡°Where¡¯s the father? Why are you out here alone with a baby? You don¡¯t even have a nanny?¡±
Tess blinked, taken aback by the sudden interrogation.
She didn¡¯t have the money for a nanny.
But looking at these two¨Cclearly from wealthy families¨Cit wasn¡¯t a surprising thing for them to ask.
Still, it did sound a bit like ¡°Let them eat cake¡°.
¡°We¡¯re getting divorced,¡± she replied.
Abel visibly perked up, stepping in like he¡¯d just heard the best news all day. ¡°When is the date?¡±
Tess¡® eyes widened.
What kind of reaction is that?
Her silence seemed to make Abel more anxious. He scratched his head, clearly growing frustrated. Lucille, watching him from the side, sighed heavily.
Where¡¯s that cold, arrogant heir now?
Keepsake 89
Chapter 89 You Don¡¯t Remember Me?
Look at him¨Cfalling over himself to be a stepfather. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find1Novel
Tess, meanwhile, didn¡¯t like discussing her past. ¡°Noment.¡±
Abel didn¡¯t press further. But a sharp gleam passed through his eyes.
He could find out for himself.
Who¡¯s the man who had her, then let her go?
s
As that thought crossed his mind, Abel¡¯s gaze darkened with quiet fury. A storm was clearly brewing behind those eyes.
But the moment he looked at Tess again, his expression softened.
Keepsake 90
Chapter 90 Grenade!
Lucille had been silently watching the subtle changes in Abel¡¯s expression from the sidelines. She waspletely fascinated. For a brief moment, silence settled over the three of them.
Each lost in their own thoughts¨CTess, ironically, was the only one who felt at ease.
Then suddenly, La began to fuss.
MARY
It was precisely this quiet that allowed Tess to notice something odd about La in the stroller. Unlike earlier, when she had been curious and obedient, La¡¯s tiny face was now scrunched up, her hands iling as if searching for something to hold
onto.
Tess¡¯s heart instantly clenched.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
She bent down and scooped La into her arms, gently bouncing her to soothe her.
Normally, that would¡¯ve made La p and giggle, but now she only whimpered softly, her expression twisted in difort.
Lucille stepped closer and looked at La¡¯s diaper. ¡°Did she pee?¡±
Tess shook her head.
She had just changed her before they left.
A wave of unease crept into her chest. She reached up to feel La¡¯s forehead.
After all the fevers and stomach issues recently, every small change made Tess tense with worry.
Watching La behave so unusually, she made a quick decision.
I should head back,¡± she said.
Lucille seemed to read her mind and immediately pulled Abel closer like offering a prized treasure.
As soon as the man stood beside her, her fingers trembled slightly before she quickly withdrew them. Still, she smiled brightly and offered, ¡°It¡¯s hard to carry a baby and handle the stroller. Let Abel walk you home. If you¡¯re notfortable with that, at least let him push the stroller.¡±
Abel nced at Tess and nodded. ¡°You carry the baby, I¡¯ll take the stroller¨Cor, I can carry both.¡±
Tess hesitated for a moment before giving him a small, grateful nod. ¡°Thank you.¡±
La seemed to calm down in her arms, and truthfully, the stroller was bing a burden.
Although Lucille and Abel seemed a little strange, their offer felt genuine. They really did seem to want to help.
Abel walked over to the stroller and ced his hand on the same spot Tess had been holding. A subtle jolt of warmth shot through him like an electric current, making his heart tingle with a strange softness.
It had been a long time since he¡¯d felt this kind of joy.
His fingers curled tightly around the handle.
I should¡¯vee to Aetheris much sooner.
His gaze lingered intently on Tess.
She was busy calming La and didn¡¯t notice the soft, affectionate look he gave her.
Lucille didn¡¯t follow them. She stayed behind, watching them from afar.
Just as they reached the edge of the park, a sharp bark suddenly rang out.
Tess¡¯s brows furrowed, and her arms instinctively tightened around La as the baby began squirming.
A strange sense of dread rose in her chest.
La¡¯s face was still rosy¨Cshe didn¡¯t look sick, but her growing restlessness was unsettling.
¡°Grenade!¡±
Then came a shout from the distance.
Tess flinched instinctively, and before she could even process what was happening, the barking grew louder. A medium¨Csized golden retriever came charging straight at them like a bullet.
Tess¡¯s pupils contracted sharply. Abel¡¯s once calm eyes turned razor sharp. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he stepped forward and positioned himself between her and the oing dog.
¡°Woof! Woof!¡±
The golden retriever¨CGrenade¨Ccharged past Abel as if he wasn¡¯t even there. Fresh chapters posted on find(?)ovel
Its bloodshot eyes locked onto the baby in Tess¡® arms, baring its teeth with a feral snarl.
Tess froze, her mind nk with shock. A jolt of fear shot straight up her spine.
Before she could even react, a powerful arm yanked the dog away from her and La in one swift motion.
Grenade let out a sharp yelp as Abel flung him aside and followed with a hard kick. The dog tumbled across the ground while whimpering loudly.
Tess gasped, her chest rising and falling with shaky breaths. Only then did her legs finally move, stumbling back as the shock wore off.
Abel stood firmly in front of her like a wall, shielding them both. His eyes zed with fury.
Just then, the dog¡¯s owner came running over in panic. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry! I have no idea why Grenade lost it¨Che¡¯s never done that before. Are you all okay?¡±
His eyes darted nervously to Tess and La.
¡°Why wasn¡¯t it leashed? This is a residential area!¡±
Abel¡¯s tone turned sharp andmanding, the aura around him suddenly oppressive.
The man¨CJamie¨Cvisibly flinched. But he managed a nervous, sheepish smile. ¡°I¨CI really am sorry. Grenade used to be a police dog. He¡¯s trained, I swear. Everyone in the neighborhood knows him.¡±
Abel was unmoved. I¡¯m calling the police. You can exin yourself to them.¡±
Jamie¡¯s face twisted, his tone shifting from apologetic to defensive. ¡°No one got hurt! Why would you call the cops?¡±
He rushed over to where Grenadey whimpering and tried to lift the dog gently.
Abel hadn¡¯t held back with that kick. The golden retriever was now lying limp, struggling to get up.
Jamie¡¯s hand brushed over the dog¡¯s side, and his eyes red with anger. ¡°I already apologized¨Cand my dog¡¯s the one who¡¯s injured! 1 should be asking you forpensation! And now you¡¯re threatening to call the police?!¡±
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Chapter 91 Grenade Attacks Again
Chapter 91 Grenade Attacks Again
Abel acted as if he hadn¡¯t heard a single word. Calmly, he unlocked his phone and began dialing the police.
¡°Don¡¯t call the police!¡±
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Jamie exploded the moment he saw what Abel was doing. He lunged forward, trying to snatch the phone from Abel¡¯s hand.
But Abel easily dodged and shot him a cold, prating re¨Chis expression was dark and deadly as if he was staring at a dead man.
Jamie¡¯s hand froze mid¨Cair, and he started to tremble.
Who the hell is this guy? Why does he have such a terrifying look in his eyes?
Jamie¡¯s gaze flicked toward the rows of upscale houses nearby.
Even though he kept to himself most of the time, he had lived in this wealthy neighborhood for years and had never seen this man before.
This is Aetheris¡¯s most well¨Cknown high¨Cend residential area. If I hadn¡¯t seen this guy before, he probably isn¡¯t anyone important.
Jamie told himself that and straightened up.
¡°This is about money, right? Just say how much you want. No need to put on this whole ¡®I¡¯m calling the police¡® act.¡±
Money?¡± Abel scoffed while still ring daggers at him.
What a joke. Do I look like someone who needs money?
Jamie swallowed hard but tried to stand his ground. He assumed Abel was bluffing¡ªnothing more than an angry passerby.
¡°Grenade didn¡¯t actually hurt anyone, and you injured my dog. I¡¯m already being generous by offeringpensation¡ª anyone else would¡¯ve just walked away.¡±
Tess¡¯s expression darkened as she watched Jamie act so shamelessly.
¡°Sir, walking a dog without a leash in public is against thew. We were acting in self¨Cdefense. If we¡¯re talking about responsibility, it¡¯s entirely yours.¡±
Her voice was clear and firm. ¡°I support calling the police.¡±
She finally turned to look at Abel.
If Abel hadn¡¯t been there, and the golden retriever had knocked her down, La could¡¯ve been seriously hurt.
A terrifying image shed through her mind, making Tess shudder. A momentter, a wave of lingering fear swept through
her chest.
Their eyes met in midair, and Abel¡¯s knuckles tensed around the phone.
Jamie, however, pped his hands over his ears and shouted, ¡°You people are unbelievable! I said I¡¯d pay!¡±
Seeing the cold determination in both of their expressions, he dropped all pretense of apology, ¡°You clearly don¡¯t live in Bayridge Vis, do you? Do you even know who I am? Don¡¯t go picking fights with people you can¡¯t afford to mess with!¡±
He threatened while puffing up his chest and beer belly arrogantly.
¡°You know what? My uncle is the police chief of Aetheris. You think calling the cops is going to help you?¡±
Jamie looked at them smugly, expecting to see fear or regret.
Tess clenched her jaw in irritation, but Abel was unfazed.
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Chapter 91 Grenade Attacks Again
He scoffed, and his voice dropped dangerously. ¡°Is that so? Then let¡¯s see if I can deal with you.¡±
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The words were bone¨Cchilling, especiallying from someone handsome. The contrast made it all the more terrifying.
Tess nced at him again, her chest tightening. She felt touched.
He had only just met her, and yet he was already standing up to a powerful man¨Cjust because it was the right thing to do.
It was brave.
And she admired that.
Her gaze shifted toward Jamie again.
She had heard of Bayridge Vis. It was one of the most exclusivemunities in all of Aetheris, home to the wealthiest and most powerful.
The only ce higher was where Finn lived..
Jamie was clearly leaning on his connections to act so boldly.
That made his arrogance even more revolting.
Tess frowned and gently tugged Abel¡¯s sleeve. Newest update provided by Find_Novel(.
Abel noticed the light fragrance drifting from her hand and the warmth of her touch. He turned and met her eyes.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as I¡¯m here
no one can hurt you,¡± he said.
Tess¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Those words sound familiar.
But the thought felt ridiculous.
Even her husband had never said something like that. And this man wasn¡¯t even a friend.
Just as the tension began to settle, Grenade¨Cwho had been lying limp and quiet¨Csuddenly sprang to life. With a deep, aggressive growl, the dog lunged again¨Cmore frenzied than before.
¡°Woof! Woof!¡±
No one had expected it. Grenade¡¯s eyes glowed red as its body shook with wild energy,
It all happened in a sh. By the time Abel realized what was happening, it was toote.
Grenade crashed into Tess¡¯s legs, knocking herpletely off bnce. She fell hard, shielding La tightly in her arms.
The ground scraped her hands, drawing blood, but she didn¡¯t let go of her baby for a second.
Abel¡¯s face turned dark and deadly. He dove forward, blocking Grenade¡¯s snapping jaws with his own arm, shielding both Tess and La
With a powerful kick, Abel sent the dog flying. He stepped down hard, pinning it to the ground.
Then he immediately dropped to Tess¡¯s side, wrapping his arms protectively around her and the baby, his voice trembling. ¡°Are you okay?¡±
Tess¡¯s first instinct was to check on La. Thankfully, the little one hadn¡¯t been hurt¨Cjust badly shaken. She was too young to understand what had just happened. As soon as Tess gently patted her and whispered soft words, La¡¯s tiny cries began to
seule
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Chapter 92 Let It Be My Imagination
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La¡¯s smooth little arms werepletely unscathed. Tess finally let out a breath of relief¨Conly then did she begin to feel the sharp sting spreading along her own arm.
She nced down and noticed her skin was scraped raw, with tiny droplets of blood dotting the pavement.
The earlier calm on Abel¡¯s face vanished in an instant.
His expression darkened immediately, but the moment his eyes met Tess¡¯s, he forced himself to soften his gaze.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital,¡± he said.
Just the sight of those scratches marring her fair skin made his brows furrow in distress.
Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Jamie didn¡¯t even bother with the dog anymore¨Che turned and bolted without looking
back.
Abel ignored himpletely. At that moment, the only person in his world was Tess.
He quickly called emergency services, and within minutes, an ambnce pulled up with sirens wailing.
Tess winced from the pain but couldn¡¯t help letting out a softugh at his dramatic overreaction.
¡°Let¡¯s get you treated.¡±
To him, this wasn¡¯t an overreaction in the slightest. Without waiting for her to argue, he scooped her and La up into his
arms.
La squealed with delight at the sudden lift, pping her tiny hands with glee.
You-!¡± Tess blushed furiously, squirming in protest, but Abel¡¯s arms remained firm and steady.
He didn¡¯t let go until he had ced her securely on the stretcher.
Tess kept her face turned away in embarrassment the entire ride.
Inside the ambnce, the medics began cleaning her wounds.
They gently removed the gravel and grit embedded in her skin, revealing the raw flesh beneath.
Abel¡¯s face remained expressionless, but a dark, unsettling storm brewed in his eyes.
The atmosphere inside the ambnce was thick with tension. Tess bit her lip and asked, ¡°It¡¯s just a few scratches. Isn¡¯t it a bit excessive to use emergency services for this?¡±
Abel calmly replied, ¡°This is a private emergency service. As long as you¡¯re a VIP, you¡¯re entitled to it. Don¡¯t worry.¡±
Tess nodded and said no more.
That was just how the world worked¨Cwealth and privilege came with certain entitlements.
Since she wasn¡¯t taking away from public resources, she supposed she didn¡¯t need to feel too guilty.
Still, a quiet weight settled in her chest. She had no idea how to repay a stranger for something like this.
Abel, meanwhile, had shifted out of the eager, boyish energy he¡¯d shown earlier. His calm demeanor now better matched the noble air he asionally exuded.
His sharp gaze narrowed slightly, and his hands rested loosely at his sides.
He had been too worried about Tess earlier to notice the details.
But now that he thought about it¡.
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Chapter 92 Let It Be My Imagination
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Tess seemed to sense it, too. Their eyes met¨Cand in that moment, the same thought shed through both their minds.
Something isn¡¯t right.
If the golden retriever¡¯s first outburst had been a freak ident, then the second attack couldn¡¯t have been a coincidence. That owner must have ordered it to do that.
Tess¡¯s expression turned grim. Anxiety swirled in her chest like a rising tide. She had the unsettling sense that something critical was slipping through her fingers.
Abel was the first to speak. ¡°You should focus on resting. I¡¯ll take care of investigating what happened.¡±
His voice had dropped to something low and lethal, his back tensing ever so slightly¨Clike a predator crouched and ready to strike.
¡°I want to help,¡± she said firmly, shaking her head as her arms instinctively tightened around La.
Her mind shed back to the string of events leading up to this moment. One ident after another ¡ It was no longer just a coincidence.
Was it me being unlucky? Or was someone pulling strings behind the scenes?
The deeper she thought, the harder her heart pounded.
Please, she prayed, let it just be my imagination.
Before long, they arrived at the hospital. But before Tess could even step down, Abel once again scooped her up into his
arms.
The sudden lift made her eyes go wide. ¡°What are you doing?¡±
He paused, then smiled at her.
¡°Don¡¯t move. You¡¯re light.¡±
His voice rumbled low above her head, carrying a surprising warmth¨Cand an unexpected hint of sensuality. Tess felt her ears go hot and her neck flush red.
She smacked his arm. ¡°Put me down!¡±
No matter how strangely familiar he felt, he was still a stranger. This was way too much. This content belongs to F?nd-Novel
Her expression turned serious.
Their eyes met. After a beat of hesitation, Abel finally relented. He gently set her back on her feet.
Only when her shoes touched the ground did Tess feel like she could breathe again.
That was when she caught the sharp, metallic scent of blood.
Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Abel, are you hurt?¡±
Everything had happened so quickly, and she had been too focused on La to notice. She hadn¡¯t even stopped to wonder how Abel had managed to fight off a raging dog.
¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±
Abel quietly hid his arm behind his back, his gaze filled with nothing but tenderness as he looked at her.
Tess studied him closely.
He lookedpletely fine, not even out of breath¨Ceven after carrying both her and La.
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Chapter 93 Don¡¯t Think Your Blood Is Compatible
Chapter 93 Don¡¯t Think Your Blood Is Compatible
Only then did Tess finally believe him.
¡°That¡¯s good.¡±
When they pushed open the door to the exam room, a crowd of medical staff was already inside.
Tess¡¯s legs froze, and she just stared nkly ahead.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±
Abel caught up behind her, noticing her hesitation. His eyes calmly scanned the group of doctors and nurses.
¡°Let them check you. The more, the better.¡±
He waved it off like it was nothing, and the medical staff respectfully closed in around Tess.
¡°Ms. Ember, I¡¯ll hold the baby for you.¡± A nurse stepped forward.
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¡°Yes, Ms. Ember, please have a seat. Let me look at your wound,¡± the head doctor said, motioning for her to sit opposite him.
Tess felt a little dizzy but knew it was for her own good. She sat down obediently and held out her arm.
It was just a scrape¨Ckind of big but still minor¨Cbut every doctor and nurse held their breath, being extra careful not to hurt her.
As Tess watched their cautious moves, her lips twitched.
So this is what VIP treatment feels like?
Suddenly, a strange memory hit her. When Nadine twisted her ankle, Finn fussed over her the same way, even calling doctors from all over.
And now, someone was doing the same for her.
But the difference was, they were using the best medical resources without disturbing other patients.
On a sudden impulse, Tess nced at Abel.
She caught the nervous looks the medical staff kept giving him.
Her heart started racing.
Something¡¯s not right.
Lock Group Private Hospital mostly serve rich and powerful people, so the staff are used to important visitors. But why do they seem extra respectful toward Abel?
She couldn¡¯t help but wonder.
Almost at the same time, Finn¡¯s phone rang.
¡°Hello, is this Ms. Ember¡¯s emergency contact? She just arrived here injured¡
Yeins bulged in Finn¡¯s hand as he gripped the phone. After hanging up, he barked at Zane, ¡°Get the car ready. We¡¯re going to the hospital.¡±
He stood up quickly, grabbed his jacket from behind his chair, and walked out.
Zane hurried after him, already calling the driver.
The Maybach sped through traffic, barely stopping before the door was mmed open.
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Chapter 93 Don¡¯t Think Your Blood Is Compatible
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Finn¡¯s usual sharp, cold look didn¡¯t hide the
worry
in his eyes.
The receptionist blinked, surprised by his sudden arrival, then quickly stepped forward cautiously. ¡°Mr. Lock, what brings you here?¡±
Maybe Ms. Nadine came for a checkup? But I haven¡¯t seen her, and I haven¡¯t left my post all day.
¡°There¡¯s a patient named Tess Ember here today. Tell me which department she¡¯s in.¡±
Tess Ember?
The receptionist checked quickly. The moment Finn heard it, he hurried toward the department, moving fast.
Watching his urgency, the receptionist scratched her head.
Tess Ember?
Isn¡¯t she Mr. Lock¡¯s wife, the convict who went to jail a year ago?
Finn slowed as he reached Tess¡¯s department and overheard two nurses talking ahead.
¡°Gosh, you won¡¯t believe it. The paramedics said there was blood all over the floor. The patient¡¯s bones were broken when they got there.¡±
¡°Really? Do they need blood donations? But I heard our blood supply is running low ¡
The nurses whispered outside the room, wide¨Ceyed and full of shock and sympathy.
Finn felt a chill.
Blood everywhere? Broken bones?
Even his fingertips trembled.
Suddenly, a man came out of the corner and grabbed one nurse¡¯s wrist.
¡°I¡¯m the patient¡¯s blood donor contact. I¡¯m type O. Where do I donate? How are she and the baby?¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was sharp and urgent. The nurse froze.
Her eyes went wide as she recognized him. ¡°M¨CMr. Lock¡¡±
Finn lost his patience: his tone turned rough and annoyed. ¡°If you can¡¯t answer a simple question, maybe you shouldn¡¯t be
here
¡°Ohr The nurse felt like she¡¯d been hit and quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll show you the way!¡±
Finn pressed his lips tight and followed, feeling cold all over.
All of this was quietly watched from a distance.
Tess had juste out of the exam room, her eyes on the tense man¡¯s face.
He looked anxious, no way to hide it.
His words echoed in her minout
She once belonged to the upper ss, so she understood how much these people cared about their health.
But just now, Finn must have misunderstood and thought she was the injured one, and he had offered to donate blood without hesitate
Halfway there, the nurse suddenly realized what was wrong.
She looked at the calm man beside her, hesitated, then hit her lip and spoke up. ¡°Mr. Lock¡ the one who lost a lot of bloog ig Newest update provided by F¦ÉndNovel
Keepsake 94
Chapter 94 Stay With Me for a While
Chapter 94 Stay With Me for a While
At those words, Finn stopped in his tracks. ¡°A golden retriever¡ a dog?¡±
There wasn¡¯t a hint of embarrassment in his eyes over the mix¨Cup. His first thought was all about Tess¡¯s well¨Cbeing.
¡°How¡¯s Tess? Is she okay?¡±
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¡°Ms. Tess? She has a few minor scrapes. The doctors have already treated her, and she should¡¯ve just left the department,¡± the nurse replied.
When Finn heard that, the tension in his shoulders finally eased, and the sharp edge in his demeanor softened.
Tess is alright. That¡¯s good to know.
As the tight knot in his chest loosened, a wave of exhaustion washed over him.
Finn rubbed his forehead, only now realizing just how deeply he¡¯d been worried about Tess¡¯s safety.
His brow creased deeply, like he was wrestling with some unanswered question.
Even though the nurse had said it was only a scrape, he still didn¡¯t know how serious her injuries really were.
Lost in thought, Finn nced down¨Cand that was when a pair of worn¨Cout, faded canvas shoes caught his eye. Then a gentle, familiar scent floated up to his nose.
That feeling of recognition was like invisible hands sliding up his arms, pressing softly against the air near his face.
Finn held his breath.
¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±
The woman¡¯s voice was soft and calming, like a breeze flowing through an open window. In an instant, the storm in Finn¡¯s heart began to calm.
He cleared his throat and lifted his eyes, trying to look calm. ¡°Good. I¡¯m d you¡¯re alright.¡±
¡°Finn,¡± she called while reaching out.
Finn¡¯s fingers froze, unsure how to react. He just tried to keep a cool, indifferent front.
She¡¯d been in prison for a year and was released without seeing him once. Even when he tried getting close, she never hid her dislike or rejection.
That simple call of his name caught him off guard.
Tess¡¯s eyes shifted,nding on the row of bodyguards standing behind him.
Abel, knowing Tess was only lightly hurt, excused himself early, saying he had things to handle.
Though they barely knew each other, Tess could tell right away what Abel¡¯s intentions were.
And the golden retriever the nurses mentioned had been brought in for a full checkup.
All these odd things pointed to one conclusion.
This whole golden retriever incident probably wasn¡¯t an ident.
Just thinking about it sent chills down Tess¡¯s spine.
One thing after another, these nonstop ¡°idents¡± made her cautious and afraid of the unknown forces surrounding her.
She had a vague feeling that some invisible hand was stirring trouble in her once¨Cnormal life,
Chapter 94 Stay With Me for a While
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Who did I cross?
She had no clue. And that unknown threat unsettled her deeply.
¡°Was it you?¡± she looked up, determined.
Finn¡¯s eyes
widened in surprise. Even his normally steady emotions showed doubt, not relief. ¡°What?¡±
¡°This is the third time. And like you said, it always seems like you¡¯re nearby whenever I get hurt. So, was it you? Or ¡¡± Was it Nadine?
If he¡¯s trying to force me back to Evermount Vi, he could¡¯ve just said so. I wouldn¡¯t risk putting La in danger again.
Tess¡¯s face went pale.
Anger shed in Finn¡¯s eyes, and he almostughed in disbelief.
¡°You think I¡¯d stoop that low? Tess, you¡¯re overestimating yourself. I wouldn¡¯t risk breaking thew for you. That¡¯s way too big Ja gamble.
¡°Why would I risk my reputation and the entire Lock Group just to force you to move back in?¡±
His expression darkened, fierce and cold.
By the looks of him, he¡¯s definitely not behind this.
Tess let out a breath, relieved.
But then she asked, ¡°So, was it Nadine?¡±
Finn¡¯s anger hadn¡¯t faded, and her question tightened his chest again.
He nced at her several times, clearly doubting what she said.
¡°Why would she do that?¡±
She¡¯s the head of the legal department at Lock Group¨Cwould she really behave like that?
He pressed his fingers to his forehead, pushing the question aside for now.
¡°If it really was her, I¡¯ll make sure she apologizes.¡±
¡°Just an apology?¡± Tess scoffed at his words.
¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make her pay. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re satisfied.¡±
Realizing he¡¯d been too easy on Nadine, Finn frowned and corrected himself.
¡°Alright, Mr. Lock, I¡¯ll be watching closely.¡± Tess agreed.
She still trusted Finn¡¯s honesty.
When he promised something, he followed through.
Just like when he arranged her sentence before¨Cit was done without mercy. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n f?ndnovel
¡°No matter what, you¡¯re not safe right now. Stay with me for a while.¡±
¡°Alright.¡±
Tess didn¡¯t say no.
She had to admit¨Cright now, there was no safer ce than by Finn¡¯s side.
Finn immediately gave orders, as if he were worried she might change her mind.
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Chapter 95 Swallowed Her Pride
Chapter 95 Swallowed Her Pride
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Finn spoke quietly but firmly as he gave his instructions. Zane immediately called over two bodyguards to take care of the situation.
This time, Tess didn¡¯t say no.
La¡¯s big, round eyes widened, and she waved her tiny hand excitedly, as if she understood something.
Even with the unspoken agreement between them, the long¨Cstanding distance lingered, making the silence feel awkward.
The silence made La¡¯s small movements stand out even more.
Finn¡¯s eyesnded on La, lingering on her familiar face and features.
Feeling his clear gaze, Tess hugged La tighter.
That simple move showed the bandaged arm she had just treated.
The white gauze, wrapped halfway up her arm, made Finn¡¯s brow twitch.
¡°Did you get a shot?¡±
¡°I wasn¡¯t bitten by the dog¨Cjust scratched,¡± Tess said calmly.
But Finn¡¯s frown didn¡¯t go away.
¡°Okay. When we get home, have the family physician check again.¡±
His voice was cold, but it sounded reassuring.
This time, Tess didn¡¯t refuse either and gave a small nod.
The awkward tension between them made Finn¡¯s chest feel tight and irritated.
He rubbed his forehead, as a sudden thought came to him.
Tilting his head, Finn looked at Zane. ¡°Tell me exactly what happened.¡±
Zane had already gathered every detail and reported everything without missing a thing.
Though his words were straightforward, Finn could sense how tense and dangerous the scene was.
Finn¡¯s chest tightened.
He couldn¡¯t imagine what might have happened if she had been alone.
A rush of fear hit him, and he furrowed his brows deeply.
Tess didn¡¯t want to stay any longer. She used packing up as an excuse and left first.
As soon as her slim figure disappeared, three shadows stepped out from a nearby corner.
Finn¡¯s cold stare swept over them, making them shiver.
¡°Is this how you protect her?
His voice was low and grim¨Cnothing like the softer tone he¡¯d used with Tess earlier. Now, it carried the threat of a storm.
The three lowered their heads even further, trembling with fear. ¡°It all happened so fast. There was someone else near Mrs. Lock. We couldn¡¯t show ourselves.
¡°Ugh!¡±
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Chapter 95 Swallowed Her Pride
In the next moment, a long, strong hand grabbed the man in the middle by the neck.
Finn¡¯s face darkened. ¡°I sent you to protect her. Her safetyes first.
¡°If you can¡¯t do that, why should I keep you all around?¡±
His tone was icy and full of anger.
With a quick flick of his wrist, he threw the man away.
The bodyguard stumbled back a few steps but quickly regained his bnce.
¡°Mr. Lock!¡±
The three cowered, shaking with fear.
Zane watched the tense scene, ready to step forward, but Finn¡¯s sharp eyes stopped him.
He lowered his head and remained quiet, cautious.
The whole hospital seemed frozen under the heavy cold atmosphere.
Everyone was on edge, worried about what might happen next.
Also, find out who saved Tess.¡±
Meanwhile, Nadine was shocked when she heard everything.
The woman is okay?
The child is safe too?
Max sat across from her, his eyes full of barely hidden annoyance.
¡°Nadine, is this your brilliant n?¡±
His fingers clenched tightly, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Nadine¡¯s lips trembled,
She meant to hurt Tess, but somehow fate twisted her actions, and Tess ended up back at Evermount Vi instead. Official source is F?ndNovel
Thinking about it, she gritted her teeth in frustration.
But right now, something else was more urgent.
She was behind the golden retriever¡¯s sudden attack.
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What she hadn¡¯t expected was that the man with Tess wouldn¡¯t let it go and had taken the nearly dead golden retriever to the hospital.
Lock Group Private Hospital belonged to the Lock Group and operated directly under Finn¡¯s watchful eyes.
Nadine struggled to calm herself, but her voice still shook with fear, ¡°Mr. Hunt, we¡¯re both in this together.¡±
¡°And now you want me to help you with what?¡± Max lifted his eyeszily, waiting quietly for her to speak.
¡°I drugged the golden retriever to make it hallucinate and go mad, and provoked it beforehand,¡± Nadine swallowed hard. ¡°I¡¯m scared they¡¯ll find out*
¡°Nadine Max tapped the table sharply, impatience evident in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve helped you enough, but you keep making stupid
mistakes.
¡°Compared to Tess¡
Chapter 95 Swallowed Her Pride
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He raised an eyebrow and sneered, ¡°No wonder it¡¯s been a year. She gave you a whole year to interfere¨Cand you still failed.
¡°And now that Tess is back, Finn¡¯s reaction is totally different.¡±
Max¡¯s words dripped with contempt for Nadine, and a fierce bitterness of his own.
Nadine¡¯s face paled.
She bit her lips until she tasted blood.
Before, hearing things like this would have made her angry and frustrated, even if it came from Max, her ally. But now, she needed his help, so she swallowed her pride and stayed silent.
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Chapter 96 Could It Be Him?
Chapter 96 Could It Be Him?
Nadine closed her eyes and forced the words out. ¡°That¡¯s why I need e.¡±
Her voice was cold and sharp, with a dark edge.
Max snorted. ¡°You¡¯re such a lousy partner.¡± your help.
¡°Get that golden retriever out of here. If you can¡¯t, just let it die insid Read full story at F?ndNovel
s
His eyes, usually warm and kind, now glinted with icy contempt. ¡°I¡¯ve done enough for you already, and you haven¡¯t given me anything worthwhile in return.¡±
Nadine frowned, sensing something behind his words. ¡°What do you want?¡±
Max didn¡¯t waste time. He lifted his chin. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the mess with the golden retriever, but you need to find something close
to Finn.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Relieved the problem might be solved, Nadine let out a small breath.
¡°One year ago, Tess leaked some secret Lock Group files. Now that you¡¯re the head of the legal department, finding them shouldn¡¯t be hard.¡±
Max¡¯s words only made Nadine more confused.c
She blinked, puzzled. ¡°A year ago, Finn was furious and barely let Tess defend herself before throwing her in jail. What files could she possibly have leaked?¡±
Max¡¯s expression turned serious. His usually casual tone grew sharp. ¡°Charles probably has stuff we don¡¯t know about.¡±
¡°Charles?¡±
Nadine¡¯s voice rose in surprise as a youthful, serious face shed through her mind.
A cold chill ran up her spine.
If it¡¯s him, it¡¯s totally possible.
When Tess went to prison, Nadine took over all her duties and power. Charles was the first to openly defy her.
Maybe he¡¯s been secretly gathering proof all along.
He probably found something!
A
As Nadine thought about it, her face darkened with annoyance.
¡°But how do you know?¡±
Something felt off to her.
Max answered coldly, eyes shadowed, ¡°Finn¡¯s been looking intost year¡¯s casetely.¡±
He stared at Nadine. ¡°He doesn¡¯t act without reason. If he¡¯s making a move now, he must have found something.¡±
Those words made Nadine¡¯s heart race.
Sweat broke out on her palms.
Although we handled everything back then, it wasn¡¯t perfect. It only stayed hidden because Finn was too angry to dig deeper.
But what if he starts digging again?
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Chapter 96 Could It Be Him?
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Nadine shivered.
¡°You mean
Finn might suspect something from a year ago?
¡°And Charles might have evidence that could ruin the whole case?¡±
Her voice shook as her chest tightened, her heart pounding louder than ever.
Max didn¡¯t say anything, but the seriousness in his furrowed eyes spoke volumes.
Nadine¡¯s face lost all color. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll look into it quietly. If I find anything, I¡¯ll reach out with a n.¡±
She met Max¡¯s gaze. ¡°But you still need to take care of that golden retriever.¡±
Max sneered without answering, and then waved someone over to take her away.
¡°Wait.¡±
Suddenly, Max seemed to remember something. His eyes narrowed, locking onto Nadine as she turned away.
¡°I might¡¯ve let some of your tricks slide before, but this time, Tess got hurt because of you.¡±
His voice dropped, low and threatening.
Nadine¡¯s fingers stiffened and she swallowed hard.
Watching her tense back, Max¡¯s voice cut like ice. ¡°If you hurt Tess again¡ remember, you¡¯re not irreceable. A year ago, I got you close to Finn. A year from now, I can rece you just as easily.¡±
He nced sideways. Nadine quickly dropped her head, muttering, ¡°I understand.¡±
After she left, Max opened hisputer. Footage of the golden retriever attacking Tess in the park yed on the screen.
He motioned to his assistant. ¡°Find out which room that dog¡¯s in now at Lock Group Private Hospital. Contact the doctors and nurses responsible, and put it down.¡±
His voice was calm but firm.
The assistant nodded and left to handle it.
Silence filled the office, leaving Max alone.
The screen shifted between images¨Cfirst showing three people in the center, then just two¨Call with their backs turned.
Max¡¯s eyes fixed on the man standing next to Tess. His gaze darkened with a quiet obsession.
Who is this guy?
His irritation grew. He stared at the young man with a deep sense of threat¨Cjust like the feeling he got when facing Finn.
And somehow, he felt like he¡¯d seen this man before.
A flicker of memory passed through his mind, making him frown.
Could it be him?
Meanwhile, Tess, safe and sound, held La in her arms as they left the hosp
Keepsake 97
Chapter 97 Smell It
Chapter 97 Smell It
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When Tess got back to her apartment, she was surprised to see the baby stroller Edith had given her waiting right outside her
door.
She blinked in surprise.
Earlier, worried about La getting hurt and seeing the worried look on that young man¡¯s face, she hadn¡¯t thought twice before hopping into the ambnce, leaving the stroller behind. Original content can be found at Find_Novel(.
How did it end up back at my ce now?
Questions raced through Tess¡¯s mind, but Edith heard the noise and came out from the next door first.
¡°Hey, you¡¯re back! I heard you got hurt at the park. Are you okay?¡±
Edith¡¯s face showed real concern.
Tess felt a warmth spread inside her chest.
Not only had Edith found them the best suite, but she¡¯d also gone out of her way to bring La a stroller, taking special care of both of them.
¡°I¡¯m fine. Just a little scrape,¡± Tess said with a soft smile.
Only then did Edith rx, pressing a hand to her chest.
Thank goodness she¡¯s okay. If anything had gone wrong, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to exin it to them.
She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.
¡°The stuff inside¡¯s all packed up. Are you moving out?¡±
Suddenly, a clear, refined voice rang out.
Tess felt a flicker of recognition and looked up to see a face she¡¯d only met recently.
¡°What are you doing here?¡± Surprise colored her voice.
Edith¡¯s expression softened when she heard Tess¡¯s reply. ¡°Looks like you really know each other.¡±
She nced sideways at the young man beside her.
At first, shed worried he might be a scammer, but his confident and determined look made her doubt that.
More than that, even without gold or jewels, his presence was regal andmanding, earning the respect of those around him. She hesitated only briefly before letting him in. She didn¡¯t want to offend anyone, but she couldn¡¯t leave him alone, so she had been watching carefully from next door.
Hearing Edith¡¯s words, Tess finally understood the situation.
She rubbed her forehead in quiet frustration but turned to Edith with a polite, friendly smile. ¡°He¡¯s the one who took La and me to the hospital. You can leave us now. Thanks for the concern.¡±
¡°Oh, okay!
Edith didn¡¯t hang around.
The weather had been good over the past few days, and many potential renters had toured the building, so interest was high.
She left quickly but nced back at Tess onest time. She wanted to look at the young man again, but something about him made her uneasy. Instead, she lowered her head and hurried away.
No wonder Mr. Lock arranged for so many people to secretly protect her¨Ceveryone around her is either rich or powerful. It¡¯s normal for him 1/3
Chapter 97 Smell It
!
to be concerned.
She looks like just an ordinary mom taking care of her chili, yuu so many people seem to revolve around her.
Edith shook her head quietly.
Once thendlord left, Tess turned to Abel with an annoyed look. ¡°Im grateful you saved us, but showing up at my ce. unannounced¨Cdon¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit rude?¡±
Tess set La down in the stroller and crossed her arms, staring at Albel.
I came to bring the stroller back,¡± Abel replied without a hint of embarrassment.
Instead, he shrugged openly, his eyes smiling warmly at her..
Tess was taken aback. His blunt honesty had caught herpletely offf guund.
¡°And I wanna apologize.¡±
Suddenly, his deep voice broke the silence.
Jess blinked in surprise and looked up.
Abel winked at her. ¡°I had no choice.¡±
¡°Huh? No choice?¡±
Tess raised an eyebrow, doubtful of his excuse.
ahel dearly expected her reaction. He smiled and picked up the small nket Tess had just chaped over La¡¯s belly.
HINE
Though confused. Tess didn¡¯t stop him. She simply frowned, waiting for his next move.
¡°Smell it.
Abel brought the nket close to Tess¡¯s nose.
Tess stored warily into his eyes, and at the same time, a strange scent drifted up to her nose.
She quickly looked up.
Abel caught the chimge in her expression. ¡°Well? On the way to the hospital, you must¡¯ve smelled this at least one.
Tess¡¯s hand hanging by her side clenched tightly.
That¡¯s right
Her memory wrapped buck immo focus.
That reckless figure thus prorsunt!
Her pupils shrank didimity
Abel noticed her sharp change and quickly asked. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±
Their eyes met¨Chers full of fear as filled with urgency.
¡°In the park, when someone bumped me, I smelled this too.¡±
Tess¡¯s face darkened, heavy w S
Abel nodded knowingly. ¡°Then its confind. That¡¯s when someone put the powder on you and La.¡±
¡°Powder?¡±
Keepsake 98
Chapter 98 Don¡¯t Be Scared
Chapter 98 Don¡¯t Be Scared
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Abel spoke slowly, exining, ¡°I sent someone to get that dog checked out. As for this nket, someone sprayed it with a hallucinogenic chemical that makes animals go wild and uncontroble.¡±
A cold shiver ran down Tess¡¯s spine at his words.
So that¡¯s what really happened?
First, there was the drugging incident, and now La almost got bitten by a dog.
Who exactly is after us?
Tess scanned the quiet area with frightened eyes.
I¡¯ve moved apartments, even relocated to a different part of Aetheris, far from where I was before. So how did they still manage to find me?
That feeling of being exposed, with enemies lurking in the shadows, twisted her stomach with unease.
???
Her fingers clenched tightly, her sharp nails digging into her palms as her heart pounded hard.
¡°Don¡¯t be scared.¡± ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN0vel
Suddenly, a warm hand pressed gently against her cold forehead.
Abel¡¯s fingertips trembled slightly as his eyes flicked over her pale face. Inside, it felt like a seed had begun to bloom, bringing waves of pain and worry for her.
What has she been through all these years?
Judging by her look, this isn¡¯t the first time she¡¯s faced something like this. But who would dare hurt a defenseless woman and her child?
Abel¡¯s thoughts turned to the child, and he looked down at little La, fast asleep in the stroller.
The kid¡
¡°What about her father?¡±
Abel¡¯s expression faltered, and before he could stop himself, the question slipped out.
¡°We¡¯re getting a divorce.¡±
This time, Tess didn¡¯t hide anything.
Her words immediately snapped Abel out of his scattered thoughts.
¡°Divorce?¡±
His voice darkened, eyes sharpening with a cold intensity. ¡°Why? Is he treating you badly?¡±
By the time he asked the question, his teeth were clenched tight with anger.
Tess noticed his strange reaction and frowned.
Why is he so upset?
Still thankful for his help, she shook her head honestly and gave a small smile. ¡°But that¡¯s all behind me now.¡± Abel lowered his head, letting his chestnut hair fall over his fierce, troubled eyes, worried he might scare her.
He had searched for her for so long, and when he finally found her, she was already married with a child. What hurt him most was knowing her husband didn¡¯t cherish her.
10:32 AM P
Chapter 98 Don¡¯t Be Scared
His teeth ground together harshly.
Tess was a bit surprised. ¡°Why are you..
Abel snapped back to himself, his eyes suddenly shing with a fierce light.
+5 Free Coins
¡°You¡¯re about to get divorced, and it¡¯s going to be tough raising a child alone.¡± His gaze was full of genuine concern.
Tess touched her chin, thinking carefully. ¡°That¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve been raising La by myself for a long time. It¡¯s hard sometimes, but it¡¯s a happy and fulfilling life.¡±
She smiled warmly, gently teasing La in the stroller.
Abel¡¯s eyes stayed fixed on her.
The motherly love and strength she showed now werepletely different from years ago, but even more captivating.
¡°No,¡± he said abruptly.
Tess looked at him, puzzled, meeting his intense stare. ¡°I mean, she ..
He didn¡¯t say it outright, but his eyes and expression made it clear he was offering to be that father.
Tess froze, her eyes widening. She quickly scooped up La and hurried inside, mming the door shut with a loud thud.
Abel stood outside, speechless.
The door was firmly closed.
For the first time, the proud and confident Abel was shut out, but he felt no bitterness.
He lowered hisshes, trembling slightly.
I lost myself for a moment.
I must seem strange and intrusive to her.
Abel understood what Tess must¡¯ve felt, but a bittersweet ache swelled inside.
I¡¯ve really been searching for her a long time.
He stared deeply at the closed door.
Maybe because of this barrier that he finally dared to let his feelings show openly in his eyes.
His gaze was full of longing and nostalgia.
It¡¯s okay.
Abel¡¯s lips curved faintly, his eyes no longer dark but shining with fresh determination.
Since I¡¯ve found her and I know that she¡¯s not doing that well, I¡¯ll stand by her no matter what.
His fist clenched tight, veins twisting along his arm like winding vines.
Inside her apartment, Tess¡¯s eyes were wide with surprise. La watched her strange reaction with innocent curiosity.
What did he mean just now?
Tess¡¯s mouth opened slightly. The warmth Abel left on her forehead hadn¡¯t fully faded¨Cor maybe it was just the flush rising again on her cheeks.
2/2%
Keepsake 99
99 There Was Still a Wall
After everything quieted down behind the door, Tess felt her racing heart begin to calm.
She made herself slow down her restless thoughts, trying to figure out what had just happened.
What was that? We barely even know each other.
Confusion clouded her eyes, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Abel had some hidden motive.
How could a soon-to-be-divorced single mom like me, juggling a child, be enough to make a young man with a special background do¡ what exactly? Be La¡¯s ¡°stepdad¡±?
The idea sent a chill creeping over her skin.
If it was just a one-time thing, maybe it was because of her looks.
She knew her face was striking, with a cool, elegant beauty, but Abel didn¡¯t seem like the kind of guy who cared about looks. Plus, a year in prison and the hard days under the sun trying to survive had worn her down, even leaving a scar.
Thinking about the past made Tess a little down as she fell silent.
Biting her lip, she found herself judging the man waiting outside the door.
¡°I¡¯ll check on the golden retriever¡¯s condition again. Here¡¯s my contact info.¡±
His voice came once more, and Tess¡¯s ears caught a faint sound.
She found a soft silk handkerchief slid under the door.
Tess focused on it and saw some numbers written in light blue ink.
After that, the footsteps faded away.
Tess stayed frozen in ce, only bending down to pick up the handkerchief after a few breaths, gripping it tightly in her hand.
Since getting out of prison, she had dreamed of a simple, peaceful life.
But disaster after disaster left her scared, and she couldn¡¯t help butin.
Who¡¯s pulling the strings behind all this? Who doesn¡¯t want me or La to have an easy life?
Tess bit her lip again, her eyes shing with sharp determination.
She carefully folded the handkerchief and tucked it into her suitcase, then bent down and scooped La into her arms.
She walked straight to the front desk, ready to pay Edith the breach-of-contract fee, but Edith waved her off. ¡°Business has been busytely. You don¡¯t need to pay me.¡±
Edith patted her chest, clearly signaling that money was not an issue at all.
Tess couldn¡¯t help but smile but insisted on paying anyway.
After everything that had happened, she had to admit one thing-being near Finn was the safest ce for her.
She could handle danger on her own, but she wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to La.
That thought sharpened the fire in Tess¡¯s eyes.
She nced once at her suitcase.
If I find out who¡¯s behind all this, I¡¯ll never let them get away with it.
In the end, Tess handed over half the breach fee. Seeing how determined she was, Edith reluctantly epted.
Only then did Tess smile with satisfaction, carrying La as she left.
Watching her slim figure disappear, Edith clenched the wad of cash, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Original content can be found at ?ovelFind
She was kind to Tess partly because Finn was paying her, but she wasn¡¯t lying about everything.
Tess did remind Edith of her own daughter, who had long since left home.
Edith sighed and called Zane.
Not long after Tess left, a stretched Lincoln pulled up beside her.
The window rolled down, revealing Zane¡¯s respectful face.
¡°Mrs. Lock, are you heading back to Evermount Vi?¡±
Tess tightened her grip on the suitcase handle.
She wasn¡¯t naive.
She had just stepped out when Zane¡¯s car showed up.
She nced back at theplex. Did Finn n all this?
But then again¡
Maybe it¡¯s just a coincidence. I agreed to stay for a while anyway.
Lowering her gaze, Tess loosened her hold on the handle.
¡°Yeah. Please take care of it.¡±
Zane quickly opened the door and called the driver to put her luggage in the trunk.
The ride was smooth and quiet. La¡¯s eyelids fluttered sleepily, her eyes half-closed.
Zane sat cautiously in the front passenger seat, sneaking nces at Tess from the corner of his eye.
It almost feels unreal.
A few months ago, Mr. Lock and I went to the prison to pick Mrs. Lock up, but we came back empty-handed.
Now, after everything, we¡¯re finally bringing her back.
Zane opened his mouth to speak, but when he saw Tess¡¯s calm profile and lowered gaze, he held back.
By the time they arrived at Evermount Vi, dusk was settling in.
Checking her phone, Tess breathed out quietly.
It¡¯s still early. Finn should still be at the office.
Even though she¡¯d agreed toe back, there was still a wall between her and Finn she couldn¡¯t cross.
But when she pushed open the door, she was met by a broad chest d in a ck suit.
¡°The staff has already cleaned your rooms,¡± Finn said, taking the suitcase from Zane without hesitation.
Tess stiffened a little.
She gave Finn a strange look.
Isn¡¯t he supposed to be at the office at this hour?
Finn noticed her suspicion but said nothing. Instead, he walked calmly into the living room, his tall figure steady andposed.
Keepsake 100
Chapter 100 Not Sure Yet
Tess followed behind.
La was awake now, resting in her arms, her wide eyes full of curiosity. Even though they¡¯d been here before, the ce still amazed her.
Evermount Vi was huge, and itsyout shifted every few steps. It was screaming luxury.
¡°Go and settle down. I¡¯ll wait for you for dinner.¡±
Finn set the suitcase just outside Tess¡¯s bedroom but didn¡¯te inside.
Tess didn¡¯t waste time. She replied softly with a hum and walked in.
The moment she opened the door, a gentle scent of jasmine filled the air.
Tess paused, holding La tighter as memories of thest day she¡¯d spent here a year ago came flooding back.
The ce looked the same, but her mindset waspletely different now.
A dull ache bloomed in her chest as the memories pressed in.
As if sensing her mother¡¯s change in mood, La lifted her tiny hand and softly touched Tess¡¯s cheek.
Tess¡¯s heart melted. She bent down.
La¡¯s big eyes curved charmingly as she giggled.
The bright, clear sound of her child¡¯sughter pushed away the heaviness in the room, warming Tess¡¯s heart.
Shaking off the lingering emotions, she opened the suitcase and began unpacking clothes for both herself and La to put in the
closet.
But when she opened it, she was surprised to find a row of brand-new baby clothes-all high-end designer stuff.
Tess blinked.
She picked up one piece casually, the smooth, delicate fabric clearly showing its expensive quality.
A thought hit her.
She opened the other closet door.
Inside, neatly arranged, were custom outfits, all modern and stylish.
All these must¡¯ve cost hundreds of thousands.
Did Finn prepare all this?
It¡¯s like he¡¯s been waiting for me toe back all along, like I¡¯ve always been Mrs. Lock, and nothing has ever changed.
A swirl of mixed emotions rose inside Tess. She wasn¡¯t sure how to react.
Still, everything in front of her added to her burden.
La, meanwhile, clearly loved it. She squealed, waving her hands excitedly at the clothes.
When she grabbed a piece withce and ribbons, herughter grew even louder.
Knock, knock.
A firm, steady knock came from outside the door.
¡°Dinner¡¯s ready.¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was short and serious.
Tess opened the door. Clothes were still scattered across the floor.
Finn pressed his lips together but said softly, ¡°I can wait.¡±
¡°No need.¡±
Tess shook her head, one arm holding La, the other carrying a bottle already filled with form.
Finn noticed her full hands, his eyes flickering briefly before he stepped forward and took La from her arms.
The sudden emptiness surprised Tess. She stared at him.
Maybe it was his first time holding a child because his movements were a bit stiff. But years of working out had made his arms strong, and he held La steady and safe.
La didn¡¯t resist. In fact, she seemed delighted by the sudden lift.
¡°I¡¯ll take her. You finish making her milk.¡±
Finn¡¯s tone was firm, almostmanding.
But the tightness at his temples showed a hint of nervousness.
Tess hesitated. But looking into La¡¯s sparkling eyes, she agreed.
Feeling the softness in his arms, Finn even slowed his steps without thinking.
As he walked, his gaze kept drifting back to the little girl in his arms.
Tess said she wasn¡¯t mine. But if that¡¯s true, how could she look so much like me?
Those eyes. That nose. Just like mine when I was a kid.
Something stirred deep in Finn¡¯s chest. For the first time in a long while, he felt ¡ content.
He moved slowly into the kitchen.
And somehow, the usually cold, empty kitchen felt different. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
It feltforting.
By the time he sat down with La, Tess had already finished preparing the bottle.
This time, she didn¡¯t hesitate. She gently took La back.
As his arms went empty, Finn felt an unexpected pang of loss.
That brief shadow surprised him.
Before he could dwell on it further, Tess looked up at him as she fed La.
¡°I agreed toe back to Evermount Vi, but we need some ground rules.¡±
Finn paused mid-motion, setting down his utensils. ¡°Go ahead.¡±
¡°First, even though I¡¯m staying here, you can¡¯te into my room without permission.¡±
Tess looked up, serious.
Finn nodded calmly. ¡°Alright.¡±
Tess hesitated, then continued, ¡°Second, just because we¡¯re under the same roof doesn¡¯t mean you can track me or interfere in my life. Don¡¯t ask where I go or what I do.¡±
Again, Finn answered in his deep voice, ¡°Alright.¡±
She stayed quiet for a moment. When he didn¡¯t hear a third rule, he looked at the mother and daughter sitting before him. ¡°And the third?¡±
Tess ced the empty bottle on the table. ¡°Not sure yet. I¡¯ll tell you when I figure it out.¡±
Keepsake 101
Chapter 101 The Dog Had Died
Finn raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°As you wish.¡±
His voice was low and soft, almost floating in the air.
Tess was caught off guard by a hint of submission in his tone and found herself ncing at him twice, eyes wide with surprise.
He focused on setting the table, his posture rxed and natural, yet that unmistakable cold presence still clung to him.
Tess quickly looked away, shaking her head as if to chase off the strange thought.
Both my requests are simple, and Finn probably doesn¡¯t want to get involved with me and La anyway.
Maybe this is better for everyone.
A thousand thoughts raced through Tess¡¯s mind, but she kept her face calm andposed.
Surprisingly, the meal went without any problems.
Tess barely had an appetite and stopped after a few bites.
The table was unusually quiet except for La¡¯s babbling and the asional clink of Finn¡¯s utensils against his te. Updates are released by Find?Novel
He noticed Tess had stopped eating, his eyes catching on her slightly curled fingertips.
¡°Do you want to say something?¡±
He put down his utensils and frowned as he looked at her.
Tess was caught off guard; she hadn¡¯t expected him to notice her hesitation.
Even though she¡¯d agreed toe back to Evermount Vi, her decision to divorce Finn hadn¡¯t changed. Living under his roof while preparing to end the marriage left her feeling uneasy.
¡°Nothing.¡±
She pressed her lips together and shook her head.
Last time, he hadn¡¯t responded when she sent the divorce papers to his office. This time, she nned to print them out and bring it up in person.
Her mind was made up-she didn¡¯t want to stay any longer.
Holding La close, she stood and left the table first.
Finn¡¯s fingers twitched, but then he went back to eating, his voice indifferent.
But this time, he had no appetite.
He rubbed his temple, his gaze drifting to the empty seat across from him.
Without her there, the food lost all its appeal.
He often sighed, setting down his utensils and ncing unconsciously toward Tess¡¯s closed bedroom door.
At least she¡¯s back, isn¡¯t she?
Meanwhile, Tess was unpacking some simple clothes when a silk handkerchief slipped from the suitcase and fell to the floor.
She looked down, noticing the numbers written on it.
She tossed the handkerchief onto the nightstand and quickly finished organizing.
Soon, everything in the suitcase was neatly stored.
Only then did Tess pull out her phone and enter the contact info Abel had left.
She sent him a text. ¡°Hi.¡±
Tess blinked in surprise when Abel texted back almost instantly.
He wrote, ¡°My name¡¯s Abel Shaw.¡±
Before she could wonder why he emphasized that, a new message popped up.
¡°The hospital lead went cold.¡±
Tess quickly typed and sent her full name.
The ¡°typing¡¡± indicator stayed on, but no new message came.
She didn¡¯t wait and called him directly. ¡°What do you mean the lead went cold? Do you have any updates on the golden retriever? Did the tests show anything?¡±
Abel blinked, looking hesitant to speak.
He stared at the screen, his expression grim.
The golden retriever had been sent to the vet on his orders, with a specialist assigned. But right after he left the hotel where Tess had stayed, the first news he got was that the dog had died.
Howe the dog¡¯s dead?
I kicked it hard, but it was still breathing when we sent it to the hospital.
The hospital said the dog was beyond saving and had been euthanized.
Abel swallowed the bitterness, his voice heavy as he told Tess everything he knew, not leaving anything out.
Tess gripped her phone tight, her brow deeply furrowed.
She murmured, ¡°The dog died?¡±
Abel¡¯s tone was serious, without a trace of humor. ¡°Yes. The hospital said it was badly hurt and barely holding on. They euthanized it under the Animal Cruelty Prevention Act.¡±
Tess looked up, a shadow growing deep in her eyes.
I¡¯m sure someone pushed for that decision.
Tess bit her lip, her expression grave.
She asked the question burning inside her, ¡°As far as I know, even under thatw, the pet owner needs to authorize the euthanasia, right? I don¡¯t think the golden retriever¡¯s owner was at the hospital. So why did the vets go ahead and put it down?¡±
Abel paused, thinking over her words.
Then he caught her meaning, his expression tightening with concern.
¡°I¡¯ll have someone check the surveince footage carefully. They must¡¯ve conducted tests before euthanizing the dog. I¡¯ll get someone to retrieve all the data.¡±
Keepsake 102
Chapter 102 You¡¯re the Only One I Can Ask
Abel¡¯s eyes narrowed, shing sharp and wild like a leopard-cold and fierce.
Who dared to do such a thing right under my nose?
His knuckles cracked loudly as he clenched his fists.
In Aetheris, who else could pull off something like this?
Tess didn¡¯t react to the strange tone in his voice. At this point, there wasn¡¯t much she could do.
She pressed her lips together, frustrated, and was about to hang up.
¡°Tess¡¡±
Abel sounded like he wanted to say more, which made her pause just before ending the call.
Huh?
Suddenly, a sharp knock came at the door.
Tess looked over, confused, and said softly into the phone, ¡°Wait a second.¡±
Abel heard it as well and held his breath.
Tess is back at her husband¡¯s ce, so the knock must be from him¡
His eyes turned razor-sharp.
Then, surprisingly, he chuckled quietly.
Why does it feel like I¡¯m the third wheel, sneaking around with his wife?
He held his breath and listened carefully.
Meanwhile, Tess opened the door to find Finn standing there.
His eyes immediately caught the lit-up phone in her hand. ¡°Who are you talking to?¡±
His voice was calm but carried a slight edge of suspicion that Tess could sense.
Without thinking, she turned off the screen and set the phone down, looking up with a frown. ¡°I already told you the second rule at dinner.¡±
Finn¡¯s lips parted slightly but then closed as he let out a soft hum.
Only then did Tess rx a bit. ¡°So, what do you need?¡±
Finn looked away but mentally noted the name he caught on her screen. Updates are released by Find[?]ovel
Her fingers mostly covered it, but he glimpsed one word.
Shaw?
A name popped into his head.
No way. If he¡¯s in Aetheris, I would know about it.
He kept his face neutral and calmly fixed his cufflink. ¡°There¡¯s an auctioning up. I need a date.¡±
¡°Then you should get in touch with Ms. Nadine,¡± Tess said without looking up, ying with La in her arms.
Finn froze for a moment, his eyes dropping to Tess¡¯s indifferent face. An unexpected tightness hit his chest.
She used to hate it when I mentioned other women. Now this?
That pressure in his chest felt heavier, like a weight suffocating him.
¡°Tess, remember your ce. You¡¯re my wife. Nadine¡¯s just an employee.¡±
There was more bite in his voice this time, but when he looked up, he met Tess¡¯s mocking stare.
She gave a cold, sarcastic smile and shook her head. ¡°The divorce papers were drafted ages ago. I¡¯m close to being your ex.
¡°And another thing,¡± she added, ¡°many would kill to be your date. I¡¯m not about to dive into that mess. Since you can take Nadine home for the family event, you should also bring her to the auction. You¡¯ll be helping each other out.¡±
Her voice was light and distant. By the end, she didn¡¯t even look at him.
Finn¡¯s eyes flickered. Suddenly, he asked, ¡°Are you throwing a tantrum?¡±
That word made Tess straighten up. Then she gave him a strange look. ¡°Mr. Lock, watch your words. use me again, and I¡¯ll sue you for nder.¡±
Finn was caught off guard. His face went pale, but he got the message-Tess wasn¡¯t going to be his date.
¡°Get some rest,¡± he said coldly, then shut the door.
The door closed sharply with a thud.
Only then did Tess realize-she¡¯d never ended the call with Abel. That meant Abel had probably heard everything between her and Finn.
¡°Sorry about that.¡±
Her voice was calm, almost indifferent.
She didn¡¯t bother hiding it. They were done, so there was no need to cover the awkwardness anymore.
¡°No worries,¡± Abel replied, shaking his head, though he looked thoughtful.
He¡¯d heard most of her conversation with Finn.
The more he listened, the more familiar the man¡¯s voice sounded, like someone he¡¯d heard before.
But he couldn¡¯t ce the name.
Abel licked his lips, brushing off the weird feeling.
I
He cleared his throat and said seriously, ¡°Actually, I was about to ask you the same thing.¡±
Tess frowned a bit. The same thing?
She bounced La gently in her arms. ¡°The auction? Or the date?¡±
¡°Both. I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s the same event your husband mentioned. I was also invited, and I need a date as well. But I¡¯m not from
Aetheris. I don¡¯t know many people here. After thinking it over, you¡¯re the only one I can ask.¡±
Keepsake 103
Chapter 103 Who Pissed Him off This Time?
A clear, apologeticugh came from the other end of the line.
Tess had been firm about saying no earlier, but with Abel, a bit of doubt crept in.
They hadn¡¯t known each other for a long time, but he¡¯d been a real help to her and La. Saying no t out now felt a little harsh.
Besides, he¡¯d been a lifesaver for both of them.
Tess pressed her lips together and looked down at La. Her voice softened as she politely declined, ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll work. I¡¯m not okay leaving La alone at Evermount¡ I mean, at home.¡±
¡°You can bring La with you,¡± Abel quickly suggested. ¡°I¡¯ll help take care of her.¡±
He caught the hesitation in Tess¡¯s voice and added, ¡°If you agree, I¡¯ll have someone get dresses ready for both of you. You won¡¯t have to worry about a thing.¡±
¡°La, do you want to go?¡± Tess hesitated but gently tugged La¡¯s tiny fingers, letting her choose.
Hearing that, Abel felt his heart tighten.
His status meant no one would question him showing up at the auction without a date.
But still, a little selfish feeling stirred inside him.
Then La¡¯s soft giggle came through the phone.
She looked up at Tess with her big, shiny eyes, curious and excited.
Tess felt something inside her move.
One day, I¡¯ll get back what¡¯s mine, and La won¡¯t have to stay hidden anymore. She deserves to live freely and boldly.
Yeah, I should take La out to see the world.
¡°Send me the time and ce.¡±
Abel felt like a cloud had lifted, happiness making his head spin.
¡°Okay.¡±
He lowered his voice, trying to hide how excited he was, but Tess wondered if he¡¯d strained his throat.
As soon as they ended the call, Abel dialed someone else.
¡°Uncle Finn, I¡¯m bringing a date to the auction.¡±
The man known as ¡°Uncle Finn¡± poured wine into his ss and swirled the rose-colored liquid between his long fingers. ¡°Why are you telling me that?¡± he asked with a chuckle.
Still, worry creased his brow.
When did Abele to Aetheris?
Finn¡¯s mind shed to the name ¡°Shaw¡± on Tess¡¯s contacts.
But he shook his head. It can¡¯t be. It¡¯s too much of a coincidence.
Abel¡¯s voice was light. ¡°My date¡¯s bringing a kid. No kids have ever been at the Aetheris auction before, so I figured you¡¯d want a heads-up, so we don¡¯t run into trouble.¡±
A kid?
Finn¡¯s voice grew serious. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you have a secret kid. If your mom found out ¡ ¡±
He snorted coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget who you are. You must marry someone from a respectable family. If she learns you¡¯re running wild in Aetheris with a kid before marriage, I¡¯m sure you can imagine what will happen.¡±
Abel froze.
Uncle Finn really hasn¡¯t changed. He¡¯s still so strict. But¡
¡°Don¡¯t worry, Uncle Finn. It¡¯s not like that.¡±
The kid¡¯s not mine.
But I¡¯m really interested in the mother.
Even if my mom finds out, so what?
¡°That¡¯s good. You figure it out. Next time, just tell Zane.
¡°By the way, when did you get to Aetheris?¡±
Abel raised an eyebrow, holding his phone while looking at the night sky.
¡°There¡¯s a big power struggle in the family. Mom told me not to contact you because she didn¡¯t want to drag you into it while you¡¯r in Aetheris. So I didn¡¯t look you up right away. I¡¯m staying with my ¡®cousin¡¯ now.¡±
Finn understood.
¡°Safety first. If anything happens,e straight to us.¡±
¡°Got it. Updates are released by find?novel
¡°Oh, and Uncle Finn, I heard your wife¡¯s out of prison now. Will you bring her to the auction? Or will you bring yourpany¡¯swyer?¡±
The casual question hit Finn¡¯s ears like a thinly veiled challenge.
Thinking of Tess¡¯s firm tone and sharp, mocking eyes, Finn felt his chest tighten even more.
¡°I¡¯m not bringing a date.¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was cold and sharp.
2/
Abel noticed the harshness and wondered silently. Who pissed him off this time?
Althought Uncle Finn¡¯s wife betrayed him, doesn¡¯t he still have that secretary? Would he really show up alone?
Abel stayed puzzled but didn¡¯t press.
Their call ended on an uneasy note.
After hanging up, Abel rubbed his chin.
Why does Uncle Finn sound so much like Tess¡¯s heartless husband?
Abel clicked his tongue, shaking off the confusion.
Tess¡¯s husband is a cold man who doesn¡¯t appreciate her, and they¡¯re getting a divorce. Meanwhile, Uncle Finn¡¯s wife betrayed thepany and spent time in prison.
3/
Keepsake 104
Chapter 104 I¡¯ll Take a Cab
At best, they are just two people connected by bad luck.
Abel casually tossed a berry into the air and caught it in his mouth. As he bit down, the sweet and tangy juice exploded on his
tongue.
Tess¡
His gaze shifted, and a slow smile spread across his lips.
His long, sharp eyes narrowed a bit, as if he¡¯d drifted into a pleasant memory.
But Abel didn¡¯t stay lost in thought for long.
Sweet memories are nice, but my happiness is within reach now.
He stood up and told someone to take him out so he could pick the outfits in person.
In no time, two days passed. Rows of carefully selected dresses-for both an adult and a child-were delivered to the address Tess had given.
She stared. Her mouth slightly opened at the two full rows of gowns filling the room.
She¡¯d lived a wealthy life for years, but even at past banquets, she¡¯d never seen anything this extravagant.
Tess ran her fingers over the dresses. The fabric was unbelievably soft and rich.
As her hand slid down, the texture became harder-crystals, pearls, tiny diamonds, each sewn by hand into the hems.
She pulled back her hand, sinking into quiet thought.
Her impression of Abel had changed again.
From the moment they met, she knew he was either very rich or powerful and hade from a well-respected family. But she hadn¡¯t expected this level of luxury.
Rows of custom gowns like these-probably only Finn can afford something like this in all of Aetheris.
Who is Abel, really?
The question popped into Tess¡¯s mind, but she pushed it down quickly.
All I have to do is go with him to one auction dinner. It¡¯s just repaying a favor, nothing more.
She reminded herself and turned her full attention to picking a dress.
Puttingfort first, she skipped the heavily bejeweled gowns. Instead, she chose a soft pink dress made from cozy fabric.
By chance, she found a pink princess dress for La that matched hers perfectly.
La loved it, clutching the dress tightly in her small hands.
1
¡°These two.¡±
With Tess¡¯s choice made, the staff carefully took the dresses and hung them in the closet.
Their eyes wandered over the other limited-edition luxury casualwear, and they couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Ms. Ember, your husband really spoils you and Miss La. Some of these clothes are global limited editions-only a handful exist anywhere in the world.¡±
Tess froze for a moment, ncing toward the open closet.
But after a quick look, she looked away again, calm and collected.
Clearly, the staff misunderstood.
To Finn, money is never the most important thing. I¡¯m not either. ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find?Novel
Still, she didn¡¯t bother correcting the staff. She smiled politely and changed the subject. ¡°If you¡¯re done, you can go now.¡±
Her voice was soft but distant.
The staff grew uneasy, worried she¡¯d said the wrong thing. She finished quickly and left.
As soon as she was gone, Abel called.
¡°Have you picked something? I¡¯lle pick you up tonight.¡±
The word ¡°tonight¡± made Tess frown.
Finn hasn¡¯t been stayingte at work like before. If Abel picks me up, there¡¯s a good chance they¡¯ll run into each other.
Even if we¡¯re getting a divorce, we are still married byw. If they meet¡.
Her brow lifted.
She pressed her fingers to the throbbing vein at her temple.
After a moment, she said, ¡°No need. I¡¯ll take a cab.¡±
Abel understood her meaning. He didn¡¯t push and replied warmly, ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll wait for you at the entrance.¡±
¡°Okay.¡±
That was settled.
By the time they hung up, it was early evening.
Tess had no time to waste. She gave La her evening bottle early and then set her in the crib to y.
Turning to her vanity, she started doing her makeup.
The auction would start in less than four hours. She needed to leave before Finn got home.
If she refused his invitation but left with someone else right after, it would be hard to exin.
As for what might happen if they ran into each other at the auction, she figured that was a problem forter.
With that thought, Tess hurried.
An hourter, she looked at herself in the mirror with a satisfied smile, her face fresh and glowing.
Her scar was covered with top-quality concealer, and her makeup was light and elegant.
She dressed both herself and La in their gowns, then stepped into the car already waiting to take them to the auction.
The auction was held in a unique ce-Aetheris¡¯srgest indoor flower conservatory.
When Tess arrived, Abel was already standing at the entrance, giving off a cold vibe. His handsome face was as icy as ever, and he clearly looked annoyed by the women trying to chat him up.
Keepsake 105
Chapter 105 Never Felt This Humiliated Before
There was such a chill around Abel that it kept the ambitious socialites froming any closer.
No one dared to approach, though some nervous eyes still nced his way.
But the moment he spotted Tess, that cold look on his face softened, and for a brief second, his dark eyes brightened.
He closed the gap in just a few steps, stopping right in front of her, surprise clear in his gaze. Updates are released by Find¡ïNovel
¡°You¡¯re stunning.¡±
The simplepliment made Tess blush slightly.
She lowered her eyes and softly said, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside first.¡±
Abel noticed her nervousness and kindly took the lead, stepping forward to guide her.
His tall figure shielded the slender woman and the baby in her arms from view.
Tess¡¯s arrival frustrated the women who had been eyeing Abel earlier.
They¡¯d been wondering who could be lucky enough to be hispanion.
But it turned out to be a woman holding a baby.
No matter how hard they tried, they couldn¡¯t connect this woman¡¯s face to the famouswyer, Tess-they only felt she looked vaguely familiar, like someone they¡¯d seen somewhere before.
After all, thewyer had been out of the public eye for two years.
Their confused expressions said it all, but there was nothing to do except enter with heavy hearts and sour moods.
Just as Abel and Tess walked inside, a sleek ck Maybach-the kind only a few people owned-pulled up to the entrance.
The door opened, revealing a pair of elegant leather shoes first.
As the crowd looked up, Finn¡¯s tense, cold face came into view.
Finn, the richest man in Aetheris!
His arrival silenced the crowd, who instinctively parted to give him space.
Used to the treatment, Finn adjusted his shiny cufflinks and walked confidently inside.
After a brief silence, whispers erupted.
¡°Oh, my God! Mr. Lock¡¯s here! But where¡¯s Ms. Nadine this time?¡±
Excitement quickly turned into confusion.
¡°Yeah, doesn¡¯t Mr. Lock usually bring Ms. Nadine? Why isn¡¯t she here tonight?¡±
Guests exchanged puzzled looks, gossip buzzing around.
At that moment, Max¡¯s car arrived too, but he didn¡¯t rush out.
The back window rolled down, revealing Nadine¡¯s face.
She shot an angry re at the crowd, clearly hearing their rumors.
Her fists clenched tightly.
If no one hade over to fake congrattions, she wouldn¡¯t have known Finn was at the auction.
I can¡¯t believe he didn¡¯t tell me he wasing! He always brought me before.
Outside, the gossip grew louder, even turning into spection that ¡°Now that Tess is back, Nadine¡¯s out of favor.¡±
Nadine¡¯s expression darkened.
Max¡¯s eyes flickered with a strange look, then he raised an eyebrow at Nadine, a sarcastic glint in his charming eyes.
Nadine spun around, anger burning her cheeks as she met Max¡¯s gaze.
She spat bitterly, ¡°They¡¯re all talking nonsense! Finn wasn¡¯t even into Tess even before she went to prison. Now that she¡¯s served time, I doubt he¡¯d even look at her!¡±
Nadine didn¡¯t hide her jealousy, but as soon as the words left her mouth, the air inside the car turned heavy and cold.
Only Max¡¯s casual finger taps against the window broke the silence.
Nadine swallowed hard.
I lost control for a moment, letting my anger get the better of me.
After all, Max has feelings for Tess too.
But¡
Nadine clenched her fists tightly.
I can¡¯t understand why a convicted mother like Tess draws so much attention from Aetheris¡¯s elite. What does Tess have that I don¡¯t?
Grinding her teeth until they ached, she reluctantly held her flowing gown and stepped out of the car. Splitting from Max, she headed inside separately.
Finn hadn¡¯t asked Nadine to be his date this time, and the organizers hadn¡¯t sent her an invitation either. Though she was the head of Lock Group¡¯s legal department and qualified for one, Finn always brought her before, so the hosts didn¡¯t send a separate invite this year.
If she hadn¡¯t begged Max, she probably wouldn¡¯t have been allowed in.
Nadine smoothed the wrinkles from her dress¡¯s hem as she stepped forward, forcing a polite smile.
The rich fabric creased with the movement but smoothed again as she lowered her hand.
Her arrival caught the attention of guests near the entrance, who paused briefly before quickly looking away.
Biting her lip, Nadine stayed quiet and walked straight into the venue.
As she disappeared inside, the guests exchanged knowing looks, silently understanding the awkward meaning behind it all.
Nadine wasn¡¯t foolish. She knew well the looks thrown her way.
Inside, she felt suffocated and frustrated.
Since taking Tess¡¯s ce a year ago, she¡¯d been admired and respected everywhere, so she¡¯d never felt this humiliated before.
Keepsake 106
Chapter 106 Calling Security
Nadine quietly med Tess for all her frustrations.
As soon as she stepped inside, something felt different, she didn¡¯t feel like her usual confident self. Instead, she felt nervous and uncertain. Her eyes darting around, searching for Finn.
She hadn¡¯t even caught sight of him before someone told her the auction was about to start.
Not far away, Tess saw everything clearly.
She stood beside a tall indoor banana nt, holding La, her brow slightly furrowed.
Why is Nadine alone? Where is Finn? Isn¡¯t heing?
Tess wondered silently, but didn¡¯t dwell on it.
After all, Finn was the richest man in Aetheris-he wouldn¡¯t attend every single event he was invited to.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Tess was the first to notice a sudden smell of tobo nearby.
¡°Hi there. Don¡¯t you have a date?¡± a stranger asked, his voice filled with curiosity and excitement.
Tess blinked and turned to face a broad-faced man.
When he saw her face, his eyes lit up at how striking she was.
But the smile quickly faded when he noticed the child in her arms.
Wait, she has a kid?
His interest died, and he slumped, clearly disappointed.
He¡¯d seen the gorgeous woman alone and wanted to try his luck, but she turned out to be married.
¡°Can I help you?¡±
Tess frowned, ufortable with the man¡¯s obvious stare, her expression growing cold.
She didn¡¯tugh or flirt back, which clearly annoyed him.
He straightened up and sneered, ¡°Never mind! What a waste of time, talking to a mom like you!¡±
His arrogance almost made Tessugh out loud.
I¡¯m just standing here-he¡¯s the one who rudely bothered me.
Her frown softened, but her eyes turned icy as she stared him down until he shivered.
The man rubbed the goosebumps on his arm and waved her off. ¡°Forget it! Ugh!¡±
Then he turned to leave.
Chapter 106 Calling Security
Suddenly, arge handnded firmly on his shoulder.
¡°Seriously? You bothered her first. Do they even check the attendees? Can vermin just stroll right in?¡±
A deep, smooth voice rang out,zy but chilling.
The man froze.
His body stiffened, but the hand on his shoulder didn¡¯t let go-it twisted him back around.
Tess watched Abel¡¯s move, then nced at the crowd nearby.
Only a few people close by noticed the small scene.
Wanting to avoid trouble, Tess gently grabbed Abel¡¯s arm to hold him back..
Abel paused, then softly pulled her hand away, giving her a reassuring look.
The broad-faced man saw their interaction and realized Abel was standing up for Tess.
Snapping out of it, he discreetly sized Abel up.
Abel¡¯s suit was clearly expensive, judging by the fabric alone. On his chest, a tie clip held arge pink crystal.
Those details drained the color from his face, making him realize he¡¯d just challenged someone he shouldn¡¯t have.
Before Abel could say anything, the man quickly forced a fake smile. ¡°Sir, there must be some misunderstanding. I just noticed her outfit looked amazing and thought of getting one for my wife too.¡±
¡°Oh? Really?¡±
Abel looked at him coldly. His gaze wasn¡¯t warm or kind like with Tess; it was cold and grim.
The man shivered and nodded profusely. For original chapters go to Find[?]ovel
Abel¡¯s lips curved into a cold smile, with no warmth ih his eyes. ¡°Security, kick him out.¡±
He wavedzily. ¡°I don¡¯t want him here.¡±
The man¡¯s eyes went wide.
His family was just a minor noble house in Aetheris, and their business fading with his generation. This auction was a big chance to meet rich elites and attract investors.
Getting kicked out could mean disaster for his family!
Panic set in quickly.
But the crowd went quiet, with only those near the conflict whispering.
The man, Marvin Pierce, reminded himself that even though his family was fading, he still recognized some of Aetheris¡¯s top nobles, and this guy was a stranger.
His expression darkened as the silence grew around them.
crystal on the tie clip? Maybe fake!
In Aetheris, only a handful of families could afford such arge pink crystal, and this man doesn¡¯t look like one of them.
Marvin¡¯s eyes hardened. He mmed his hand on a nearby table and shouted, ¡°Who do you think you are, kicking people out for the organizers? I¡¯m calling security to have you thrown out!¡±
Keepsake 107
Chapter 107 Kick Them Out
When Marvin challenged him, Abel¡¯s eyes narrowed into sharp, fox-like slits.
There was a wild, almost hypnotic edge in them, mixed with a dangerous coldness and a hint of mockery.
¡°Say that again.¡±
His voice was low but dripping with a sneer. He didn¡¯t sound angry at all.
Marvin, thinking Abel looked weak, repeated his words louder, trying to sound tough.
His raised voice drew the attention of nearby guests, and soon a small crowd gathered, ncing toward them.
The noise spread like ripples, catching Finn¡¯s attention as he was about to enter.
Zane saw Finn nce over and quickly went to get information.
He returned quickly and whispered in Finn¡¯s ear, ¡°Word is, someone¡¯s pretending to be a guest and causing trouble inside.¡±
Finn barely shifted his eyes, then looked away coolly. ¡°Let them in.¡±
He frowned and added, ¡°And tell Abel toe right away.¡±
Zane nodded and pulled out his phone to call Abel while keeping up with Finn.
Just as the tall figure disappeared, a phone in the crowd rang.
Abel nced at his screen and typed a quick reply.
¡°Ran into a little problem with my date. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±
Thinking about seeing Finn lifted his mood a bit. He added, ¡°My date is someone I¡¯ve been searching for a long time. You must meet her.¡±
It was a subtle way of officially announcing his interest in the woman.
Meanwhile, a line of security guards pushed through the crowd at the entrance.
The small group around Tess was forced to step aside, clearing a wide path.
¡°There you are! It¡¯s those two! They tried to kick me out. I want you to kick them out instead! Show them who¡¯s the boss! This auction¡¯s run by my uncle!¡±
Marvin grinned, shaking his swollen round face arrogantly as he looked down at Abel and Tess.
But even he couldn¡¯t help sneaking a nce at Tess¡¯s face.
Though she¡¯s not high-status, she¡¯s really pretty.
Too bad¡
He clicked his tongue twice, pitying her.
That scar ruined that pretty face.
His shameless stare made Tess ufortable. Before she could react, Abel stepped in.
Ignoring her surprised gasp, he reached out and pressed his fingers hard on Marvin¡¯s eyelids.
¡°Look again, and I¡¯ll gouge them out.¡±
His voice was cold and threatening, each word sharp and clear.
It happened in a sh. Marvin didn¡¯t even have time to react before darkness took over his vision. At the same time, a foul yellow liquid dripped between his legs.
¡°Oh, my God!¡±
¡°Gross!¡±
The shocked crowd stepped back, putting distance between themselves and Marvin.
Feeling the terrified eyeballs twitch beneath his palm and sensing Marvin¡¯s stiff body, Abel suddenly shoved him hard, sending him flying back ten feet, where hended with a shudder.
That guy wasn¡¯t bluffing. He really wanted to gouge out my eyes!
Frozen with fear, Marvin didn¡¯t move until security came to haul him up.
¡°Mr. Pierce, pleasee with us.¡±
The guards¡¯ expressions turned serious now, and they were no longer smiling.
Though just guards, they worked in these fancy ces and knew how to read people.
Besides, Abel wasn¡¯t a regr guest. The organizers had handed out his photo with strict orders to treat him with respect.
¡°Why me? They¡¯re the ones causing trouble! Kick them out!¡±
Marvin snapped back, ring helplessly at the cold stares from Abel and Tess.
But the moment he met Abel¡¯s gaze, his trembled again.
The disgust and contempt in the crowd¡¯s eyes made his face burn bright red, like it was on fire.
As he calmed down, he noticed a strange smell in the air.
The wet, ufortable feeling below made him lower his head in shame, but anger still burned inside.
¡°The auction¡¯s run by my distant uncle! Do you know who I am? Arrest them or I¡¯ll have my uncle fire all of you!¡± he yelled, furious and desperate.
No matter how loud he raged, the guards stood firm. Finally, two guards lifted him up. ¡°Mr. Pierce, per the organizer¡¯s orders, anyone disrespecting this gentleman will be removed from the auction.¡± Latest content published on find[?]ovel
Ignoring Marvin¡¯s struggles, they carried him out.
He fought hard but had no chance.
¡°Let me go!¡±
His shouts faded as they dragged him out in full view of everyone.
The room fell silent, heads slowly turning toward Abel and Tess.
Keepsake 108
Chapter 108 Finn Brought Tess to the Auction?
It was worth knowing that the auction was organized by a younger member of the Pierces, a branch that had long since gone independent. Since the new generation took over, the Pierces had steadily shrunk, and now Marvin was the only one left.
Even if Marvin wasn¡¯t very useful, the Pierces still made a point to respect him.
No one expected this striking man to openly challenge Marvin and actually throw him out-right on the Pierces¡¯ turf.
It was simply unheard of.
Who the hell is this guy?
That question buzzed through everyone¡¯s minds. The noblewomen who had admired Abel¡¯s refined appearance outside now stared, wide-eyed with curiosity.
But their gazes quickly shifted to Tess beside him.
Why is he married so young?
In their hearts, they shook their heads in disappointment.
Abel ignored their stares, bending down to gently straighten La¡¯s dress. Then he looked up at Tess with soft but controlled eyes. ¡°Are you okay? Did I scare you?¡±
Tess blinked, pursing her lips and staying silent.
Moments ago, she had clearly felt Abel¡¯s fierce anger.
She was sure if that rude man had kept pushing, his eyes would¡¯ve been on the floor.
She gulped nervously.
Who is Abel, and why does he carry such terrifying power and presence?
¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±
She lowered hershes, trying hard to hide the nervousness in her eyes.
Abel noticed her unusually cold reaction.
His fingers twitched at his waist for a moment, then dropped in quiet eptance.
¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±
He quickly regained hisposure.
¡°Okay.¡±
Tess avoided looking directly at him and kept about half an arm¡¯s length of distance as she quietly followed him.
Abel felt the awkward chill between them, and his heart tightened with regret.
1/3 This update is avable on find?novel
So mag ut NOW!!
privately.
Pressing his thin lips together, Abel led Tess into the auction hall.
The room was packed, but because of the earlier scene, more people were still arriving.
Tess instinctively looked back for their seats, but Abel grabbed her hand first.
¡°It¡¯s crowded, so stay close. I don¡¯t want you getting lost.¡±
His tone was brief, and the way he held her hand was serious.
Tess nced down at their joined hands and noticed the faint blue veins beneath Abel¡¯s skin, his long fingers covering herspletely.
His face looked calm, as if he truly was just worried about losing her in the crowd.
She stole another nce at their hands, then looked away, following him through the crowd.
What Tess didn¡¯t see was someone already watching them-not from the back, like she expected, but from the front row.
Abel led her all the way to the first row, pulling her into the center seat.
Tess blinked, feeling surprised and a little ufortable.
Seeing her stunned expression, Abel smirked confidently. ¡°This is our spot-I picked it. Do you like it?¡±
Watching his slightly smug, subtly approval seeking expression, Tess couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly.
She and Finn weren¡¯t divorced yet. He hadn¡¯t epted her before and rarely brought her to events like this, so she probably wouldn¡¯t be recognized. But she still worried about the unexpected.
Tess pressed her lips together, gently shook Abel¡¯s arm, and lower her voice. ¡°Can we maybe sit a bit to the side?¡±
Abel looked at her, confused. Tess¡¯s eyes darted around, finally resting on the bright lights above. She looked troubled. ¡°They¡¯re too bright. They give me headaches.¡±
She rubbed her temples as she spoke.
Abel¡¯s gaze paused on that small gesture for a moment.
Just as Tess thought she wouldn¡¯t get a seat change, he smiled. ¡°No problem.¡±
Right after, he called a nearby staff member over. Within minutes, Abel led Tess to a seat on the right side of the first floor.
That spot was better. There was a big overhead shade casting afortable shadow.
With the dimmer light, Tess breathed out in relief, feeling much better.
Their quiet move caught the attention of some distant eyes.
In Aetheris, a first-floor seat at a high-end auction was reserved only for the wealthiest nobles, yet someone willingly gave up the center spot. It raised some eyebrows.
Nadine squinted, sharpening her gaze on the pair in the corner.
That woman¡
Her heart skipped a beat.
Why does she look so much like Tess?
Could it be that Finn brought Tess to the auction, and that¡¯s why he didn¡¯t bring me?
That thought made Nadine¡¯s eyes burn with fury, almost making her stand up in anger.
Keepsake 109
Chapter 109 What Do You Think?
No way. I must be seeing things. How could a nobody like Tess actually be here?
Thankfully, reason held Nadine back. She clenched her fists tightly, sitting stiffly near the back center.
Then a familiar figure took a seat.
Nadine¡¯s eyes locked onto him immediately.
Is that¡ Finn?
Her lips parted slightly as she watched Finn settle calmly into the left side of the center seat, with Max on the right.
Relieved it wasn¡¯t Finn with Tess, she looked again at the two shadowed figures in the corner.
Their faces were mostly hidden, with just faint outlines showing. Though the woman looked a lot like Tess, Nadine quickly looked
away.
Tess is basically unknown in all of Aetheris-only Finn and Max really know who she is. So it¡¯s impossible for her to be sitting with another respected figure.
Still, she¡¯s the only woman in the front row!
Nadine¡¯s pride at Tess¡¯s absence quickly turned into a flicker of jealousy sparked by that woman in the corner.
¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the auction is about to begin!¡±
The gavel struck, and the grand hall brightened, light reaching even the corner where Tess sat.
Tess froze, still bent over, softly soothing La.
The side of her face came into view, making Nadine¡¯s pupils shrink.
It really is Tess!
Her breath caught, eyes fixed on that familiar profile.
Why is she here? What right does she have to be here?!
Nadine¡¯s mind spun with fury, her face darkening.
Her gaze snapped to the man beside Tess.
Who is he? Why is Tess with him?
Questions crashed through Nadine¡¯s thoughts, her chest tightening with a jealousy so strong she almost felt faint.
But since she sat high above, her agitation stayed unnoticed below.
Finn calmly listened to the introductions overhead. He unlocked his phone and saw a message from Abel.
It¡¯s someone he¡¯s been searching for for a long time?
Finn¡¯s expression shifted subtly, his brow furrowing.
A rare hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes.
What kind of woman would make Abel so obsessed that he¡¯d search all over Aetheris for her?
Finn stroked his chin, calm andposed.
At that moment, Zane spotted Abel and pointed him out. ¡°Mr. Lock, isn¡¯t that Mr. Shaw over there?¡±
Finn nced toward the corner and saw Abel, whom he hadn¡¯t seen in a while.
But then¡
Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed, locking on the figure beside Abel.
He was tall and lean, dressed in a sharply tailored white suit that mostly hid the woman at his side.
Only a glimpse of her pale pink, floor-length dress and the baby cradled in her arms was visible.
Finn¡¯s gaze darkened.
What kind of woman with a kid would have Abel¡¯s full attention?
His eyes showed a hint of confusion, but as he watched their whispered exchanges, an odd feeling stirred inside him.
Though years had passed since he¡¯d seen his nephew, Finn knew Abel usually favored dark colors like ck or navy.
I¡¯ve never seen him wear pure white. Besides¡
Finn¡¯s eyes caught Abel¡¯s tie.
The sparkling pink diamond matched the woman beside him perfectly.
A tant couples¡¯ style.
Finn¡¯s gaze flickered before returning to the woman.
Just then, she lowered her head, tilting her ear to catch Abel¡¯s words, stretching her graceful neck.
Even with strands of hair softly framing her face, her elegant profile was unmistakable.
Finn¡¯s eyes widened, fixed on their gentle smiles and quietughter.
Maybe sensing the stare, Abel instinctively turned and met Finn¡¯s shocked gaze.
Abel blinked, then looked again to see that Finn¡¯s eyes had returned to normal, though now colder and more unsettling.
Still, tied by family, Abel gave a polite nod first.
Finn pressed his lips tightly but said nothing, staring steadily at Tess.
Abel seemed puzzled but quickly pulled out his phone and sent Finn a message.
??
¡°What do you think? My date¡¯s pretty, right?¡±
Finn felt his phone vibrate and unlocked it. The message made his vision briefly darken.
He looked up coldly just as Abel turned away, smiling fondly and whispering to Tess. This update is avable on f¦É?dn¦Ïvel
A wave of frustration surged through Finn, veins at his temples twitching wildly.
Keepsake 110
His Eyes Held Only Tess
Finn fought to control the slight tremble in his fingers.
¡°Do you know who she is?¡±
Abel frowned, confused by Finn¡¯s sudden sharp tone.
Tess noticed their strange reactions, one after another. She leaned in and whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
Abel didn¡¯t bother hiding his confusion; he just shook his head. ¡°Nothing really. Just feels kinda weird.¡±
Yeah, it¡¯s weird.
Why is Uncle Finn asking if I know who she is? Of course I know-she¡¯s the first love I¡¯ve been searching for all this time. Could it be that Uncle Finn knows Tess too?
Questions flooded Abel¡¯s mind. Suddenly, he looked at Tess and said, ¡°My uncle¡¯s here too. I¡¯ll introduce youter.¡±
Tess stopped ying with La for a moment.
He wants me to meet his uncle?
She gave Abel a puzzled look, but he just smiled gently, waiting patiently for her reply.
A chill ran down Tess¡¯s spine.
We¡¯ve only met three times before, and now I¡¯m supposed to meet his uncle? It feels like meeting his parents. Talk about awkward.
After a brief pause, Tess declined. ¡°No, thanks. If you want to catch up with him, I¡¯ll just leave after the auction.¡±
Abel grabbed her wrist quickly, his eyes serious. ¡°No, you have to meet him. It¡¯ste, and I¡¯m worried. I¡¯ll make sure you get home safe.¡±
Tess instinctively wanted to say no.
Finn doesn¡¯t seem to be at the auction anyway. He¡¯s probably at Evermount Vi. I can just take a cab back myself.
But before she could speak, the sharp bang of the auctioneer¡¯s gavel announced intermission.
She hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the exhibits, focusing on ying with La instead.
Now, as people stood and moved around, Tess rxed, ying more freely with La.
During the auction, she had to maintain order and keep La quiet.
With her head bowed and eyes on La, Tess didn¡¯t notice another woman taking a central seat on the first floor.
Finn kept his gaze fixed on Tess. But with Abel right by her side, Finn could only see parts of Tess¡¯s cheek and neck.
His fingers clenched tight, a strange ache grew in his chest, gnawing away at his calm and reason.
From Finn¡¯s view, the twoughed and talked closely, sharing the baby La between them, making his eyes burn with jealousy.
Chapter 110 His Eyes Held Only less Latest content published on F?nd-Novel
Such a warm, tender moment. Makes them look like they were a family.
A real family.
Finn gritted his teeth, unaware someone had switched seats next to him.
Meanwhile, Nadine pushed through the crowd on the first floor. Seeing Finn¡¯s sharp gaze fixed on Tess, she called out softly, ¡°Finn!¡±
Her voice snapped him back. His eyelids flickered and his face turned cold and ruthless again.
He looked up with displeasure. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±
He wasn¡¯t asking why Nadine showed up but was surprised by her taking a seat next to him.
He furrowed his brows.
¡°Can I sit here? You used to always bring me with you.¡±
Nadine¡¯s eyes filled with tears, hurt deep inside.
But Finn lost patience this time and rubbed his forehead irritably. ¡°Sit wherever you want.¡±
For some reason, even as he agreed, his mind raced with thoughts of what Tess would think if she saw this.
His palm tightened, a strange, uneasy anticipation stirring inside.
Nadine, unaware of Finn¡¯s thoughts, brightened and settled into her seat more confidently.
She nced at Finn now and then, his sharp, handsome profile close enough to make her cheeks flush.
But she also noticed his eyes drifting sideways often.
Inevitably, she followed his gaze.
Tessughed softly, her clear chuckles ringing over the noise in the hall.
Seeing Finn¡¯s darkening expression, Nadine immediately understood the situation.
A thrill of satisfaction ran through her.
Wow, Tess is something else. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯d so openly be with another man right in front of Finn.
Nadine¡¯s eyes sparkled as a smug smile tugged at her lips.
She quickly changed to an innocent, hesitant look. ¡°Finn, isn¡¯t that Tess?¡±
She covered her mouth, pretending to be shocked. ¡°Who¡¯s that with her? I¡¯ve never seen him before.¡±
Finn was already in a bad mood, and her words made it worse.
He shot Nadine a cold re.
A chill ran down her spine, and she snapped her mouth shut.
At the same time, she gripped her dress tightly.
Tess is the one fooling around, cozying up to another man when she¡¯s still married.
But why is Finn mad at me for pointing it out?
Nadine bit her lip, her eyes growing red with frustration.
But this time, Finn said nothing soft or questioning. His eyes held only Tess.
Keepsake 111
Chapter 111 A Battle Between Titans
Nadine waited anxiously but didn¡¯t get an answer, so she shot a frustrated nce at Tess.
The short break ended, and the auctioneer¡¯s sharp gavel strike echoed through the hall, bringing everyone back to silence.
¡°Ladies and gentlemen, up next is a century-old pearl ne.¡±
As the announcer finished, the red velvet cloth was pulled away, revealing a strand of pearls with a ssic, aged shine.
Though the pearls still held their timeless glow, they looked oddly inpared to the fancy disy and luxurious surroundings.
A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd.
¡°A simple piece at an auction like this?¡±
¡°Yeah, are they trying to waste our time?¡±
¡°Who picked this? Their taste is off.¡±
Sneers and hushed insults filled the air, dripping with disappointment.
Unlike the usual indifferent crowd, Tess widened her eyes in shock as she stared at the ne.
Her clear, bright eyes shimmered with tears ready to fall.
Her whole body stiffened, her face tight with emotion-a look that caught Abel¡¯s attention. He nced at the ne but just saw an ordinary string of pearls.
Confused, Abel leaned toward Tess and quietly asked, ¡°Do you like it?¡±
Before he could say more, her hand reached up and took his.
Abel froze, feeling like he was floating, his head lifting to meet her tear-filled, reddened eyes.
Holding back sobs, she whispered desperately, ¡°It belonged to my grandma. I don¡¯t know how it ended up here. Please help me. I
have to win this.¡±
¡°But¡¡±
She looked around helplessly, lips pressed tight, conflicted. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any money. Abel, please help me. I¡¯ll pay you back little by little.¡±
Abel¡¯s heart ached seeing her like that. Feeling the softness of her hand in his, he squeezed gently, wrapping her fingers protectively.
His voice lowered to a soft murmur, sweet like honey but firm and sure. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If you want it, I¡¯ll get it for you, no matter the price.¡±
Moved, Tess looked up and nodded firmly. ¡°Thank you.¡±
Abel shook his head with a gentle smile. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. Anything you want.¡±
His words, barely more than a whisper, they fluttered around her ear.
A faint blush colored Tess¡¯s cheeks.
She quickly looked away and turned her eyes forward again.
? ? ? ? ?? ? ?
After a short introduction, the crowd stayed unimpressed.
That was until the auctioneer added, ¡°This is a rare piece by master jeweler Gillian Larson-almost never seen for sale.¡±
At those words, interest finally sparked in the audience¡¯s eyes. This content belongs to f?ndnovel
¡°Mrs. Larson¡¯s own work? That¡¯s definitely a treasure.¡±
¡°Looking again, the pearls are simple but full of charm-just like Mrs. Larson herself.¡±
The mood shifted instantly among the guests.
Tess¡¯s heart raced, and she nervously nced at the people speaking, dread rising as the bidding began.
The auctioneer¡¯s gavel struck once more.
¡°Starting bid: one million.¡±
¡°One and a half million!¡±
¡°Two million!¡±
Though not as wild as some lots, bids came steadily and without pause.
¡°Two and a half million!¡±
¡°Ten million!¡±
The jump to nearly five times the starting price stunned the room. All eyes turned to the bidder.
Abel¡¯s long fingers raised the paddle, his voice dropping the number ¡°ten million¡± like it was nothing.
At the same time, Finn noticed the bid.
But just a momentter, his eyes shifted to Tess.
Abel couldn¡¯t be interested in the ne for himself. So the only reason¡
¡°Finn, that¡¯s Tess¡¯s grandma¡¯s heirloom,¡± Nadine said at just the right time, her gaze nk as she looked up.
Suddenly, she seemed to snap out of it and shook Finn¡¯s arm.
Her eyes begged, ¡°Finn, can you win it for me? She¡¯s my grandma in name too. I don¡¯t want her things scattered around.¡±
Finn paused, lowering his gaze as he took in Nadine¡¯s pleading face.
Her desperation strangely matched the tension in Tess¡¯s clenched hands.
Something stirred inside Finn.
He raised his paddle. ¡°Twenty million.¡±
A sharp intake of breath swept the room.
Everyone¡¯s eyes flicked between the center row and the corners.
This bidding was like a battle between titans.
Finn¡¯s low, familiar voice echoed clearly in Tess¡¯s ears.
She froze solid.
Finn?
Is he actually here?
Her eyes betrayed her panic as she looked toward the center row.
Finn sat not far from her.
Across the distance, she could make out the sharp lines of his jaw, his face cold and unforgiving.
Keepsake 112
Chapter 112 You¡¯re the Best
A sharp wave of fear squeezed Tess¡¯s heart.
Of course, she didn¡¯t think Finn cared about some in pearl ne. His bid had to mean something else entirely.
As a jolt of shock ran through her, Tess caught Nadine¡¯s eyes locked on her-bold, victorious, andpletely unrestrained.
No longer fragile around Finn, Tess straightened her back, her gaze shining with clear pride.
Abel frowned, surprised by Finn¡¯s sudden interest.
Uncle Finn?
Why would he even care about this pearl ne?
Though confused, Abel raised the bid anyway. ¡°Fifty million!¡±
I¡¯m Uncle Finn¡¯s nephew. He¡¯ll probably see how serious I am and back down.
The whispered ¡°fifty million¡± floated past Tess¡¯s ears like a soft breeze. She pressed her lips tight.
That¡¯s a lot of money¡ Never mind. No matter what, I¡¯d rather lose everything than let go of Grandma¡¯s heirloom.
The bid jumped five times over, leaving the crowd not only stunned but frozen.
A simple freshwater pearl ne marked up to a staggering 50 million!
Most of Aetheris¡¯s wealthy elite, proud of their status, silently cursed the absurdity.
But none dared say a word.
After all, one of the bidders was Finn, the richest man in Aetheris. Who¡¯d risk their reputation here?
Eyes drifted to the corner.
When the richest yer bids, other families usually back off. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F¦Énd£Îovel
So why is he not just holding his ground but raising the stakes so high?
Could this in strand of pearls really be that important?
¡°Seventy million.¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was calm, like tossing out huge numbers was nothing.
Tess¡¯s lips parted slightly, her heart twisting like it¡¯d been stabbed.
Why?
He knows it was my Grandma¡¯s ne, but just because of Nadine¡¯s petty pride, he¡¯s set on winning.
The price climbed to 70 million. Even Abel felt the pressure.
He was supposed to be low-key, mung !!!
from the people from Rumsford, a risk he didn¡¯t want.
Besides, he didn¡¯t have that kind of cash on hand.
Abel shot Finn a confused look.
Can¡¯t Uncle Finn cut me some ck after I¡¯vee all this way?
Finn just nced at him without interest, then looked away slowly.
His eyes lingered briefly on Tess¡¯s pale face.
His fingers clenched tight.
Finn pulled himself together, but questions flooded his mind.
Why is Tess with Abel? When did they meet?
She turned me down but agreed to be Abel¡¯s date?
Finn¡¯s thoughts grew dark, his eyes shadowed with bitterness.
¡°One hundred million.¡±
His voice was cold, almost harsh. He didn¡¯t even wait for Abel to respond before raising the bid again.
It was like a bomb exploded in the room, leaving everyone stunned.
Many rubbed their eyes, wide-eyed, desperate to understand what made this simple ne so special.
Abel¡¯s face went pale.
Tess¡¯s heart, already hanging by a thread, shatteredpletely.
One hundred million.
A in freshwater pearl ne bid up to 100 million.
If it wasn¡¯t personal, what else could drive Finn to such lengths?
Abel lowered his head awkwardly, eyes full of regret. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have that kind of money right now¡ ¡±
¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±
Tess pressed a gentle hand over his, quietlyforting both him and herself.
One hundred million for a pearl ne.
Hershes dropped, and a single tear slid down the corner of her eye.
Grandma, forgive me.
She sobbed, making as little noise as possible, but Abel caught it, and his eyes grew heavy with sympathy.
I came here on a rush and didn¡¯t bring much cash.
Since Uncle Finn¡¯s won the bid, I¡¯ll arrange for someone else to buy theer.
No matter the cost, I must get it to Tess.
A cold light flickered in Abel¡¯s eyes, sharp as a wolf ready to strike.
But when he looked at Tess, his expression softened instantly, gentle as a calm stream.
¡°Finn, you¡¯re the best!¡±
A surprised woman¡¯s voice floated nearby.
Tess paused, tears still falling.
Then Finn¡¯s calm voice cut through the noise. ¡°It¡¯s a fine ne.¡±
¡°Of course-it¡¯s Grandma¡¯s heirloom. I love it so much,¡± Nadine said dramatically, wrapping her arm around Finn¡¯s.
Finn smoothly dodged her touch. Nadine blinked, then leaned in closer on purpose.
From a distance, though they didn¡¯t touch, it looked like they were intertwined.
Their flirtation didn¡¯t go unnoticed by onlookers, who whispered with envy and admiration.
¡°Mr. Lock really spoils Ms. Nadine-just because she said she liked it, he dropped 100 million on a simple freshwater pearl ne.¡±
Keepsake 113
Chapter 113 Did Uncle Finn Hurt Her?
¡°What do you know? True love can¡¯t be measured. Money is nothing when you spend it on someone you love,¡± someone whispered nearby.
¡°Haha, Ms. Nadine sure is lucky. Mr. Lock really spoils her!¡±
Those words couldn¡¯t help but reach Nadine¡¯s ears.
Blushing, she covered her face and chuckled quietly, then looked at Finn with soft, affectionate eyes, shy and charming.
One was radiant and blooming like a flower, the other cold and distant like ice-together, they drew every eye in the room.
Nadine was soaking it all in,pletely rxed and enjoying the moment.
Feeling satisfied, she didn¡¯t forget to shoot a mocking look at Tess.
So what if they¡¯re still married?
It¡¯s obvious who Finn truly cares about!
If Tess knows what¡¯s good for her, she¡¯ll know to back off instead of going against me and making things harder!
Tess noticed the challenge in Nadine¡¯s eyes as thetter lifted her chin and seemed to rest it on Finn¡¯s shoulder.
The man¡¯s tall, broad build quietly became Nadine¡¯s support-a mountain that pressed down on Tess, making it hard for her to breathe.
Tess bit her lip hard, tasting the sharp sting of blood in her throat, tears filling her eyes.
Grandma never liked Nadine, and Nadine never showed Grandma any respect or kindness-so how could she possibly value Grandma¡¯s heirloom?
A cold shiver ran through Tess¡¯s heart. Her pink silk dress stuck damp to her palm, as if echoing her nearly broken spirit.
She felt weak and miserable.
That moment hit her like a p, forcing her to face the harsh reality.
Her eyes grew distant, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
Abel watched, his heart twisting in pain, wishing he could just hold her andfort her gently.
Finn nced at both of them from a distance.
Tess, will you regret this?
He cracked his knuckles, trying to calm the storm of emotions stirred by Tess¡¯s lost look.
All four were lost in their own thoughts as the auction wound down.
Except for the pearl ne, Tess and Abel hadn¡¯t bid on anything.
Unlike her cheerful mood earlier, Tess now wore a nk and serious look.
La seemed affected too but kept quiet as she¡¯d been told.
When the auctioneer¡¯s gavel finally fell, ending the event, La softly cooed and reached her chubby little hand to touch Tess¡¯s face gently. Read full story at Find_Novel(.
Her bright eyes glistened with tears, as if saying, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be sad. I¡¯m here.¡±
Tess¡¯s carefully held calm broke again. She hugged the child close, smelling the faint scent of milk, while a heavy sadness settled deep inside her.
What did I do to piss Finn off?
Why would he target me when all I wanted was to get Grandma¡¯s heirloom?
Is one year in prison not punishment enough?
I know he¡¯s always looked down on me, but now that I¡¯m letting him go, why is he still holding? How far does he n to go for revenge
A cold hopelessness washed over her, sapping her strength and making her want to cry, but her eyes were too dry for tears.
In the end, Tess could only manage a bitter, empty smile.
Abel felt awful watching her but was helpless.
He could only stand quietly by her side, unable to ease the pain in her eyes.
Why is she so broken?
Abel felt her pain as well but didn¡¯t understand.
Could it really be just about a ne?
He frowned, watching Tess, opening his mouth to say something but swallowing the words.
No.
It has to be more than that.
Abel nced toward Finn as he stood and led Nadine off to collect an exhibit.
My gut tells me Tess and Uncle Finn know each other well-maybe even were close.
Did Uncle Finn hurt her?
Abel¡¯s heart clenched.
¡°Tess, I¡¯ll do everything I can to buy that ne back for you.¡±
The pain on Tess¡¯s face struck Abel hard. We nched Li- E-
Tess paused, then forced a weak smile and shook her head gently.
¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±
Her voice was soft, tinged with despair.
Abel felt a sharp ache spread through him.
He couldn¡¯t stand seeing her like this.
He said nothing more but silently vowed to stay close and support her.
This time, Tess didn¡¯t refuse and got into Abel¡¯s car without hesitation.
As they drove off, a tall figure appeared by the doorway.
Finn watched them speed away, his eyes dark and stormy.
The warm yellow glow inside the car wrapped around their backs, making them seem inseparable.
Finn¡¯s gaze stayed locked on them, his knuckles cracking sharply under his sleeve.
Only when soft footsteps sounded beside him did Finn blink slowly and pull back his cold, intense stare.
Keepsake 114
Chapter 114 Engagement Ring
A cold aura radiated from Finn.
Nadine shivered without meaning to.
She rubbed her bare arms and nced outside at the wind, telling herself it was just because it waste.
Still, she tried to keep her spirits up, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Finn. ¡°Could you give me a ride home?¡±
Above her, his breathing stayed slow and steady. He didn¡¯t answer right away.
Nadine¡¯s heart fluttered for no reason, but she kept pushing. ¡°My friend gave me a ride here but left early. It¡¯s hard to find a cab now.¡±
A silence hung between them. Finally, Finn nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll have Zane drive you home.¡±
But if Zane is driving me home, what about Finn?
Nadine reached out, fingers almost touching his coat sleeve, but she stopped herself.
She looked carefully at his cold, stern face and held back.
Finn didn¡¯t move or react, for the first time ignoring Nadine¡¯s usual charm.
A deep difort settled in Nadine¡¯s chest. After thinking it over, she figured his coldness was because he¡¯d seen Tess close to someone else.
That thought lifted her earlier gloom and reced it with a hint of smug satisfaction.
¡°Finn, what Tess did wasn¡¯t right, but don¡¯t get too mad. You¡¯ve been apart for over a year; maybe it¡¯s understandable¡ Getting upset isn¡¯t good for you. I¡¯d worry.¡±
Concern shone in Nadine¡¯s eyes.
Finn looked down, meeting the gentle warmth in her gaze. For the first time, a strange thought crossed his mind. Why isn¡¯t Tess the one showing me this kindness? Why don¡¯t Tess¡¯s eyes hold this tenderness?
The idea shocked him. His pupils flickered before he pushed it away quickly.
Have I lost my mind? Why am I even thinking that?
Pressing his hand to the throbbing vein on his wrist, Finn nced again at the dark, empty road ahead.
Abel and Tess had long gone, leaving the path empty.
Thest bidders lingered until the auction ended, but now only he and Nadine were left, with the cold wind asionally rustling around them.
He rubbed his temples in frustration, a deep helplessness stirring inside him for the first time. ¡°It¡¯ste. You should go.¡±
His voice was short but carried a clear edge ofmand. For original chapters go to find{n}ovel
He didn¡¯t want to stay in this awkward moment any longer.
Nadine¡¯s heart pounded, a strange panic creeping up her spine.
This time, her worry was real.
What¡¯s wrong with Finn?
Zane stepped forward, breaking Nadine¡¯s gaze. ¡°Ms. Ember, please get in the car.¡±
He stretched out his arms, signaling the way.
Biting her lip, Nadine knew she couldn¡¯t stay.
She lowered her head and got ready to leave quietly.
As she turned, her hand reached for the velvet gift box Zane held carefully.
The soft velvet stirred a small spark of joy inside her, easing some of her gloom.
Even if I didn¡¯t make any progress, at least I have the pearl ne now.
Finn spent 100 million on a gift for me-that alone shows how much he cares.
He¡¯s probably only upset now because of Tess.
Thinking this, Nadine felt her heart ease.
But the velvet box slipped from her fingers the next moment.
She looked up, stunned, as Zane pulled the gift away.
¡°What¡¡±
She started to ask but stopped when Zane nced at Finn.
Nadine immediately knew-it was Finn¡¯s decision. She turned to look at him.
His handsome profile was shrouded in shadow, making his expression unreadable, but the cold aura around him was clear.
Nadine¡¯s chest tightened, but she forced herself to speak. ¡°Finn, what¡¯s going on?¡±
Finn¡¯sshes flickered. His eyes slowly moved to the gift box in Zane¡¯s hands.
He lifted his gaze with cold distance. ¡°It¡¯s not for you.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Nadine¡¯s voice rose sharply, then quickly softened. ¡°Didn¡¯t you buy this because I liked it? It¡¯s my Grandma¡¯s heirloom. If not for
me, then who else?¡±
Her tone was soft, with a hint of yful pleading.
Finn seemed to ignore her. He motioned to Zane again with a cold hand. ¡°Drive her home.¡±
His long fingers hovered in the air, a dark silver ring catching the light with a sharp sh.
Nadine froze the moment she saw it. Her eyes drifted slowly up to Finn¡¯s face,
That ring-she knew it well. It was the first engagement ring between him and Tess.
Back then, Finn hadn¡¯t been happy about their engagement, so even the ring had been chosen carelessly, far below what you¡¯d expect from the richest man in Aetheris.
Nadine¡¯s lips parted slightly as a sudden wave of fear rushed through her body.
Keepsake 115
Chapter 115 Because I¡¯m Your Husband
Nadine had never seen Finn wear that ring before. Actually, she had once found it while helping him search for some papers,
hidden in a corner underneath his office desk.
Why is that ring suddenly on his finger now?
Nadine¡¯s mind went nk, and she didn¡¯t even realize how Zane had helped her into the car.
Only when the cold wind slipped in through the slightly open window, hitting her face like sharp, ringing ps, did shee back to her senses.
A terrifying thought went through her mind.
What¡¯s going on with Finn and Tess?
¡°Ms. Ember, your apartment isn¡¯t far. I¡¯ll drop you off downstairs.¡±
Zane¡¯s voice cut through her spinning thoughts.
Soon after, he turned the car around to retrace their route.
Finn was still motionless, his ck suit blending into the night like a shadow.
The car ride back was quiet.
When Finn got to Evermount Vi, only one room still had its light on.
His eyes flickered.
Tess is home.
He clutched the velvet gift box tightly in his hand, a choking ache filling his throat. It was as if an invisible grip was squeezing it, suffocating him.
Tess didn¡¯t know someone was standing quietly just outside her door.
She sat on the bed, resting against the pillows.
Her eyes softened with a mother¡¯s love as she looked over La, who was already fast asleep. Finally, in the stillness of the room, the loneliness she¡¯d been hiding crept into her gaze.
Though time had passed, the scenes from the auction still yed vividly in her mind. Th?s chapter is updated by Find[?]ovel
Finn had been merciless, his voice cold and determined as he set out to outbid Abel no matter the cost.
Bitterness and helplessness tangled inside her.
She hated Finn-but even more, she hated how powerless she felt.
Tess was wide awake, her gaze distant.
Her phone lit up repeatedly with messages from Abel, full of apologies and promises.
He had sensed her mood darkening during the journey back and was worried about her.
Tess¡¯s eyes shifted withplicated feelings she couldn¡¯t quite name.
A man I barely know is willing to spendvishly on me, but my husband tolerates my sister as she provokes me and ignores my wish to get Grandma¡¯s heirloom back.
A bitter smile tugged at Tess¡¯s lips.
Just as a heavy sigh escaped her, a knock came at the door.
Her smile froze, and the warmth in her eyes faded.
I heard the car outside just moments ago. The only person who could be knocking at this hour¡ has to be Finn, right?
Knowing who it was, she didn¡¯t move.
The heavy silence made Finn furrow his brows in confusion.
Is she asleep?
Just as he turned to leave, the door clicked open.
Startled, he met a pair of eyes cold and sharp like frost.
Her pupils were clear as crystal butpletely without warmth. She stared at him like a challenge, silently asking who he thought he was.
Finn¡¯s thoughts caught in his throat. No words came.
He knew how much Tess loved her grandmother and understood how special that pearl ne was to her.
¡°Look.¡±
He held out the velvet box.
Tess¡¯s gaze stayed distant, but when her eyes swept over the box, they narrowed with a flicker of emotion.
Still, she didn¡¯t reach for it. Instead, she looked at Finn warily, confused.
Seeing her like that made Finn¡¯s chest tighten painfully. He swallowed hard, then said in a soft voice, ¡°I¡¯m your husband. If you want it, you don¡¯t need to ask anyone else.¡±
Without another word, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
He set the box carefully on the nearest table. As he did, his eyes nced at the sleeping baby on the bed.
La was sound asleep, her chubby cheeks and tiny mouth twitching sometimes, making her look utterly adorable.
Finn¡¯s gaze darkened as the empty hollow in his heart slowly filled with the warm presence of mother and child.
But then Tess stepped in front of him.
¡°Get out.¡±
Finn¡¯s breath caught for a moment. He gave one long look at La, then quietly slipped out of the room.
Tess didn¡¯t follow right away but watched his broad, strong back.
He wore a sharp, perfectly tailored suit; even the dark, detailed embroidery on the cuffs and the gold cufflinks showed his unmatched status.
This is the Finn I know-a cold, powerful man who¡¯s always standing tall and distant. He¡¯s simply untouchable.
But when did those fierce eyes be hollow? When did the tight set of his jaw soften?
She no longer understood him.
Tess gently closed the door.
The barrier separated them from La.
¡°Why did you do this?¡±
Her voice stayed sharp.
Finn hadn¡¯t expected a ne to break down her walls.
He slipped his hands into his pockets and said lightly, ¡°It¡¯s just a ne. Since you like it, I bought it for you because I¡¯m your husband. Do I really need a reason?¡±
Without the warmth of the room around him, he straightened up, regaining the proud, distant posture he always had.
Keepsake 116
Chapter 116 A Warm, Happy Family
But as soon as Finn finished speaking, Tess let out a sharp, mockingugh.
Finn frowned and met her sarcastic, teasing look.
¡°You¡¯re my husband?¡±
Tess sneered without holding back. ¡°Finn, you should already know I¡¯ve got the divorce papers ready. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we split. Yeah, I need something from you now, and I¡¯m stuck under your roof, but you need to wake up to reality.¡±
Finn shoved his hands deep in his pockets, lowering his cold eyes. A chill seemed to radiate from him, making the ce feel colder.
The tension was thick, but Tess kept her gaze locked on him without flinching.
Everything about her-her expression, her stance-said one thing loud and clear: she was going to divorce him no matter what.
Finn couldn¡¯t quite put his feelings into words, but every look and move Tess made felt like a sharp, twisting de in his chest.
¡°Tess,¡± he said out of nowhere, then let out a low, almost amusedugh.
She blinked, confused, and watched him closely. She was unsure what he¡¯d do next.
Finn¡¯s eyes darkened with obsession. ¡°We¡¯re still married. That means legally, I¡¯m still your husband.¡±
Before she could react, his hand shot out and grabbed her slender wrist firmly.
As Finn felt the coldness on his palm, his eyshes twitched slightly.
Why is she so cold? Is she that fragile?
He pushed down his confusion and the sudden flicker of pity he hadn¡¯t noticed before, asking sharply, ¡°When did you start hanging out with Abet?¡± For more chapters visit Find~Novel
Tess frowned deeply and gave him a strange look, surprised by the shadowy gloom in his eyes.
¡°He¡¯s just a friend. What¡¯s it to you? Are you really gonna control my personal life now?¡±
She stared at Finn, her voice sharp with annoyance.
¡°Friend?¡±
Finn pictured them together, the three of themughing and talking.
Abel had even gently adjusted the mother and daughter¡¯s dresses as Tess obediently listened to him.
Friends?
Friends who look like a warm, happy family?!
Suddenly, anger red in Finn¡¯s eyes. His grip on her wrist tightened without thinking.
Feeling the pressure, Tess shot him an angry re and yanked her wrist free.
Caught off guard, Finn stumbled back a few steps.
When he looked up, Tess was already heading for the door.
¡°You can have the ne.¡±
Her voice was cold, her eyes full of nothing but dislike.
That line was like a de, cutting any ties left between them.
¡°I don¡¯t take gifts back.¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was dark and firm. He rarely sounded this serious. This time, he looked her straight in the eye, and she saw that he meant it.
Their eyes locked as silence filled the space between them, the air seeming to chill.
After a long pause, Finn looked away and turned sharply, leaving just one lightment behind. ¡°Keep it. But I have one condition.
¡°Stay here at Evermount Vi until you can protect yourself and the baby.¡±
Without stopping, Finn walked back toward the study.
Watching his broad back leave, Tess felt a knot in her chest. She rubbed her wrist lightly to ease the pain.
What¡¯s gotten into him today?
She shut the door behind her and froze when she spotted the jewelry box on the desk.
She pressed her lips tightly as hesitation took over.
I already decided to cut ties with Finn long ago.
But¡
Her eyes flickered with doubt.
Slowly, she opened the box and found the pearl ne inside. It was simple with an old-fashioned charm.
Tess¡¯s shaking fingers traced the worn pearls that were no longer smooth, and a bitter ache settled deep in her chest. Tears welled up, blurring her vision.
Her thoughts were tangled. After a long pause, she gripped the ne tightly.
One hundred million.
I¡¯ll take it as I¡¯m buying it from Finn and will pay him back someday.
I need to keep Grandma¡¯s heirloom safe.
Her eyes hardened as she ced the ne back inside.
Meanwhile, Abel, growing impatient from waiting for Tess¡¯s reply, finally called Finn.
Chapter 116 A Warm, Happy Family
In the study, thest light glowed softly through Evermount Vi.
Finn leaned against the wall near a streak of blood.
His right arm hung limp at his side, raw wounds and blood marking his knuckles.
Bang!
He mmed his fist against the wall again, letting out the frustration inside.
The quiet room echoed with heavy breaths and a low, broken whisper. ¡°Tess¡ Tess¡¡±
Clutching his chest, he finally faced the storm of emotions raging inside him.
Ring¡
Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence.
Finn nced coldly at the screen that lit up with the name ¡°Abel¡±. His expression grewplicated.
Keepsake 117
Chapter 117 Finally
Finn picked up the call without much hesitation.
Compared to Finn, Abel was still just a kid.
But the boy had grown. His voice was rougher now, with a slight gravelly tone. The urgency was clear in his words. ¡°Uncle Finn, I need to tell you something.
¡°I¡¯m begging you.¡±
He bit his lip, sounding serious.
Finn¡¯s brows twitched, surprised.
This nephew of his had always carried himself with rare pride. He was destined to stand at the top of society.
But now, he was actually begging.
Finn closed his eyes tiredly and didn¡¯t respond.
Abel could sense something strange on the other end, but the uneven breathing told him it was really his Uncle Finn.
¡°Go on.¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was low and hoarse.
Abel blinked, feeling like there was some bitterness and annoyance behind that short answer.
He shook his head, pushing the thought aside.
What am I thinking? He¡¯s my uncle, after all.
¡°The pearl ne you bought at the auction-I want to buy it back at ten times the price.¡±
Abel rushed the words out.
A low chuckle came through the line.
¡°For that woman you¡¯re with?¡±
Abel froze for a second, then replied firmly, ¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Does she know you¡¯re doing this?¡±
¡°She doesn¡¯t have to.¡±
¡°When did you two meet?¡±
¡°Two-¡±
auctions? Do
Finn stayed quiet, slowly sitting at his desk. After a long pause, he exhaled smoke.
He couldn¡¯t ignore the jealousy building inside him.
It shook and confused him.
Why?
Why am I feeling like this?
His face blurred like in a fog.
He slowly raised a hand to press it against his chest.
Feeling the strange pounding there, Finn felt lost for the first time in his life..
¡°Uncle Finn?¡±
Abel called again but got no answer.
Finn¡¯s gaze dropped, lingering on the name ¡°Abel¡± with deep focus.
¡°She has the ne,¡± he said softly, his voice barely audible.
¡°She¡¯s married. Stay away.¡±
Abel barely caught the words before the call ended.
Staring at the dead screen, confusion tangled his thoughts as knots formed between his brows.
He didn¡¯t call back.
Uncle Finn said Tess already had the ne.
And he warned me to keep my distance because she¡¯s married.
It sounded¡ like a warning.
Abel¡¯s heart sank.
Tess¡¯s husband treats her badly, and they¡¯re close to divorcing. I¡¯m just trying to help her.
He tossed his phone aside and pulled a photo from under his pillow.
Though he had kept it carefully, the edges were yellowed and frayed.
The photo showed a delicate woman¡¯s face. Her soft hair fell over her shoulders, her eyes gentle yet strong.
Abel absentmindedly traced the photo through its cover, eyes full of longing and memories.
She¡¯s the woman I¡¯ve been searching for all these years. If she¡¯s about to divorce, that means God¡¯s finally giving me a chance. How could I give up now?
A sharp, determined light red in Abel¡¯s eyes, fueled by steady resolve.
That night, the lights in three rooms went out one by one, but none of the people inside could sleep. They tossed and turned until dawn.
The next morning, Tess woke to a cool breeze drifting into the room.
She rubbed her aching head and realized she hadn¡¯t shut the window properly the night before.
She got up and closed it firmly but had no desire to go back to sleep. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find¡ïNovel
Bored, she scrolled through the messages on her phone until one email caught her attention.
Tess read carefully, her eyes brightening.
It confirmed her inheritance rights to Gillian¡¯s estate. She didn¡¯t need to deal with any more notarized papers and just needed to register at the proper department in Aetheris.
That meant once registered, she¡¯d officially own all of Gillian¡¯s belongings.
The thought sent a rush of excitement through her, and her heart began beating faster.
Finally¡
The bittersweet feelings made her feel a pinch in her nose.
Grandma¡¯s been gone for so long, and now, I can finally hold her things again.
More importantly, Grandma¡¯s heirlooms won¡¯t fall into the hands of Nadine, someone she really didn¡¯t like.
Tess exhaled a relieved breath and tiptoed out to freshen up.
Though she hadn¡¯t slept much, she felt oddly energized-enough to carefully put on light, polished makeup.
But as she stepped into the living room, a sudden thought hit her-living under the same roof as Finn meant they¡¯d definitely run into each other.
Remembering the bad moments fromst night, she hesitated and looked around warily.
Keepsake 118
Chapter 118 Save Her From All That Pain
Finn¡¯s not around.
Tess let out a breath of relief.
Since she was nning to divorce and no longer saw herself as Mrs. Lock, she didn¡¯t bother giving orders to the household staff and decided to make a simple breakfast herself.
Just as she set the te on the table, her eyes caught Finn¡¯s, and she noticed the dark circles shadowing his tired gaze.
He obviously hadn¡¯t slept well, but the weariness added a fragile touch to his sharp, handsome face.
Tess quickly looked away.
But Finn took a step closer.
¡°Afraid to meet my eyes?¡± His voice held a hint of augh, but it was hard to tell what he meant.
Tess pressed her lips together and ignored him.
Finn stared at her pale face for a moment and sighed. ¡°Good morning, Tess.¡±
He sounded calm and casual-as if they were just a normal married couple exchanging routine greetings.
Tess froze, her knife and fork paused in midair. She gave him a strange look, silently asking what he was ying at.
Finn acted like he didn¡¯t see it and deliberately sat down right across from her.
She frowned, watching him quietly.
She didn¡¯t touch her food and locked eyes with him instead, her gaze cold and steady.
Finn then called a maid over. ¡°Make me the same breakfast she¡¯s having.¡±
The maid nced at the simple meal, looking confused and unsure.
Finn¡¯s indifferent stare made the maid hold back her doubts and quickly head to the kitchen.
¡°What are you trying to do?¡±
Impatience shed in Tess¡¯s eyes as she asked bluntly.
Finn, calm and collected, wiped his knife and fork but said nothing at first. After a while, he finally murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t talk while eating.¡±
Because the meal was simple, the maid was soon back with a nicely ted breakfast.
Finn epted it and began eating, one bite at a time.
It seemed like his odd behavior was just an excuse to have breakfast. Original content can be found at find?novel
Tess sneered softly, choosing not to question him more. She turned back to her own te.
Living at Evermount Vi saved her from paying rent, but she hadn¡¯t forgotten the heirloom Finn had given her yesterday-Gillian¡¯s
ne.
She promised herself she¡¯d pay him the 100 million dors back.
Once the divorce is final, we¡¯ll be strangers. I don¡¯t want to owe him anything. Plus, I have to find a safer ce to live soon.
Evermount Vi is only temporary.
Tess finished her breakfast quickly and cleaned up the dishes before standing.
Her movement made Finn raise an eyebrow.
Just as she turned to leave, Finn¡¯s voice came softly.
¡°Tess.¡±
He called her gently, his tone carrying a strange, hard-to-exin feeling.
A chill ran down her arm.
A sudden panic bloomed in her chest. She didn¡¯t stop walking; in fact, she hurried up.
Finn dropped the calm act and stepped forward, grabbing her wrist.
Tess¡¯s fingers stiffened, and she shot him a fierce re.
Caught off guard by her angry look, he hesitated.
The sudden fire inside him was instantly cooled by a ssh of harsh reality.
He parted his lips but lowered his gaze, mumbling roughly, ¡°Where are you going? I¡¯ll have someone send you.¡±
Tess twisted her wrist hard and pulled away.
She thought about Finn¡¯s strange reactions, her eyes darkening as if he were a wild animal in front of her.
What¡¯s going on with him?
Puzzled, she hurried to the bedroom to check on La.
Bang!
The loud m of the door made Finn¡¯s brows twitch.
He froze where he stood, and after a long moment, he slumped back down at the table like a broken doll.
The maid eyed the barely touched breakfast and hesitated. ¡°Mr. Lock, should I make you something fresh?¡±
Finn shook his head. ¡°You can go.¡±
The maid¡¯s worried look softened, but inside, she felt relief.
As the footsteps faded away, Finn¡¯s gaze grew lonely.
He pressed his thin lips together, staring at the modest breakfast that matched Tess¡¯s.
He had stolen a few nces while she ate heartily.
Just watching her had stirred his appetite.
But now, with the chair across from him empty, the meal lost all meaning.
Finn let out a long, heavy breath, his eyes dark and unfocused.
Last night, he had stayed alone in the study.
He opened a secret folder on hisputer.
It held photos and videos tracking Tess¡¯s every move since she got out of prison.
Zane had been tas!
Only throug
with gathering the evidence.
inn learn the truth.
soaked by a passing truck¡¯s sprinklers had been her. The desperate mother begging at Lock Group Private o been her. And so much more¡
motion crashed in Finn¡¯s chest, bitterness filling his mouth.
he and regret.
und her sooner, could I have saved her from all that pain?
A year ago, before she went to prison, no matter how much he resented her or looked down on her, she still lived rtively well as Mrs. Lock and a topwyer in Aetheris.
Keepsake 119
Chapter 119 Maria
Just one year, she went from top socialite to prisoner, from the high life to hitting rock bottom. How could she stay so calm through it
all?
Finn frowned, staring hard at the photos and videos of Tess through hisputer screen.
Who exactly is she?
He pressed a hand to his pounding chest, realizing he¡¯d never really understood her at all. Now, looking at the woman he had once ignored and even looked down on, a mix of feelings started to stir inside him.
What¡¯s going on with me?
He tossed and turned all night, searching for answers.
Before dawn, whether it was out of guilt or selfishness, he called the office handling Gillian¡¯s inheritance, pressuring them.
He figured that inheritance was meant for her anyway.
Once that was done, Finn looked away while rubbing his temples, nning to get some rest.
Meanwhile, Tess held La close as she got into a cab.
The baby, still sleepy, rubbed her eyes while her tummy grumbled.
That was when Tess realized she had forgotten to feed La egg custard after washing her, changing her clothes, and giving her form and supplements.
La was everything to her.
So instead of rushing to im the inheritance, Tess told the driver to stop near a shopping center.
She remembered a good baby food spot there, one that probably served egg custard.
But after checking the directory, she couldn¡¯t find it. She decided to ask an employee nearby for help.
As she walked over, she looked up and froze, meeting a face she hadn¡¯t seen in ages.
¡°Mrs. Ember?!¡± the woman eximed.
Tess was shocked too. ¡°Maria?¡±
Her eyes scanned the woman¡¯s noticeably aged face, and a sharp pain twisted in her chest.
Maria Burn had worked at Evermount Vi for years, and she had always looked younger and healthier than others her age. But just months after Tess escaped, Maria¡¯s cheeks were hollow and worn, as if she¡¯d aged decades.
Tess¡¯s heart tightened. She grabbed Maria¡¯s hand, worry flooding her, ¡°What happened? Why are you here?¡±
Her fingers brushed the rough calluses on Maria¡¯s hands, sending a deep ache through her.
Maria looked unsure, unable to exin.
Chapter 119 Maria
Seeing Tess¡¯s reaction, Maria quickly pulled her hand away.
Tess looked at her and understood right away. ¡°Is this because of Finn?¡±
Maria bit her lip, struggling, then silently nodded. ¡°Mrs. Ember, I¡¯m sorry-I told Mr. Lock where you were.¡±
¡°That¡¯s behind us now. But if you told him, why did he still fire you?¡±
Maria hesitated, unwilling to say more.
Tess stared at her deeply lined face. There was no anger, just sorrow and guilt.
¡°Are you doing okay now?¡±
Tess lowered her voice, holding back her emotions and anger.
Maria nodded. ¡°It¡¯s not asfortable or safe as before, but I¡¯m managing.¡±
Tess felt a little relieved but dropped her gaze, lost in thought.
She didn¡¯t notice the flicker of something cross Maria¡¯s eyes.
¡°Wah!¡±
Suddenly, La cried out in her arms.
The restless baby reached toward Maria, but she wasn¡¯t grabbing like she did with Tess. It was more like a gentle pat.
Snapping back to the moment, Tess ignored the strange gesture and guessed hunger was the cause, so she quickly made form with Maria¡¯s help.. Find the newest release on find?novel
With a baby bottle in her mouth, La quieted but still fussed softly, babbling more than usual.
Tess exchanged a puzzled look with Maria, who leaned closer to check. But as soon as Maria got near, La fussed louder.
Embarrassed, Maria stepped back, and only then did La calm down.
Tess gently reassured, ¡°She must be shy.¡±
She scratched La¡¯s tiny, soft nose with a smile, her voice warm and loving. ¡°La, Maria has helped me so much. You can¡¯t be
rude.¡±
Maria smiled quickly to ease the mood. ¡°La¡¯s just a baby. How can she understand you?¡±
Tessughed, and the mood warmed between them-except La still looked a little unhappy.
The small interruption didn¡¯tst long. After slipping some cash to Maria, Tess followed directions to the baby food spot. Once La was fed, Tess hurried to her meeting.
When she arrived, she saw a line of sharply dressed men and women waiting quietly by the entrance.
Tess blinked, surprised by their serious looks.
The leader stepped forward when he saw her, greeting her warmly.
¡°Ms. Ember, we¡¯ve been expecting you. This way, please.¡±
He gestured politely and led her inside.
Keepsake 120
Chapter 120 Hidden Wealth
Tess couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit surprised.
Are all these people waiting for me?
????????
She let out a cold breath, thinking this seemed a bit over the top.
But she didn¡¯t hesitate for long. Hugging La tightly in her arms, she followed the leader in.
¡°Please take a look. This is Gillian¡¯s handwritten will.¡±
The man leading the group respectfully handed her an envelope, carefully holding it with white gloves.
At those words, Tess¡¯s hands trembled.
Grandma¡¯s handwritten will?
Her emotions surged, and her eyes quickly turned red.
Sensing Tess¡¯s grief, everyone in the reception room silently lowered their heads, giving her space.
With shaking fingers, Tess touched the thick envelope.
Though they called it a will, there were at least ten pages. It felt more like a farewell letter Gillian had written just for her.
Only thest two pages mentioned how to handle the inheritance. The rest of it was all about Tess-memories, affection, and love.
By the time Tess finished reading thest page, tears were already streaming down her face.
Ever since Nadine had shown up, Tess had been treated like an outsider in her own home.
But Gillian had never changed her opinion or treatment of her. If anything, she had loved Tess even more, spoiling her like always.
When Tess was sent to prison, it had happened so suddenly that she didn¡¯t even get the chance to defend herself. And during that year behind bars, she wasn¡¯t entirely alone.
Nadine would sometimes visit just to mock her, purposely bragging about how close she was getting with Finn.
From the moment Tess went to prison, she hadpletely given up on Finn. Discover more novels at f?ndnovel
Her cold attitude wasn¡¯t at all what Nadine expected, and it left her frustrated.
That was when Nadine started spreading rumors.
She¡¯d say things like Gillian was so angry about Tess¡¯s disgraceful actions that she had cut all ties with her.
Back then, Tess would sit with her back to Nadine, biting her lip so hard it bled as she tried not to make a sound.
But no matter how hard she wiped her eyes, the tears just kept falling. All she thought about during those days was getting out so that she could kneel by Gillian¡¯s side and exin everything face to face.
She never did those things they used her of. It was all lies, nder.
Chapter 120 Hidden Wealth
She had always been a good kid, the kind Gillian could trust.
But fate yed its cruel trick. By the time Tess finally got her freedom back, Gillian was already gone.
Tess¡¯s eyshes were wet with tears, her whole face streaked with glistening traces of sorrow.
And now¡
Her hands shook uncontrobly as she held the envelope.
Gillian had written that she had never once believed what the outside world said. She had always trusted Tess, the girl she had raised with her own hands.
Tess bit her lip even harder, refusing to let go until she tasted blood.
Sensing her sadness, little La reached out and gently patted her chest.
La¡¯s tiny hand was soft, almost weightless, like a piece of cotton candy pressing against her skin.
There was barely any strength in the touch, yet somehow, it soothed Tess¡¯s aching heart.
She held La¡¯s hand close to her lips.
As her breath warmed La¡¯s palm, the little girl didn¡¯t fuss. Instead, she carefully wiped the tears from Tess¡¯s cheeks.
When the lead staff member noticed Tess was finally calming down, he said in a gentle voice, ¡°Wepletely understand how you feel. Would you like to take a moment? We can continueter if you prefer.¡±
¡°No, let¡¯s do it now.¡±
Tess wiped her face and stood up.
The dead were gone, and the living had to keep moving forward.
Especially now that she had La, Tess knew she had to be strong. She couldn¡¯t let herself drown in grief forever.
The staff member nodded respectfully. ¡°Of course. But Mrs. Larson¡¯s estate is quite substantial. Please follow me to our secured
vault.¡±
Tess gave a small nod and followed him.
This time, the line of staff members didn¡¯t follow. Instead, they stood guard outside the door like bodyguards.
¡°Please, this way.¡±
The staff member unlocked a heavy security door with aplex code and led Tess inside.
But instead of the piles of gold bars or dazzling diamonds she expected, the first thing she saw was two rows of bookshelves.
Her heart tightened.
The staff member softly guided her attention. ¡°Over here.¡±
Reluctantly, Tess pulled her gaze away from the bookshelves and followed him to a corner of the room. There stood an exquisite 2/3
vanity table.
The entire piece was crafted from rare shell nuts, with the feathers of exotic birds woven into the design. One nce was enough to know it was priceless.
Switching to a pair of ck gloves, the staff member carefully opened the small drawers built into the vanity.
He opened them one by one, revealing a stunning set of jewelry.
The jewels sparkled so brightly that Tess blinked instinctively.
¡°Mrs. Larson was a seasoned jewelry collector. These pieces are some of the things she left for you,¡± the man exined.
Then, he reached over to a nearby table and picked up a thick stack of documents. ¡°These are the deeds to several vis and estates under Mrs. Larson¡¯s name. There¡¯s also a winery overseas that¡¯s still in operation.¡±
¡°This is ¡ ¡± Tess started but trailed off, her mind spinning.
The staff member continued to pull out more property records, one after another, leaving Tesspletely stunned.
The Embers weren¡¯t exactly some grand, prestigious family in Aetheris. They¡¯d been in decline for years. She never imagined Gillian had this much hidden wealth.
She blinked in confusion.
The staff member, genuinely happy for her, didn¡¯t rush her to snap out of it.
Keepsake 121
Chapter 121 Targeting Her
Chapter 121 Targeting Her
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It was Tess who snapped herself out of it first. ¡°All of this¡ Everything in this room has been left to me?¡± she asked.
¡°Yes,¡± the staff member replied.
¡°Then what about those two rows of bookshelves?¡±
Tess couldn¡¯t help but ask. Her eyes didn¡¯t linger on the dazzling jewelry or the property deeds in front of her. Instead, they drifted toward the shelves.
The staff member hesitated for a second.
After all, he¡¯d been in this line of work for years and was used to seeing people get overwhelmed with excitement or frozen in shock after suddenly inheriting a fortune. Usually, no one even asked about anything else. Read full story at find?novel
But this young woman in front of him had already calmed down as if none of this enormous wealth mattered at all.
The staff member was quietly surprised. His attitude toward Tess shifted, and his tone became noticeably more respectful.
¡°Those are some rare documents Mrs. Larson left for you. Most of them are iplete manuscripts,¡± he exined.
¡°Rare documents?¡± Tess repeated, a little confused, but her feet were already moving toward the shelves.
As she scanned the shelves, her eyes widened.
She had always known that Gillian wasn¡¯t just a wealthy socialite; she was also a world- renowned pianist.
And now, here in front of her, were the handwritten scores and lyrics of many of history¡¯s greatest musicians.
Tess couldn¡¯t believe it. Her fingers itched to start flipping through them.
She was raised by Gillian, who taught her everything from a young age.
Most people only knew about her achievements inw, but few realized she was also well-
$44
Chapter 121 Targeting Her
versed in music and medicine.
She slowly moved past the first bookshelf, then stopped at the second.
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Just as she suspected, the second shelf wasn¡¯t about music. It was filled with case files from Lock Group¡¯s most notorious cases, rare paintings from across the world, and ancient medical texts that were nearly impossible to find anymore.
By the time she finished looking through both shelves, Tess¡¯s chest was tight with emotion.
The real treasure in this room wasn¡¯t the jewelry or the estates¨Cit was these books and manuscripts.
Any one of them could sell for an astronomical price at auction.
Tess forced herself to steady her breathing and keep her expression calm.
¡°How secure is this room?¡± she asked, her tone serious.
The staff member was caught off guard. Hardly anyone ever asked that. But he answered with confidence, ¡°This is protected with military¨Cgrade security. The lock on the door uses ssified technology.¡±
He patted his chest as if to swear on it, and Tess finally let herself rx a little.
¡°Can you keep everything in here under your custody for now? I¡¯ll pay the storage fees.¡±
The staff member was surprised but nodded. ¡°Of course. That won¡¯t be a problem.¡±
Usually, when someone inherited something like this, they couldn¡¯t wait to take it all home right away.
He couldn¡¯t help but nce at Tess again. She wasn¡¯t like anyone else he¡¯d met.
By the time Tess left the building, the new bank card she had set up earlier had already been credited with a few million dors.
Before applying for the new card, she had checked her old ounts. Everything had been unfrozen.
She transferred the remaining funds from her old card into the new one and then discarded the old cardpletely.
Because the new card had just been issued, even with identity verification,rge transfers couldn¡¯t go through all at once. The funds would have to be deposited in phases.
Chapter 121 Targeting Her
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Still, having a few million dors in liquid assets on hand made Tess feel a lot more at ease.
But just as she stepped out to the side of the road to hail a cab, a shy pink Maserati came screeching up and blocked her path.
Tess¡¯s heart jumped. She held La close and quickly took a few steps back.
But the car didn¡¯t move. It stayed right there, deliberately blocking her.
That kind of move was too familiar. Tess stopped walking.
This was no coincidence. She knew someone was targeting her.
The car door opened, and a pair of long, slender legs stepped out.
It was Nadine. She stood in front of Tess and locked eyes with her, staring her down.
Tess narrowed her eyes.
¡°How much did she leave you?¡±
Nadine¡¯s tone was sharp, like an interrogation.
Tess¡¯s gaze shifted slightly, and her eyes were wary. ¡°And how is that any of your business? Your name wasn¡¯t mentioned in the will. I don¡¯t owe you an exnation.
¡°Now, get out of my way.¡±
Her tone was firm, firmly putting Nadine in her ce.
Nadine was caught off guard for a moment.
Then, her wless face twisted into something darker.
She crossed her arms and let out a coldugh. ¡°Tess, what¡¯s this? Got a little inheritance and now, you think you¡¯re better than everyone else? Did you forget you¡¯re still an ex¨Ccon?¡±
The moment those words came out, the people nearby who had been quietly watching all turned their heads to look at Tess more carefully.
They couldn¡¯t believe that a young, kind¨Clooking woman like Tess had been to prison.
¡°Wow, you really can¡¯t judge a book by its cover.¡±
Murmurs and whispers started rippling through the crowd.
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Chapter 121 Targeting Her
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Nadine kept her eyes locked on Tess, waiting to see her break¨Cfor shame or anger to sh across her face.
But Tess stayed calm. Her expression didn¡¯t change at all, as if she couldn¡¯t hear a word of the mockery around her.
That only made Nadine more irritated.
¡°Tess, who are you putting on an act for? We grew up together. I know you better than anyone. You think keeping a straight face hides how low and pathetic you are?¡±
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Chapter 122 Completely Ignored
Chapter 122 Completely Ignored
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Nadine took a step forward and dug her sharp nails into Tess¡¯s face, nearly jabbing into her
eyes.
But Tess didn¡¯t flinch. Her cold, steady eyes stared straight at Nadine, as if silently mocking her.
Nadine¡¯s nerves tightened, and her eyes suddenly turned red with rage.
She lifted her hand, ready to p Tess across the face.
But before her palm couldnd, arge hand caught her wrist in midair and mped down hard.
¡°Miss, this is a public ce. What exactly do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±
The man¡¯s voice was low and calm, but there was a chilling edge beneath it that made people instinctively uneasy.
Nadine froze, startled.
In that brief moment of hesitation, Tess seized the chance. She raised her hand and pped Nadine hard across the face.
The p was brutal, making Nadine¡¯s head whip to the side.
This time, she wasn¡¯t just startled; she was dizzy. Her mind went nk, and she couldn¡¯t recover right away.
Her vision was still spinning when Tess¡¯s sharp voice sliced straight into her ears like needles.
¡°Nadine, don¡¯t mess with me. We haven¡¯t even settled the score for everything you¡¯ve done, and you¡¯re already so eager to throw yourself at me again?¡±
As she spoke, Tess grabbed Nadine¡¯s face, forcing her to look at her.
Nadine¡¯s eyes helplessly.
widened in panic, but she couldn¡¯t break free. She could only re at Tess
¡°I¡¯m no longer part of the Embers. And without that name over my head, I don¡¯t have to care about the Embers¡® reputation anymore. From now on, I won¡¯t go easy on you,¡± Tess said coldly.
Tess smiled, but there was no warmth in it. Her eyes were filled with dangerous malice.
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Chapter 122 Completely Ignored
Nadine was genuinely shaken. Fresh chapters posted on find[?]ovel
This wasn¡¯t the Tess she used to know.
¡°What are you doing?¡±
::.
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A familiar voice suddenly cut through the tension. It was Finn. To Nadine, it sounded like salvation.
Her eyes widened, filling with tears in an instant. She cried out, ¡°Finn!¡±
She looked toward him with a pitiful, pleading gaze, her expression full of fear and helplessness.
But Finn didn¡¯t move toward her. He stood where he was, his eyes focused on Tess instead.
His features were sharp and deep. Under the scorching noontime sun, his expression looked even colder, like there was frost hanging around him despite the heat.
Some people in the crowd recognized him and immediately went silent. The gossiping stopped as the whole area grew still.
But Tess acted like she didn¡¯t even notice Finn¡¯s stare. She kept gripping Nadine¡¯s face tightly, her hand unmoving until Nadine¡¯s tears finally dripped onto her skin.
¡°Finn, help me!¡± Nadine sobbed, her tearful eyes locked on him. ¡°I just asked about Grandma¡¯s inheritance, and Tess hit me out of nowhere!¡±
Finn¡¯s cold eyes flickered slightly, and for the first time, he took a step forward. He came closer, stopping right in front of the two women.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
His voice was low and smooth, but there was no hint that he intended to stand up for Nadine. If anything, he sounded like a man who¡¯d happily help his wife do something ruthless.
Tess hadn¡¯t wanted to look at Finn at all. But when his soft, almost gentle tone reached her ears, it sent chills all over her body.
She immediately let go of Nadine¡¯s face and took a few steps back, instinctively putting some distance between herself and Finn.
Noticing Tess¡¯s reaction, Abel stepped forward and positioned himself right in front of her, shielding herpletely.
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Chapter 122 Completely Ignored
Finn¡¯s gaze shifted to Abel.
His sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
4
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Abel spoke, his tone still polite but his stance protective. ¡°Uncle Finn, so you two know each other?¡±
His words were respectful, but his tall frame didn¡¯t budge. He stood like a wall in front of Tess.
With hisrge shadow covering Tess, she suddenly felt a little safer.
But the moment Abel said those words, Tess¡¯s whole body went stiff. Her eyes widened as she stared nkly at the two of them.
Uncle Finn?
Abel is Finn¡¯s nephew?
Finn noticed her shock. He realized Tess had no idea about his rtionship with Abel. And clearly, Abel also didn¡¯t know that the woman he was protecting right now was Finn¡¯s wife.
A strange frustration bubbled up in Finn¡¯s chest. He rubbed his brow, annoyed. ¡°There are too many people around. I¡¯ve asked Zane to book a nearby caf¨¦. Let¡¯s go there and talk,¡± he said.
Their gazes kept shifting between one another. In the back¨Cand¨Cforth, they seemed to havepletely forgotten about Nadine standing off to the side.
Nadine stared at the three of them in disbelief. Finn was looking at Tess over Abel¡¯s shoulder. Abel, who had addressed Finn as ¡°Uncle Finn¡°, still refused to move out of the way. His arms were spread slightly as he stood protectively in front of Tess like she was some priceless
treasure.
Nadine¡¯s lips trembled. She couldn¡¯t ept being sopletely ignored.
Clenching her teeth, she suddenly stepped in between the three of them, blocking their path.
Her sudden, sharp movement immediately drew their attention. All three turned to look at her, frowning.
The weight of their stares made Nadine¡¯s hands tremble. Only then did she realize what she had just done.
Keepsake 123
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Besides the three of them, the surrounding crowd was still watching, curious to see what Nadine would do next.
Her face flushed red, but she had no way out now. Forcing herself to put on a brave smile, she tried to defuse the situation. ¡°Finn, didn¡¯t you say you were going to the office today to review some documents? This was just a minor misunderstanding. There¡¯s no need to make a big deal out of it.¡±
Her heart was pounding, but she still tried to reach for Finn¡¯s arm. The moment her fingers got close, she froze. His icy aura made her instinctively pull her hand back.
¡°No need, huh?¡±
Abel spoke upzily, brushing the loose strands of hair from his forehead. His tone sounded casual, but his eyes were sharp and unreadable.
With his arms crossed, he let out a coldugh. ¡°I know who you are.
¡°You¡¯re Nadine, right? Uncle Finn¡¯s legal counsel at thepany?¡±
Abel tapped his chin as he said her name aloud.
His tone gave nothing away, but Nadine still felt a wave of relief.
After all, he had called Finn ¡°Uncle¡± and Finn hadn¡¯t denied it. Maybe they were family. She could use this connection to get some goodwill from people in Lock Group.
Over the past year when Tess was in prison, Nadine had be the woman closest to Finn, but she¡¯d never once met any of his family.
Now that she had, Nadine straightened her back and made sure to present her best side.
She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her smile sweet but her eyes shing with pride. ¡°I¡¯m Nadine Ember,¡± she said, her tone soft. She was trying to y up her charm.
Abel looked at her with a strange glint in his eyes. His expression shifted subtly, but it was hard to tell what he was thinking.
¡°I also heard you¡¯re one of the topwyers in Aetheris now?¡± he added.
¡°I don¡¯t dare im that,¡± Nadine replied modestly.
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Chapter 123 Humiliated
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Abel gave a faint smirk. ¡°Then tell me¡ If someone insults, attacks, and spreads lies about another person in public, and the victim insists on pressing charges, what do you think should happen to the perpetrator?¡±
His voice was slow and calm, but his gaze was locked on Nadine like a hawk.
His long, narrow eyes focused sharply, the light in them cold enough to make anyone shiver.
Nadine froze, her lips parting slightly, but no sound came out. Her face drained of color.
She wasn¡¯t stupid.
She knew exactly who Abel was talking about. This was all directed at her for what she¡¯d just done to Tess.
The air turned so still it felt suffocating. No one dared to speak.
After a long moment, Abel chuckled softly, breaking the silence. ¡°So ¡ you¡¯re supposed to be Lock Group¡¯s lead attorney, aren¡¯t you? Can¡¯t you even answer a simple question like that?¡±
He nced over at Finn with a mocking smile. ¡°Uncle Finn, does yourpany not have any hiring standards anymore? Are you just letting anyone in now?¡±
The crowd sucked in a collective breath.
Most of the onlookers had already figured out who these people were. Three of the four standing here were major figures. And Abel, being Finn¡¯s nephew, came from wealth and power, too.
But this was Aetheris, and Finn was the city¡¯s most powerful man. Even if it was his family member, calling out Nadine like this in front of so many people was practically a p in Finn¡¯s face.
People stole nervous nces at Finn, waiting to see how he would react.
But Finn remained calm with his lips pressed together. He was silent.
Nadine¡¯s heart dropped.
She kept sending Finn desperate looks, begging for help with her eyes. But he didn¡¯t move or respond. In the end, she gave up.
Her mind shed back to that night at the auction when Finn had invited Tess as his date. Nadine¡¯s hands slowly curled into fists beneath her sleeves. Jealousy and bitterness burned in Read full story at f?ndnovel
18:51 Sat, Sep 27
Chapter 123 Humiliated
her chest, so sharp it almost made her dizzy.
Why?
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Tess has already cut ties with the Embers. She isn¡¯t even considered a proper socialite anymore, so why do all these powerful men still flock to her?
I¡¯m being humiliated right to my face, yet all I can do is stand here alone, enduring the mockery and
sarcasm.
Nadine could see it now¨CFinn was siding with Tess.
What made it worse was the way the crowd stared at her. They didn¡¯t dare look too long at Finn, so they focused on her instead. And when they realized Finn wasn¡¯t stepping in to protect her, which was unlike the rumors being spread around, their gazes became bold, curious, and merciless.
Her cheeks burned. She regretted evering here today. All she had done was make herself a :
With Abel no longer blocking her, Nadine immediately got bolder. ¡°Tess, what do you think you¡¯re doing? You hit me first! I haven¡¯t even started holding you ountable yet. Why are you making things so difficult for me?¡±
Her lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face.
Nadine¡¯s delicate features always made her look pitiful, and now that she was crying, it stirred up the crowd¡¯s emotions.
¡°Yeah! We all saw it¨CTess hit Ms. Nadine first!¡±
Someone spoke up, and others quickly chimed in.
But Tess showed no fear in the face of their usations.
She gently stroked La¡¯s tiny hand, but her expression stayed icy cold. ¡°Nadine made the first move. I was just defending myself. Before you pick sides, maybe you should figure out what happened. If you don¡¯t know the full story, you¡¯re better off staying out of it. Otherwise, you¡¯ll just be used.¡±
She said it calmly but sharply, then tapped Abel¡¯s arm and pointed up at the surveince cameras. ¡°There¡¯s my witness, and there¡¯s the evidence.¡±
Abel, standing behind Tess, raised an eyebrow with interest. His bright eyes never left her.
Ever since he ran into Tess again, she¡¯d always acted polite and gentle, like a soft little rabbit trying to hide her pain.
But now, this rabbit had ws¨Cand she wasn¡¯t afraid to use them.
Abel, who loomed over her with his tall stature, finally saw her for who she was. She wasn¡¯t a rabbit at all; she was an eagle.
His gaze burned hotter.
This just confirmed he¡¯d chosen the right person.
Tess¡¯s words were clear and sharp. Nadine¡¯s face went pale. Her lips moved, but no words came
out.
The crowd noticed that too, and slowly, the tide began to turn.
Chapter 124 Thunderp
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¡°I was just shopping nearby, I did see Ms. Nadine try to hit Tess first. It was Mr. Lock¡¯s nephew who stopped her.¡±
¡°Wow¡ I didn¡¯t think Ms. Nadine was that kind of person.¡±
Whispers spread through the crowd, and Nadine¡¯s face turned ghostly white.
¡°You¡¯re all talking about me trying to hit her, but you don¡¯t even know why!¡± Nadine suddenly shouted, her voice hoarse.
Her outburst made the crowd go quiet for a moment.
Their eyes darted around until someone cautiously spoke up.
¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true. From what we¡¯ve heard, Ms. Nadine has always been Mr. Lock¡¯s favorite. Why would she hit someone for no reason? Maybe Tess did something to push her too far?¡±
More people nodded in agreement.
¡°Could be. Let¡¯s not forget Tess is an ex¨Ccon. She¡¯s been to prison. How much can you trust someone like that?¡±
The rumors started flying again. Then, from somewhere in the back, a voice called out, ¡°Ms. Nadine! Just tell us what happened! We¡¯re willing to hear you out!¡±
In a sh, the crowd that had just been scolding Nadine switched sides.
Tess narrowed her eyes, but she wasn¡¯t surprised.
She¡¯d already been through the worst life could throw at her. A few people whispering behind her back didn¡¯t matter anymore. Compared to everything else she¡¯d suffered, this was nothing.
Hands shot into the air, with people eagerly calling out, demanding Nadine tell her side of the
story.
Even Abel, who had just been standingzily to the side, suddenly straightened up. He nced down at Tess, worried for a second.
But Tess didn¡¯t even blink. She just stood there quietly, watching the scene unfold.
That put Abel at ease.
This woman was exactly who he thought she was.
Chapter 124 Thunderp
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¡°I was just shopping nearby. I did see Ms. Nadine try to hit Tess first. It was Mr. Lock¡¯s nephew who stopped her.¡±
¡°Wow¡ I didn¡¯t think Ms. Nadine was that kind of
person.¡±
Whispers spread through the crowd, and Nadine¡¯s face turned ghostly white.
¡°You¡¯re all talking about me trying to hit her, but you don¡¯t even know why!¡± Nadine suddenly shouted, her voice hoarse.
Her outburst made the crowd go quiet for a moment.
Their eyes
darted around until someone cautiously spoke up.
¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true. From what we¡¯ve heard, Ms. Nadine has always been Mr. Lock¡¯s favorite. Why would she hit someone for no reason? Maybe Tess did something to push her too far?¡±
More people nodded in agreement.
¡°Could be. Let¡¯s not forget Tess is an ex¨Ccon. She¡¯s been to prison. How much can you trust someone like that?¡±
The rumors started flying again. Then, from somewhere in the back, a voice called out, ¡°Ms. Nadine! Just tell us what happened! We¡¯re willing to hear you out!¡±
In a sh, the crowd that had just been scolding Nadine switched sides.
Tess narrowed her eyes, but she wasn¡¯t surprised.
She¡¯d already been through the worst life could throw at her. A few people whispering behind her back didn¡¯t matter anymore. Compared to everything else she¡¯d suffered, this was nothing.
Hands shot into the air, with people eagerly calling out, demanding Nadine tell her side of the story.
Even Abel, who had just been standingzily to the side, suddenly straightened up. He nced down at Tess, worried for a second.
But Tess didn¡¯t even blink. She just stood there quietly, watching the scene unfold.
That put Abel at ease.
This woman was exactly who he thought she was.
18:51 Sat, Sep 27 Find the newest release on find~novel
Chapter 124 Thunderp
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His lips curled into a smile before he rxed back against the wall, his posture casual again.
To the crowd, his rxed stance looked like silent support for Tess.
Seeing that the people around her were starting to side with her again, Nadine¡¯s eyes lit up with hope.
She let her brows furrow, her lips trembling as tears welled up in her eyes again. ¡°Tess ¡ I didn¡¯t want to say this, but you¡¯ve left me no choice! You¡¯ve hurt me too much!¡±
She put on an expression of reluctance, like she¡¯d been forced into this confession.
Tess¡¯s eyes narrowed.
Then, Nadine suddenly pointed straight at Abel.
Abel raised an eyebrow, his expression still calm. Even his eyes held no emotion.
¡°Tess is my sister. As her little sister, of course, I don¡¯t want to see her make the same mistakes and end up on the wrong side of thew again.¡±
The crowd perked up at that.
Wait¡ this isn¡¯t just some petty drama anymore. Is this about something illegal?
Confusion spread across their faces.
But Nadine didn¡¯t stop there.
¡°Everyone knows Tess went to prison before, right? She got caught stealingpany secrets. Even after that, Finn was still willing to pick her up from prison himself. He never once mentioned divorce, so they¡¯re still legally married.¡±
Her voice rose, and her words mmed into the crowd like a thunderp.
People didn¡¯t immediately react to the morality of it all. Their first instinct was to nce, almost instinctively, at Abel. His face stayed expressionless.
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Chapter 125 He is Mr Lock¡¯s Nephew
Didn¡¯t this guy just say he¡¯s Mr. Lock¡¯s nephew?
So this is a case of¡ the nephew stealing his uncle¡¯s woman?
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Such a shocking scandal left everyone stunned, their minds reeling as they found themselves oddly impressed by Abel¡¯s boldness.
Tess narrowed her eyes slightly as she listened to Nadine¡¯s outburst, her expression unreadable.
¡°I never knew that besides stirring up drama, you also had a knack for making up rumors.¡±
She sneered coldly, clearly unfazed by Nadine¡¯s earlier usation.
Her indifference made those around her begin to second¨Cguess what they¡¯d just heard.
Finn was the richest man in Aetheris. On top of that, he was young, aplished, and ridiculously good¨Clooking. Honestly, they couldn¡¯t fathom how someone could marry a man like him and still want to cheat on him.
With that in mind, their eyes shifted andnded on Abel.
But this man who imed to be Finn¡¯s nephew¡ With those alluring eyes and striking features, he carried an effortless kind of elegance. He was a total catch, too.
Their gazes moved between the two of them, and in the end, they could only draw one conclusion¨CTess really was one lucky woman!
As Tess noticed the onlookers¡® expressions gradually shifting into admiration, a smile tugged faintly at the corner of her lips.
¡°This is Abel, Finn¡¯s nephew. He had just arrived in Aetheris back then. As his uncle¡¯s wife, isn¡¯t it natural for me to take a little extra care of him?¡±
Tess spoke slowly, her tone calm.
¡°Exactly. Mr. Lock is so busy. Having Tess fulfill her role as his wife and look after his nephew¡ makes perfect sense, doesn¡¯t it?¡±
¡°You¡¯re lying! Finn holds immense power and has countless staff members in his vi. As his wife, why would you need to care for Abel personally? You¡¯re obviously making things up! The two of you were already involved¨Clong before you ever knew he was Finn¡¯s nephew!¡±
Chapter 125 He is Mr Lock¡¯s Nephew
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Nadine wasn¡¯t about to let Tess twist the whole situation with a few words. Her eyes widened in fury as she snapped back, her eyes bloodshot.
A strange glint flickered through Tess¡¯s eyes, but she pushed it back down.
She was indeed making a weak argument. But whether she had met Abel before or after knowing he was Finn¡¯s nephew, Nadine had no way to prove it.
In the end, all she could do wassh out in frustration, her words slipping into thoughtless rambling.
Just as Tess had predicted, Nadine still wanted to say something, but Finn was already rubbing his temples, signaling for Zane to take her away.
When her wrist was restrained, Nadine was still in a daze.
She didn¡¯t understand why Finn seemed so different from before. He had watched the whole thing with cold detachment.
Where was the Finn who used to panic the moment she got hurt? Where did that man go?
As Nadine was dragged away, she no longer kept her eyes locked on Tess. Instead, she stared at Finn with a look of raw unwillingness.
But Finn didn¡¯t spare her so much as a nce.
He simply turned his back on her, cutting her off from his sightpletely.
He came to a stop in front of Tess.
His long, darkshes fluttered, then lowered to shield the deep emotion in his something to say to you. Abel, you should join us, too.¡±
¡°I have eyes.
Tess looked up at him, her expression unreadable.
When Nadine hurled usations at her, he hadn¡¯t said anything¨Cnot even a single word.
But the moment she fired back with a few retorts, he hurriedly told Zane to take Nadine away. Finn, just how much do you love Nadine? How far are you willing to go to protect her?
After getting out of prison, there were a few times when Finn¡¯s odd behavior made her start to see him differently. But every time, that impression was always quickly shattered.
Just like now.
Chapter 125 He is Mr Lock¡¯s Nephew
¡°Is there really anything left to talk about between us?¡±
Tess shot back coldly, not even willing to spare him a nce.
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Finn stared nkly at Tess¡¯s distant expression. He couldn¡¯t describe the feeling in his chest. It was dry, choking, and suffocating, making it hard to breathe.
Their gazes shed in midair¨Chis full of bleak sorrow, hers frosted with indifference.
In the end, it was Abel who stood up and ced himself between them.
His tall figure stood between the two as he said, ¡°Uncle Finn, that won¡¯t be necessary. If there¡¯s anything she needs to know, I¡¯ll tell her.
¡°We¡¯ve got things to take care of. We¡¯ll take our leave now.¡±
Tess blinked quickly but said nothing. Instead, she followed Abel into his car without hesitation.
Her figure disappeared swiftly, without the slightest trace of hesitation.
Finn¡¯s hand involuntarily clutched his chest, but he was unable to stop the stabbing pain in his heart.
He didn¡¯t know why, but the once¨Cobedient Tess who used to follow him so devotedly ¡ now seemed so far out of reach.
Standing off to the side was Zane, who couldn¡¯t bear to watch any longer. After sending Nadine away, he hurried forward to disperse the crowd.
The drama between the four had ended with Finn left standing alone. No one dared gossip about Aetheris¡¯s richest man, so the crowd quickly dispersed.
¡°Mr. Lock, are we still heading to the file room?¡±
Zane reminded Finn softly.
Finn¡¯sshes quivered in a daze. When he lifted his eyes again, they had regained their rity.
¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±
He took long strides and got into the car.
Zane followed closely behind, sighing quietly. As a bystander, he had seen everything clearly.
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Chapter 125 He is Mr Lock¡¯s Nephew
Ever since he joined thepany, he had been serving by Finn¡¯s side.
He had seen for himself the way Finn treated Tessa.
800 Original content can be found at find?novel
Finn had always ignored her. Every now and then, he¡¯d be drawn to her for a moment, but he usually snapped out of it quickly.
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Chapter 126 Have We Met Before?
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But now, as Zane watched Finn¡¯s behavior grow increasingly out of character, he knew that Finn wouldn¡¯t be snapping out of it anytime soon.
Zane let out a heavy sigh and strode after Finn.
Once the street was finally cleared, a hidden figure slowly emerged from the shadows.
Max¡¯s eyes settled on the two cars heading off in different directions¨Cone with Finn, the other with Abel. His eyes held a quiet storm.
Finn¡¯s nephew, huh?
He thought of how Abel had shielded Tess. He ran a hand along his jaw, and his
gaze
darkened.
The
way Abel had looked at Tess¨Cthat was not the gaze a nephew should have when looking at his uncle¡¯s wife.
Max frowned. A knot of confusion tightened in his chest, heavy as stone.
Dealing with Finn alone was already a headache¡ Why did Abel have to show up now?
Tess, oh Tess¡
Max rubbed the calloused tips of his fingers, lingering for a long moment before finally turning to leave.
Meanwhile, Abel sat beside Tess in his car, eyeing her nervously. She sat in silence with her lips pressed tightly together, and his heart gave a subtle, uneasy quiver.
The stillness inside the car felt unusually heavy, making even his own space feel constricting.
Eventually, Abel couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and spoke, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?¡±
As he spoke, he reached out to touch Tess¡¯s forehead, worry etched in his expression.
But she flinched ever so slightly, avoiding his hand.
When his palmnded on nothing but air, a flicker of confusion shed through Abel¡¯s eyes before he lowered his head in defeat.
¡°Tess, do you me me?¡±
Chapter 126 Have We Met Before?]
Hearing him call her name made her heart skip a beat.
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She looked up in surprise, meeting Abel¡¯s deep, unfathomable eyes.
There was a storm of emotion inside them, tangled and unreadable.
Just one nce and Tess felt as if she¡¯d been caught in a giant invisible, unable to move. ¡°Abel, have we met before?¡±
She asked, her voice low and uncertain, as if the words had slipped out of their own ord.
It sounded like a question, but her tone leaned closer to a statement.
When she realized what she had said, even she was caught off guard.
But Abel¡¯s eyes lit up at those words. His pupils gleamed like stars shining in the night sky.
He surged forward in a rush of emotion, trying to grasp her hands. ¡°Tess, did something?
¡°It¡¯s me! Take a good look at me!¡±
His gaze burned with hope, fixing on her like a man searching for a miracle. ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? Find~Novel
But his sudden movement startled her, and she instinctively leaned back.
you remember
As the faint scent that had lingered between them suddenly vanished, Abel¡¯s hand froze awkwardly in midair.
¡°What do you mean?¡±
Tess frowned, wariness creeping into her eyes.
Am I supposed to remember something? Or did he mistake me for someone else?
At that moment, Tess couldn¡¯t help but recall a few over¨Cthe¨Ctop twists in melodramatic romance novels.
The thought made her nce sideways at Abel, and the earlier tension within her quietly melted away.
When Abel met Tess¡¯s suspicious gaze, he felt like a sharp w had gripped his chest. Her guarded and distant look stirred a cold sense of disappointment in him.
s
¡°Nothing.¡±
He chose to swallow what he was about to say and forced a smile.
The atmosphere inside the car shifted, and the air grew heavy.
Tess looked at Abel¡¯s downcast profile. Her lips parted slightly, then closed again. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to speak what was on her mind.
A strange stillness settled between them, and the car came to a quiet stop.
It was only then that Tess realized she had gotten into Abel¡¯s car to avoid Finn ¡ but she had never asked where they were going.
Abel opened the car door and held out his hand to her. ¡°Get out and take a look.¡±
Tess frowned and instinctively looked down at her arms.
La¡¯s eyes shimmered like a gxy full of stars. Curiosity spilled from her as she craned her head toward the open door.
After hesitating for a moment, Tess decided to get out.
After all, when she nced out the window, all she saw was a long road, trees, and thick bushes. It looked like the middle of nowhere.
Yet strangely, she felt no fear in her heart. She couldn¡¯t exin it, but even though she barely knew Abel, she didn¡¯t feel wary or afraid of him. In fact, it was as if something inside her was subtly drawn to him.
Could it be that ¡ she really had forgotten something? Had she known Abel all along?
Tess kept her expression nk, hiding her confusion.
She avoided Abel¡¯s outstretched hand, bent down with La in her arms, and stepped out of the car.
Once she stepped out, the view opened up at once. Only then did she see the car had stopped in front of a deste¨Clooking vi.
It was eerily quiet around them. Not even the sound of wind could be heard, making the ce feel all the more deserted.
Following Abel¡¯s lead, she stepped into the vi. When the wall lights came on, she saw the hallway lined with rows of entric, intricate paintings.
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Chapter 126 Have We Met Before?
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Tess frowned deeply. The further in they walked, the more paintings she saw, until she finally stopped in front of thest one.
¡°Tess, do you know why I came to Aetheris?¡±
Abel¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, as if he¡¯d already sunk into a memory long buried.
¡°Why?¡±
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Tess responded with a matching question, going along with the moment. By now, she had even grown used to the way Abel addressed her.
Unlike the disgust she felt whenever Max used the same name for her, she found herself unusually patient with Abel.
She liked to think of herself as someone who didn¡¯t meddle in other people¡¯s business, and yet at this moment, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Abel hade to Aetheris in the first ce.
¡°You think these paintings are any good?¡±
Abel didn¡¯t answer directly. His fingers pressed against the wall, then slowly moved to the framed painting.
The works were highly distinctive, drawn with gentle strokes that outlined simple yet intricate shapes. Just a few brushstrokes brought the scenes vividly to life¨Cproof of the artist¡¯s remarkable skill.
But Tess¡¯s eyes were drawn to a signature in the corner.
Tessandina?
Her gaze shifted, and she pointed at it. ¡°Is that the artist¡¯s name?¡±
Abel raised his eyebrows, neither confirming nor denying. ¡°I came here for her.¡±
Tess didn¡¯t quite understand, but Abel seemed so immersed that she didn¡¯t interrupt him.
Tessandina¡
She mouthed the name under her breath. There was something oddly familiar about it, yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t ce it.
¡°I¡¯ll have Yannick drive you home.¡± Yannick Davies was his driver.
Abel seemed to snap out of his thoughts.
Tess looked straight at him. His expression was sincere. It was a genuine offer.
She nced toward the corridor that led to a bend ahead. The walls were pristine white, yet a shadow clung faintly to the surface.
Chapter 127 Are You Heading Somewhere?
Something about this vi felt strange.
But since Abel had spoken about sending her home, she didn¡¯t refuse.
La, on the other hand, looked somewhat disappointed.
In the end, Tess left in a daze, choosing to get into Yannick¡¯s car.
Only when the trail of exhaust smoke faded into the distance did Abel retract his gaze.
He turned, his eyes falling on a slightly disordered room.
His long, darkshes lowered, hiding the shadows deep in his eyes.
s
The man who had always seemed radiant and warm was now wrapped in an icy chill, as if his whole being had frozen over.
Ever since Tess stepped into the vi, he had been quietly observing every shift in her expression.
He hadn¡¯t missed the flickers of confusion, the thoughtful silence, or the look of quiet bewilderment on her face.
Abel¡¯s hand slowly moved to the sculpture on the table, feeling its delicate lines and the refined curve of its nose¡
Beneath his palm was a statue that bore an uncanny resemnce to Tess.
He withdrew his hand slowly and took a few steps back.
The room was packed and messy, filled with clutter.
He let out a sigh.
He hadn¡¯t even been in Aetheris long, yet he had already carved so many statues that resembled her.
Abel pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the emotions that churned wildly inside him.
Meanwhile, Tess had already told Yannick to drive her back to Evermount Vi.
Before receiving Gillian¡¯s inheritance, her life had been a mess, and she was gued by anxiety and fear.
Now, at least she could finally move to a new ce with La.
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After all, she had made up her mind to divorce Finn. Continuing to live under the same roof with him simply wasn¡¯t an option anymore.
Tess ced La gently on the bed, then began packing without a moment¡¯s hesitation.
Even as her hands worked steadily, her mind wandered to that brief run¨Cin with Maria at the supermarket.
No wonder something had felt off ever since she returned to Evermount Vi¨Clike something was missing. She¡¯d been living here for almost a week and hadn¡¯t seen Maria once. It turned out Finn had kicked her out long ago.
Tess instinctively recalled the past and how she had begged Maria after being released from prison. She started packing even faster.
She left without a hint of reluctance. She didn¡¯t take any of the clothing or jewelry Finn had prepared for her and La, nor did she leave behind any of her own belongings.
Tess clutched La with one arm and dragged a suitcase behind her, stopping directly at the vi¡¯s gate and waiting for it to open.
The security guard was startled to see her all packed up, but knowing who she was, he didn¡¯t dare stop
her. Instead, he tried to politely stall her. ¡°Mrs. Lock, where are you going?
¡°Do you need me to get a driver for you?
¡°Why are you carrying a suitcase? I can get one of the house staff to help you with that.¡±
He kept talking, all while subtly positioning his body to block her exit.
Tess came to a halt, visibly annoyed. She shot him a cold stare.
The guard stiffened, his lips pressed together as a bead of cold sweat trickled down his temple.
Once he stopped moving, Tess resumed walking, pulling her suitcase past him. She left the vi without hesitation and got into the taxi that had been waiting outside.
She had made it clear to Finn from the start¨Cone of the terms was that no one was to question her whereabouts. Every staff member working at Evermount Vi had been instructed ordingly.
As he watched the car speed away, the guard quickly reached for his phone to call Finn.
But no one answered. The call simply rang until it disconnected automatically.
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Panic and dread surged in the guard¡¯s chest. After calling several more times and still getting nothing, he braced himself and dialed Zane¡¯s private number.
Meanwhile, deep in Lock Tower¡¯s restricted file room, a loud ringtone suddenly shattered the silence.
The sudden vibration in his pocket made Zane jump. He quickly pulled out his phone and silenced it.
Finn, who had been flipping through documents, paused mid¨Cmotion. His brows drew together in
lenced it.
Finn, who had been flipping through documents, paused mid¨Cmotion. His brows drew together in irritation as he looked over at Zane.
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Zane looked at Finn with an apologetic expression, then nced at the screen with a frown.
A call from Evermount Vi? Has something happened?
Zane felt a bit puzzled, but after a moment¡¯s thought, he silenced the call.
Evermount Vi was equipped with a top¨Ctier home security system, so it couldn¡¯t be a dangerous emergency like a fire. If it wasn¡¯t that, then everything else could wait, as what was in front of him was more important.
Zane pondered for a moment. Then, after silencing his phone, he went back into the file room.
He was unaware that the guard, whose call had been disconnected, had a doomed expression on his face.
¡°Why did he decline my call?¡±
The guard looked once more in the direction Tess had departed, and now, there wasn¡¯t even a trace of the car to be seen!
He pped his thigh, his face full of regret.
Rules are for guidance, not dictation. I really ought to be more adaptable in how I tackle this. Now look at what I¡¯ve done!
I should have stopped Mrs. Lock first!
The guard paced anxiously, the memory of the vi¡¯s chaos a few months ago resurfacing in his mind.
Back then, Finn personally went to pick up Tess. But Tess had left the prison alone and returned to the vi first.
When Finn discovered that Maria had helped Tess conceal her whereabouts, he flew into a rage and punished her severely. Even when Maria revealed Tessa¡¯s whereabouts to Finnter, she was still fired and expelled from the vi.
Remembering the previous incident, the guard shivered for a moment. Not even bothering with his duties, he immediately hailed a taxi and headed to Lock Group.
Finn was unaware Tess had already departed from Evermount Vi, remaining fully absorbed
in the files in his hands.
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Chapter 128 I¡¯m Resigning From Lock Group
Zane was also helping him go through the files, and on the table was the half¨Cdamaged scroll Charles had previously given Finn.
Knock, knock!
Suddenly, knocks came from outside the file room.
Finn and Zane exchanged a nce. Zane arched a brow, suppressing the unease rising in his chest as he walked over to open the door.
As the elegant red wooden door swung open, there stood Charles.
Zane¡¯s expression shifted when he saw who it was.
They hadn¡¯t seen each other in barely a month, yet Charles looked like a different man.
His brows were drawn low, shrouding the brightness that once defined his eyes. Now, they were murky and unreadable. His whole aura was like a de dulled by wear.
¡°Come with me.¡±
Zane kept his voice low.
Charles¡¯s lips parted slightly, but he moved to follow without a word.
Finn sat down on the nearest wooden chair. As he looked at Charles, he tapped the table, signaling him to sit and speak.
Charles didn¡¯t hesitate and sat on the seat Zane had pulled out for him.
¡°What exactly do you know about the incident from a year ago?¡±
Finn got straight to the point. His knuckles tapped the tabletop at a steady rhythm, each tapnding squarely in Charles¡¯s chest¨Clike the light drizzle from that day a year ago.
Charles lowered hisshes, though there was a hint of mocking behind his silence.
His eyes fell instinctively on the half¨Cdamaged scroll lying on the table¨Cthe very one he had
delivered.
Back then, he had devoted everything to trying to overturn Tess¡¯s case. He had even used his position to secretly search for anything that could support a retrial.
He knew what kind of person Tess was¨Cand how she felt about Finn.
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Lock Group was thergest business conglomerate in Aetheris. With a name like that, few dared to cross them. That was why the legal department of Lock Group had always been more symbolic than functional. The title of ¡°head of the legal department¡± might sound impressive, but for Tess, it was a position she reluctantly took for Finn¡¯s sake.
Tess stealing Lock Group¡¯s business secrets?
I don¡¯t believe it, yet Mr. Lock actually does.
¡°Mr. Lock, are you trying to clear Tess¡¯s name, or are you aiming to catch the real culprit and bring them to justice?¡±
Charles looked up, his eyes calm and clear like freshly fallen snow on a winter¡¯s day.
Finn¡¯s fingers froze in ce. His gaze flickered for a moment, then settled coldly on Charles. ¡°You just need to tell me what know.¡±
you
Charles answered while shaking his head, ¡°I am not obligated to do so.¡±
With that, he extended a document forward.
Finn nced at him, then took the document he offered. The first thing that caught his was the prominent heading: ¡°Resignation Letter.¡±
¡°I¡¯m resigning from Lock Group.¡±
Charles spoke slowly, his stance firm.
eye
After Tess apologized to Nadine in the center of Lock Group¡¯s lobby, Finn gave up on pressuring him forpensation, and Charles was able to stay on at Lock Group. Thew firm also didn¡¯t face any repercussions and continued to thrive.
He had bought back the old mansion that was auctioned off. Every day when he passed by the room Tess and La used to live in, it always felt like what happened in the past was a beautiful dream.
Finn¡¯s expression grew incredibly unpleasant.
His voice was icy and low as he asked, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ve thought this through?¡±
Charles remained silent, only nodding.
Finn tossed the document to Zane. ¡°Since this is what he wants, go process his resignation.¡±
Upon hearing that, Charles intended to stand up, not wanting to stay any longer.
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Chapter 128 I¡¯m Resigning From Lock Group
However, Finn stood up first, pressing him back into his seat.
His actions were exceptionally forceful, carrying a hint of threat.
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A hoarse, chilling voice sounded from above. ¡°Charles, tell me what you know. Otherwise¡ I promised her I wouldn¡¯t make things difficult for you, but don¡¯t try to provoke me either. Follow current nov?ls on Find¡ïNovel
Finn¡¯s palm massaged Charles¡¯s shoulder, and the chilling aura he exuded was enough to seep into Charles¡¯s entire body, even through the fabric.
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¡°Mr. Lock, are you trying to force me to do something against my will again?¡±
Charles shot back, unwilling to back down.
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But Finn wasn¡¯t the least bit annoyed. His eyes narrowed slightly as if something had suddenly urred to him.
He looked at Charles again, an inexplicable heaviness rising in his chest. Still, he uttered a
sentence.
¡°She¡¯s at Evermount Vi.¡±
Charles had worked at Lock Group for many years. He understood Finn¡¯s stubborn nature all too well, and he also knew¡ that Finn¡¯s feelings for Tess weren¡¯t ordinary.
Charles¡¯s eyes narrowed, the calm facade he had been maintaining finally beginning to crack.
Finn had actually stooped so low as to use Tess as a threat!
A year ago, he had been the one to send her to prison. Now that she was back living at her old residence, was she being subjected to deliberate mistreatment?
Charles clenched his jaw. His eyes were filled with utter contempt for Finn¡¯s shameless tactics.
But facing that look of disapproval, Finn remained unfazed. He gave a cold, mocking smile. ¡°Speak. Tell me everything you know.¡±
Charles¡¯s arm trembled slightly. Bitterness lodged in his chest, but he still muttered in a low voice, ¡°Nadine. Call her over.¡±
¡°Nadine?¡±
Finn repeated with a frown, his brows heavily knotted.
He suddenly yanked Charles by the cor. ¡°What does this have to do with Nadine? Don¡¯t try to y me.¡±
Meeting Charles¡¯s defiant gaze, Finn¡¯s fingertips turned cold.
If Nadine really was involved¡
Finn¡¯s throat bobbed, a wave of unease creeping into his chest.
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Judging from Charles¡¯s attitude, it seemed the leak of Lock Group¡¯s trade secrets a year ago might not have been Tess¡¯s doing, after all. Somehow, it was connected to Nadine¡
In that case, everything he did over the past year¨Chis attention to Nadine and all the usations he hurled at Tess¡
Finn¡¯s lips pressed into a hard line. He stepped back in shock.
To Charles, Finn¡¯s reaction looked more like disbelief that Nadine could be implicated.
He stared coldly at the once lofty man whose face had gone pale, his heart quietly crying out in defense of Tess.
Someone as good as her ¡ How did she end up with the wrong person like Finn? If it had been him instead¡
Charles¡¯s heart surged with emotion, but a sudden thought doused it like cold water, and that feeling instantly faded. He slowly lowered his head and forced himself to calm down.
In the end, Finn still told Zane to call her in.
Nadine arrived at the file room looking confused.
After what happened on the street earlier, Finn didn¡¯t ask her to apany him in reviewing the case files.
In the past, whenever he came to the file room, he always brought her along.
Back in her office, she had fumed and smashed things in frustration.
How could Finn change so suddenly?
The more she thought about it, the more she med everything on Tess.
When Zane pushed her office door open, her face still carried traces of jealousy.
On the way over to the file room, Nadine felt dazed.
Something didn¡¯t feel right.
When they finally reached the file room, she was brought to stand before Finn.
Finn¡¯s expression was grim, his lips pressing together into a thin, tight line.
When he looked up, the warmth he had once shown her was gone.
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Across from him, Charles sat with his head slightly bowed, unresponsive.
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The strange tension in the room made Nadine¡¯s heart race, and she began to feel uneasy.
¡°Finn¡ what¡¯s going on?¡±
Nadine finally summoned the courage to speak.
Finn didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he lifted his chin and Charles a look.
gave
Charles finally turned around and said in a cold, firm tone, ¡°Ms. Nadine, it was you who first discovered the leak of Lock Group¡¯s trade secrets a year ago and reported it to the authorities, wasn¡¯t it?¡±
The question made Nadine stiffen.
She lifted her head in a daze. The three men before her were all staring at her intently, as if they were interrogating a prisoner.
A loud buzz filled her mind.
She instinctively cried out, ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±
Her startled outburst made all three of them narrow their eyes slightly.
Zane tried to smooth things over. ¡°Ms. Nadine, it¡¯s just a few questions. There¡¯s no need to be so nervous.¡±
Though he spoke gently, the way his eyes assessed her carried an edge of calction. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find?novel
Just one mention of that case and her whole demeanor flipped. Anyone would find that suspicious.
Realizing her earlier reaction had been too much, Nadine bit the tip of her tongue. The sharp, tingling pain gradually helped her regain herposure.
¡°Sit.¡±
Zane pulled a chair over at just the right moment.
Nadine¡¯s legs were weak, so she didn¡¯t resist.
Charles continued, ¡°Ms. Nadine, you were the one who reported Ms. Tess back then. Not long after, you produced the so¨Ccalled evidence showing that she had leaked Lock Group¡¯s secrets to Hunt Group.
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¡°I wouldn¡¯t have reported her without evidence!¡±
Nadine blurted out,tching onto what she thought was a loophole in his statement.
¡°Oh?¡±
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Charles let out a cold chuckle. ¡°The evidence you submitted at the time was a surveince clip showing Ms. Tess and Max appearing to exchange something. And right after the leak urred, you immediately presented that so¨Ccalled ¡®evidence.¡±
Nadine listened, her expression turning to confusion.
She had thought it all through back when she staged the whole thing. There shouldn¡¯t have been any ws.
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Nadine stared at Charles, unsure of what he would say next.
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¡°Then let me ask you, Ms. Nadine. If you truly had evidence, why didn¡¯t you tell Mr. Lock as soon as you noticed something was wrong? Why wait until thepany¡¯s secrets were leaked before stepping forward?¡±
Charles¡¯s gaze was sharp, and he pressed her with cach word.
Finn, however, felt his heart sink.
His eyes flicked between them, but he kept his lips tightly sealed. He let Charles take the lead.
Nadine was stunned by the pressure but quickly regained herposure. She replied smoothly, ¡°At the time, I just thought it was a little strange. I didn¡¯t know Tess was nning something like that.¡±
Her eyes flickered slightly, betraying the calction behind her calm tone. She spoke with righteous indignation. ¡°How was I supposed to know Finn was her husband? She betrayed Finn just to help her childhood friend¡¯spany! If thepany secrets hadn¡¯t been leaked, I never would¡¯ve suspected that my sister was passing Lock Group¡¯s confidential information to Max.¡±
Her words came in a rush. Just moments ago, her pale face had shown fear. Now, it flushed with breathless urgency.
Her story sounded solid, and Finn¡¯s initial shock eased¨Cthough only slightly.
A year ago, Tess had indeed made a serious mistake.
But she¡¯d already paid the price. As long as she didn¡¯t contact Max again, he was willing to let it - go.
¡°Is that so?¡±
Charles let out a softugh, snapping Finn out of his thoughts.
He locked eyes with Nadine, speaking slowly and deliberately. ¡°Then why were you monitoring Tess beforehand?¡±
Nadine froze.
¡°Was it just a coincidence¨Cor was it deliberate?¡±
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The moment the words left his mouth, Finn suddenly looked up. His usual calm gaze had turned sharp and intense.
His eyes locked on Nadine¡¯s pale face.
Nadine¡¯s heart nearly stopped.
For a moment, the air grew thick and heavy with tension, like the ominous silence before a
storm.
¡°Mr. Lock! Mr. Lock!¡±
A sudden pounding at the door shattered the frozen air.
Zane broke out in a sweat. He nced at Finn¡¯s dark expression and stood up cautiously to open the door.
Who the hell would barge in at a time like this?
When the door opened, a familiar figure stood there, hunched over with his hands on his knees as he gasped for breath.
¡°Felix? You left your post without permission?¡±
Zane scolded him.
The security guard, Felix, was panting hard. He ignored Zane¡¯s scolding. He dared to meet Finn¡¯s eyes for the first time. ¡°Mr. Lock! Mrs. Lock ¡ She-¡±
¡°What happened to Mrs. Lock?¡±
The moment Finn heard the name ¡°Mrs. Lock¡°, his heart lurched.
¡°Mrs. Lock has run away!¡±
Felix finally caught his breath and pped his thigh.
Finn¡¯s heart seemed to skip a beat¨Cthen he shot to his feet, eyes zing with a cold fury. ¡°What?!¡±
Zane was just as stunned.
He opened his mouth cautiously. He nced at Finn¡¯s tense expression and frighteningly cold demeanor, then asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t Mrs. Lock just get back not long ago? How could she be gone already?¡±
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Chapter 130 She¡¯s Gone
¡°When did this happen?¡±
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Finn¡¯s tone held a razor¨Csharp edge. Felix trembled and nced at Zane. ¡°Before I called Zane, Mrs. Lock had already left by car.¡±
The journey from Evermount Vi to Lock Group spanned almost half of Aetheris.
Finn¡¯s expression turned deadly as he grabbed his suit jacket from the chair and strode out without hesitation.
Charles quickly stood as well, intending to help find Tess, but Zane blocked his path. ¡°Mr. Jackman, today¡¯s meeting is postponed. We¡¯ll reach out if needed.¡±
Charles froze, like someone had doused him in ice water. He bit his lip and stepped aside.
Nadine hadn¡¯t moved. She exhaled slowly, finally breathing a sigh of relief.
She watched Finn leave, her expression shifting. Her heart felt like it had been shattered.
Zane didn¡¯t waste a second. He immediately turned and followed Finn.
The rest were escorted out of the file room by Felix under Zane¡¯s orders.
Once Nadine reached a corner of the hallway, she checked to make sure no one was watching. Then, she quickly pulled out her phone from its wrapping.
She covered the screen, and when the call connected, she lowered her voice. ¡°Mr. Hunt ¡
Meanwhile, Finn had shoved everything else out of his mind. He was even sitting in the front passenger seat¨Ca rare sight. His eyes were bloodshot.
¡°Is the route correct?¡±
His voice was ice¨Ccold, making sweat bead on Zane¡¯s forehead. ¡°Felix said she went this way. There¡¯s only one international hotel and a new bar along this route.¡±
Finn didn¡¯t speak. He pressed his lips tightly together as he gripped his pant legs, his fingertips digging into the tense muscles of his thighs.
Just two days ago, he had finallye to terms with his feelings for Tess. He even went out of his way to return Gillian¡¯s inheritance. But he¡¯d forgotten something¨CTess was no longer the same woman from a year ago. She was no longer the person who would wait for him, hoping for his affection and approval.
Now, regret gripped him as he stared at the navigation screen in the car.
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What he hadn¡¯t expected was that the first thing she would do after getting the inheritance was to leave him behind.
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¡°Mr. Lock! We¡¯re here!¡±
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As soon as Zane spoke excitedly, Finn pushed open the car door before it had evene to aplete stop.
Zane was startled by Finn¡¯s urgency. Before he could react, Finn was already striding toward the hotel.
He quickly followed, with a group of ck¨Csuited bodyguards behind him, moving in perfect
sync.
¡°Did a woman named Tess check in recently?¡±
Finn¡¯s voice was low and cold, his piercing gaze radiating enough intensity to make anyone shrink back.
The receptionist flinched under the pressure of his presence and began to stammer. ¡°I ¡ I ¡ ¡±
Zane quickly stepped up and said gently, ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t remember. Just check the guest registry.¡±
The reminder seemed to snap the receptionist out of her daze. She nodded repeatedly and moved the mouse to ess the system. But just as the records loaded, she suddenly closed it. ¡°No, wait. Our policy doesn¡¯t allow us to disclose guest information. Sir, this is beyond my authority.¡±
Her eyes widened, though her voice trembled slightly.
Finn narrowed his eyes. The air around him grew dense and oppressive.
Zane quickly stepped forward again and shed his credentials.
¡°I¡¯m the executive assistant to the CEO of Lock Group, and this is Mr. Finn Lock, our CEO. We¡¯re looking for his wife, who left home unexpectedly. She¡¯s alone with a child, and we¡¯re worried about their safety.¡±
¡°Finn Lock!¡±
The name hit like thunder. The receptionist¡¯s mouth fell open in shock. She hadn¡¯t expected the legendary billionaire to be so young¨Cand so strikingly handsome.
¡°We¡¯ve already spoken with your manager. If there¡¯s any issue, we¡¯ll take full responsibility.
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Please check again.¡±
The receptionist hesitated, but at that exact moment, her phone rang.
After answering the call, she said quickly to her boss, ¡°Hello, Mr. Yarrow. Understood.¡±
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After hanging up, she quickly resumed searching the system. Her forehead was now covered in
sweat.
Only then did she realize how close she hade to offending Finn. Her job in Aetheris was on the line!
Her attitude shifted dramatically. Within moments, she handed Finn a spare keycard. ¡°This is Ms. Tess¡¯s room key.¡±
Finn nced at the room number on the keycard, then headed straight for the elevator without another word.
Zane motioned for the bodyguards to follow.
Meanwhile, Tess had no idea her location had already been discovered. She had just finished unpacking and was preparing to head downstairs for breakfast.
She¡¯d left in such a rush that La was already starting to fuss from hunger.
Carrying La in one arm and a small bag with baby feeding supplies in the other, Tess headed for the nearby service elevator. It was quicker and more private.
When she reached the restaurant and took a seat, a familiar hand suddenly ced a sandwich on her table.
Tess frowned, about to say the seat was taken, but paused when she saw the ck obsidian watch on the man¡¯s wrist.
Looking up, she met a pair of warm, smiling eyes.
¡°Why are you here?¡± Tess asked, surprised.
Abel shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m just staying temporarily in Aetheris, so I live in hotels most of the time. I just didn¡¯t expect to run into you.¡±
He didn¡¯t hide the surprise in his voice. His gaze stayed on her, bold and sincere.
When he first learned Finn¡¯s wife was Tess, he¡¯d pretended to stay calm. But inside, it felt like a boulder had dropped on his chest.
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He couldn¡¯t connect her with the woman rumored to have been imprisoned, nor with the supposedly ipetent husband she had described, who turned out to be his own uncle.
He¡¯d heard stories that Finn¡¯s wife had been jailed formercial crimes, that she was wicked and had colluded with Finn¡¯spetitor.
But if that woman was Tess, then he retracted all of his doubts and disdain.
It was just because she was Tess.
He wouldn¡¯t believe for a second that she¡¯d done anything wrong.
It wasn¡¯t Tess who was at fault; it was the people spreading those lies.
That was why he had brought her to his vi and why he hadn¡¯t yet exined the tangled rtionship between them.
His feelings were conflicted¨Ctorn.
After all, she was Uncle Finn¡¯s wife.
But he hadn¡¯t expected that justing downstairs for breakfast would bring the person who lingered in his dreams right before his eyes.
It felt surreal, like something out of fate itself. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find¡¤novel
Abel¡¯s heart pounded. Without thinking, he stepped in front of her.
Tess, though surprised by his sudden appearance, stayedposed. Given Abel¡¯s identity, she kept a polite distance.
She nodded and said softly, ¡°I¡¯ve moved.¡±
Abel felt like two sides of himself were battling¨Cand finally, one had won.
He asked nervously, ¡°I heard you went back to Evermount Vi recently. Did you leave so soon? Did Uncle Finn treat you badly?¡±
Tess raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his concerned tone. ¡°I¡¯ve been nning to divorce Finn for a long time. How do you think it¡¯ll look if we continue to live under the same roof?¡±
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Chapter 132 No Escape
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After saying that, Tess didn¡¯t want to exin further. She pulled a bottle from the diaper bag and began preparing form for La.
Abel no longer had his usual aloof, regal air. He immediately offered to help, his tone gentle. ¡°Let me do it.¡±
Tess hesitated, but when she met those bright, sincere eyes, she gave in and let him take over. Abel quickly returned with a warm bottle of form, smiling as he brought it to La¡¯s lips. La obviously recognized the person in front of her and opened her little mouth totch onto the bottle with her tiny teeth.
Abel watched her adorable movements with fascination, his heart overflowing.
Just then, Finn stormed into the restaurant with a line of bodyguards behind him. This was the scene he walked in on¨CAbel bent over while feeding La and Tess looking on with soft eyes, her long hair gently cascading over her shoulders as she held her daughter.
The three of them looked like a peaceful family. It was a picture¨Cperfect moment.
¡°Tess!¡±
A thunderous shout shattered the silence.
She heard the heavy thud of leather shoes approaching, each step measured and ominous. A sudden chill ran down her spine.
Tess¡¯s body tensed, while Abel remained rtivelyposed.
He straightened up and said, ¡°Uncle Finn?¡±
Finn walked right past him, his cold gaze fixed entirely on Tess.
She pressed her lips together tightly and turned her face away. The warmth in the restaurant evaporated instantly. Now, Finn looked like the viin who had ruined everything.
His
eyes darkened visibly, though he tried to hold back the fury boiling inside him. He red coldly at Abel. ¡°So, you remember I¡¯m your uncle? Then you should know who she is!¡± This update is avable on find?novel
Each word from him struck like an usation, growing more relentless.
Chapter 132 No Escape
Abel narrowed his eyes.
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The air turned heavy with silence¨Cuntil Abel shrugged nonchntly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two about to get divorced anyway?¡±
After all, their marriage had already reached its end, so what was wrong with him caring for Tess and La? He trusted what Tess had told him. Even if the man in front of him was his own uncle¡ If Tess said her husband had failed her, then it was only right that someone else treat her better.
Abel thought it through and became even more righteous in his stance.
Finn frowned and let out a coldugh. ¡°Who said we¡¯re getting divorced?¡±
As soon as the words left his mouth, he pulled Tess into his arms without warning.
Tess obviously hadn¡¯t expected his sudden words and actions. She stumbled into his chest, dazed by the sudden movement.
Abel¡¯s
eyes narrowed, a rare intensity recing his usual calm.
The strong scent of tobo filled Tess¡¯s nose¨Cso overwhelming that it made her dizzy.
She blinked, trying to clear her head. Then, she shoved Finn away. Her brows furrowed as she red at him. ¡°I told you¨Cthe divorce papers will be delivered to your office any minute now!¡±
Abel exhaled in visible relief. To his shame, a flicker of hope rose in his chest.
But Finn gripped her slender wrist tightly without letting go, his eyes fixed on Tess with dangerous intensity. His gaze was full of fierce possessiveness.
¡°I¡¯m not letting that happen!¡±
Tess was startled by the storm of emotion in his eyes. The next moment, Finn wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, pulling her close as though he wanted to absorb her into himself.
She couldn¡¯t move. Her cheek was pressed against his chest, where she could hear the steady, pounding rhythm of his heart.
She was stunned.
Is this really Finn?
The Finn she remembered had always been distant and cold, like fresh snow on a
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Chapter 132 No Escape
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mountaintop¨Cpretty to look at, but nobody could ever get close enough to leave a mark.
Throughout their marriage¨Caside from that one night he¡¯d been drugged¨Che had never shown her the slightest warmth and had never lost control like this.
Finn reached out with his other hand, pulling Tess tightly into his embrace as his cold, vignt eyes locked on Abel. ¡°We will never divorce. She will always be my wife, so don¡¯t you dare harbor any fantasies about her,¡± he dered firmly.
His voice was low and rough, like thunder rumbling in Tess¡¯s ears.
She was still in a daze and only caught a glimpse of Abel¡¯s suddenly ashen and defeated expression before being pulled away.
Tess struggled to break free, but Finn didn¡¯t let go. In one swift motion, he scooped her into his arms.
The restaurant, which had already been cleared, now had only one person standing frozen in ce¨CAbel.
Zane nced cautiously at Abel¡¯s dark expression, swallowed hard, and strode away.
What a joke! He knew exactly what kind of man Abel really was.
If it were Charles, he might¡¯ve still had the nerve to speak up¨Cbut this guy? Not a chance. He wouldn¡¯t dare even if you paid him a million dors!
Zane hunched his shoulders and quickly followed. The moment he got into the driver¡¯s seat, he could feel the stormy tension in the air. It was like lightning about to strike.
Caught in a war of fire and ice, he felt utterly miserable.
Tess was held tightly by Finn in the back seat,pletely restrained in his embrace.
With La still in her arms, Tess didn¡¯t dare make any wild movements. But she struggled as much as she could.
And for the first time since she was released from prison, the ice in her eyes began to melt, revealing something deeper.
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Chapter 133 He Breaks the Deal
Finn stared at her. The disgust on her face hit him like a punch to the gut.
¡°Why?¡±
His raspy voice broke the silence. It was barely louder than a whisper.
Tess paused, then realized what he meant.
He wanted to know why she¡¯d vanished without saying a word.
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She shot him a furious re. ¡°There¡¯s no reason! Just stop ying and do what you promised!¡±
Finn didn¡¯t reply. His eyes stayed locked on her angry face, lips pressed tight.
Tess felt like she¡¯d hit a pillow. Her rage had nowhere tond, making her chest feel even heavier. She tried harder to pull away.
Smack!
Finn suddenly spanked her.
The atmosphere in the car instantly froze.
Tess¡® face went from flushed to humiliated in a heartbeat.
Her body had always had its curves in the right ces¨Cslim and eye¨Ccatching.
Even after prison time and everything she¡¯d been through, she hadn¡¯t lost that.
But now, that spot stung. It took her a second to realize what had just happened.
He just spanked me!
Tess red at Finn, but his expression was still cold.
La watched their standoff, her big eyes darting between the two adults. The tension made her puff up her cheeks, and then she suddenly burst out crying.
Tess had no choice but to suck it up andfort her daughter.
The car picked up speed. Outside, familiar streets told them they were close to Evermount Vi.
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Right before they pulled up, La finally stopped crying, though tears still clung to her cheeks.
Tess reached out to wipe them, her heart aching.
Then Finn spoke, his voice cold and sharp as a de, ¡°We did have a deal, Tess. I broke it.¡±
Tess froze, hand still near La¡¯s face. She was about to blow up on him, but Zane opened the door, and Finn scooped her up before she could even speak.
She suddenly felt weightless. Letting out a startled gasp, she instinctively reached out, but the only thing in sight was Finn¡¯s neck. Her hand shot back like she¡¯d touched fire.
With no ground to stand on, she had no choice but to cling to La.
To anyone watching, Finn looked like he was effortlessly carrying both a woman and a child, calm and steady.
He didn¡¯t set them down until they were inside Evermount Vi.
As soon as her feet hit the floor, Tess tried to make a break for it.
But Finn moved quicker, pulling La from her arms before she could react.
It felt like a part of her had been torn away. Tess could only stand there, stunned.
He nced at La, now silent in his arms, and headed to the couch.
Tess stayed still, hands clenched into fists beneath her sleeves.
Above them, a giant crystal chandelier hung low, scattering light across Finn¡¯s face. It made his sharp features stand out even more, his expression unreadable¨Ccold, distant, like he wasn¡¯t even real.
They weren¡¯t far apart, but it felt like a huge gap stretched between them.
Tess bit her lip, overwhelmed by a mix of pain and rage that nearly brought tears to her eyes.
¡°What do you want from me?!¡±
Her voice cracked with emotion as she stared at him. This content belongs to Find~Novel
He didn¡¯t love her. Then why hold on? She¡¯d gone through hell. Guilty or not, she¡¯d already paid the price. Why keep her caged up, hurting her over and over again?
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Chapter 133 He Breaks the Deal
Her eyes were red, but she wouldn¡¯t look away.
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Finn¡¯s gaze was deep, like staring into a night sky with no stars¨Cjust secrets he refused to say.
¡°Tess ¡
Finn tried to speak, but it felt like something was stuck in his throat.
Looking at her pained, broken expression, he waspletely lost for words.
They sat in silence until Tess wiped her face, her voice cold and hard. ¡°You broke the deal. I¡¯m not staying. Let¡¯s not drag this out. I¡¯ll handle the divorce papers. We¡¯re done.¡±
She tossed the words at him, sharp and final.
It felt like someone mmed a weight onto Finn¡¯s chest. His face darkened. ¡°Divorce? So you can run off with Abel?¡±
Tess stared at him in shock.
She¡¯d only known Abel for a few days. Did Finn fall for Nadine¡¯s nonsense? Did he think she¡¯d been unfaithful?
As she looked at him, something inside her shifted. Maybe she never knew who he was.
As her husband, he hadn¡¯t believed her when she got arrested a year ago. Even when people stood up
for her, he shut them down without a thought.
And just like that, she was locked away for a year.
Now, even though she hadn¡¯t done a thing with Abel, Finn was quick to believe Nadine¡¯s lies and see her as nothing more than a cheating slut.
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Chapter 134 I¡¯ll Never Forgive You
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Tess looked him up and down, then let out a coldugh. ¡°If you can¡¯t even trust me, what¡¯s the point of staying married? Let¡¯s end this. It¡¯s better for both of us.¡±
To Finn, those words hit differently, like she wasn¡¯t even trying to deny anything.
His eyes instantly turned bloodshot. Holding onto what little control he had left, he gently ced La on the couch and stood up fast.
His tall figure cast a shadow over her, and for a second, her vision seemed to blur.
¡°You think I¡¯m just gonna let this go, Tess?¡±
Without warning, he grabbed her chin.
Her skin was soft under his fingers. His heartbeat jumped, but it didn¡¯t change the storm brewing on his face.
¡°You¡¯re free toe and go from Evermount Vi. But if you try to run again, I¡¯ll use everything I¡¯ve got to bring you back, and I won¡¯t guarantee you¡¯ll have any freedom left when I do.¡±
His tone was t and cold, with no emotion in it.
But the words hit her like a sharp jab to the head.
She widened her mouth in a daze, stumbling back a step.
Did Finn mean to lock me up?
The thought sent a chill crawling down her spine, making her body tense.
Finn caught the fear in her eyes. It stung, but his face stayed firm.
Tess¡® anger exploded like a fire.
Smack!
Eyes burning, she pped him hard.
The sound cracked through the room.
J: J.
hand.
mone
oes in
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Chapter 134 I¡¯ll Never Forgive Your
Chapter 134 I¡¯ll Never Forgive You
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Tess looked him up and down, then let out a coldugh. ¡°If you can¡¯t even trust me, what¡¯s the point of staying married? Let¡¯s end this. It¡¯s better for both of us.¡±
To Finn, those words hit differently, like she wasn¡¯t even trying to deny anything.
His eyes instantly turned bloodshot. Holding onto what little control he had left, he gently ced La on the couch and stood up fast.
His tall figure cast a shadow over her, and for a second, her vision seemed to blur.
¡°You think I¡¯m just gonna let this go, Tess?¡±
Without warning, he grabbed her chin.
Her skin was soft under his fingers. His heartbeat jumped, but it didn¡¯t change the storm brewing on his face.
¡°You¡¯re free toe and go from Evermount Vi. But if you try to run again, I¡¯ll use everything I¡¯ve got to bring you back, and I won¡¯t guarantee you¡¯ll have any freedom left when I do.¡±
His tone was t and cold, with no emotion in it.
But the words hit her like a sharp jab to the head.
She widened her mouth in a daze, stumbling back a step.
Did Finn mean to lock me up?
The thought sent a chill crawling down her spine, making her body tense.
Finn caught the fear in her eyes. It stung, but his face stayed firm.
Tess¡® anger exploded like a fire.
Smack!
Eyes burning, she pped him hard.
The sound cracked through the room.
The overhead light caught the hard lines of his face, but Tess didn¡¯t see any handsomeness in
Chapter 134 I¡¯ll Never Forgive You
him
anymore¨Cjust fury and disgust.
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¡°You can¡¯t lock me up! That¡¯s illegal!¡±
She yelled at him hoarsely. Finn touched his check and turned away. She couldn¡¯t see his face.
The silence stretched, then he chuckled.
He turned back slowly, his expression dark and stubborn.
¡°We¡¯re married, Tess. You¡¯re the one always trying to run.¡±
His bloodshot eyes fixated on hers, burning with a dark, twisted obsession.
Tess¡® heart raced. For a second, she questioned if he was even the same man she had married.
A chill crept up her spine. She reached out for La, hoping to bolt, but Finn was already in her way.
¡°Mmph-¡±
Her eyes flew open.
His face was inches from hers. Then he kissed her.
Her mind went nk. For a moment, everything went silent. She didn¡¯t even know what day it
was.
Finn pinned her arms behind her back, kissing her like he was punishing her.
He just wanted to shut her mouth that kept drawing lines between them. But once their lips met, he couldn¡¯t stop.
He lost himself, even trying to slip his tongue between her lips.
His mind wandered to that crazy night a year ago.
Her cries and moans from that night echoed in his head like a dream.
Finn couldn¡¯t help but kiss her deeper until he felt a sharp pain on his tongue.
¡°Hiss-¡±
He gasped, snapping back to reality.
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Chapter 134 I¡¯ll Never Forgive You
They pulled apart. Her lips were red and swollen.
But Finn didn¡¯t look even a little guilty. His eyes stayed locked on her lips.
Tess was shaking with anger and shame, thinking he was a monster.
They were only a couple in name. How dared he kiss her?!
Her chest burned with humiliation, but she blinked the tears away.
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Then, she suddenlyughed. ¡°This is revenge, right? You think something happened between me and Abel, so you feel ashamed and want to get back at me.¡±
Her mocking grin made her disgust clear.
Finn frowned and was about to exin, but Tess didn¡¯t let him.
She sneered, ring at him with hatred. ¡°I¡¯ll never forgive you! I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to get that divorce!¡±
The words hit him like a heavy curse to the chest.
¡°Dream on.¡±
His teeth clenched, and his jaw tightened.
Rage flickered across his face as he sneered, his eyes cutting like frozen ss.
Tess bit her lip so hard she tasted blood.
She red at Finn. This content belongs to find?novel
He stood there,pletely blocking the way out. His grip on the door handle was so tight the veins on his hands popped, making it clear he wasn¡¯t budging.
Tess instantly realized there was no way she¡¯d be leaving tonight. She scooped La into her arms and spun on her heel.
Bang!
She stormed into the bedroom, mming the door shut behind her.
The crash echoed through the ce, stirring up a cold gust that rippled through the air.
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Chapter 135 It¡¯s a Misunderstanding
Chapter 135 It¡¯s a Misunderstanding
Finn stood frozen, looking like all the energy had been drained right out of him.
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Things between them hadn¡¯t ended well, and now Evermount Vi felt heavy with tension.
He stayed in the living room for a long time, quietly smoking. The cigar smoke twisted around his face, hiding most of it from view.
His mind was a mess. Soon, he got a call from Zane. He answered with a scowl and stormed
out.
Even with the car windows down and warm air blowing in, Finn only felt more annoyed. He rubbed his temples, clearly stressed.
Zane had called about a problem. A newpany had somehow gotten hold of a patent the Lock Group had just secured. Now the tech and legal teams were freaking out and locked in a meeting, trying to fix things.
¡°Mr. Lock, when we went to find Mrs. Lock, Ms. Nadine had already taken off.¡±
¡°She¡¯s not answering?¡±
Finn could hear keyboard clicks in the background. Zane¡¯s voice came back, sounding troubled. ¡°All our calls keep getting blocked. Maybe she¡¯ll pick up if you call.¡±
His tone was hesitant, almost pleading.
Lately, Nadine and Tess had been all over the news, always stirring up drama together. Zane had tried to clean up the mess online, but some clips and photos still slipped through.
They¡¯d managed to shut down most of the gossip, but whispers were still going around.
With the Lock Group¡¯s crisis, things were tense.
¡°Do your best for now. I¡¯m heading over,¡± Finn said, sounding serious.
He hung up and immediately called Nadine.
Unlike with Zane, the call went through right away.
¡°Mr. Lock,¡± she said softly, but her voice felt distant.
Finn frowned. He could tell she was upset.
Chapter 135 It¡¯s a Misunderstanding
¡°Where are you?¡±
He didn¡¯t waste time and went straight to the point.
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Nadine turned her head and replied with a stiff tone, ¡°I already know why you¡¯re calling. But if you¡¯re going to doubt me, I¡¯d rather step back from the Lock Group¡¯s stuff. I don¡¯t want to be dragged into it.¡±
She tried to sound casual, but inside, she was nervous.
Her hand shook around her phone, and her chest felt tight.
She knew how ruthless Finn could be. And even though she realized how badly thepany needed her, she still couldn¡¯t shake that nervous feeling.
Finn stayed quiet, rubbing his brow.
Since Tess went to prison, most of the youngwyers she¡¯d trained had left. She had been a key figure in the legal field, and people followed her. Nadine had taken over and be the topwyer at thepany. Now that Charles was gone too, the department was barely holding on.
¡°It was a misunderstanding.¡±
Finn¡¯s deep voice finally came through the phone, a little softer now, like he was trying to calm her down.
Nadine¡¯s eyes lit up, her mood flipping from anxious to thrilled.
But Max¡¯s advice echoed in her mind, so she forced herself to stay calm. ¡°Finn, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t care about thepany. But you and Zane truly hurt me today¡¡±
Her voice broke, sounding like she¡¯d been wronged badly.
Finn felt himself getting annoyed, but he forced himself to be patient. ¡°It was just a misunderstanding. I¡¯ll have Zane apologize to you.¡±
He pushed on, ¡°Where are you now?¡±
Nadine mumbled, ¡°At the Sky Caf¨¦.¡±
¡°Stay there.¡±
He then ended the call.
His luxury car flew down the road, grabbing attention from everyone he passed.
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Chapter 135 It¡¯s a Misunderstanding
He didn¡¯t slow down until he reached the central building of Aetheris.
A
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At the same time, Nadine sat in the caf¨¦, nibbling whipped cream off her spoon. She acted calm, but her eyes kept ncing at the window.
All she could think about was the words he said-¡°Stay there.¡±
It was just two words, but they hit her hard, making her heart race.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she barely noticed the door open.
When she saw Finn walk in and sit across from her, she quickly straightened up.
His presence instantly pulled attention from everyone nearby. People started ncing their
way.
Feeling the eyes on her, Nadine sat even straighter.
Finn tapped the table lightly with a ringed hand and asked gentlemanly, ¡°What do you feel like eating?¡±
Nadine kept her serious look, repeating Max¡¯s advice in her mind.
Everyone knew Finn had changed toward Tess ever since she got out of prison. She used to be the star of the legal team, and now she was an ex¨Ccon with a mysterious kid. With all those strikes against her, Finn seemed more drawn to her instead of backing off.
Max had told Nadine to learn a little bit of Tess¡® stubbornness.
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Chapter 136 Save Me?
Chapter 136 Save Me?
Nadine felt irritated, but she was seriously thinking things through.
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¡°Finn, I heard there¡¯s trouble with the patent stuff. Shouldn¡¯t you be focused on that instead of eating with me?¡±
She nced up, For original chapters go to fin?novel
her eyes
filled with resolve.
Her sudden boldness made Finn freeze for a second. There was a flicker of curiosity in his
eyes.
As he studied her face, an inexplicable sense of familiarity hit him.
His chest tightened without warning.
¡°We¡¯ll take all the top rmendations. And she¡¯ll have the passionfruit mousse.¡±
His tone turned icy as he handed the menu to the waiter, who rushed over.
Nadine caught on to the shift in his mood. Beneath the table, her hands clenched. She wasn¡¯t sure how to react.
¡°Nadine, you matter a lot to thepany. It¡¯s not a big deal to share a meal with you.¡±
Finn rxed his tense expression and smiled slightly.
Nadine¡¯s heart skipped. She looked down shyly.
Right then, Finn nced at her again, eyes lingering longer than usual. But his thoughts drifted¨Cto Tess, La, and Abel¨Crecalling how effortlessly close they had been.
Heat flooded through him. He even started cutting Nadine¡¯s steak for her.
¡°Let¡¯s head back to the office after we eat, alright?¡±
His voice was soft, and for once, his cold stare hadpletely melted.
Nadine nodded without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever I can to support you!¡±
Finn smiled gently and used a napkin to wipe a bit of cream from her mouth.
Neither of them realized a camera was quietly capturing the whole scene from the shadows.
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Chapter 136 Save Me?
At the same time, someone unexpected showed up at Evermount Vi.
Tess sat with La in her arms, staring nkly out the window.
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The tall ss panes opened onto the massive garden, where jasmine and white roses bloomed in the sun.
Sunlight poured in, scattering across the crystal railings like a prism.
But Tess¡® eyes stung, holding back tears.
She blinked hard and looked again. The garden, bright and alive, suddenly felt like a prison.
La sensed her mother¡¯s sadness and reached out tofort her.
But Tess couldn¡¯t shake the heavy feeling.
Just then, a slender hand gently tapped the ss, pulling her out of her trance.
When she turned to see who it was, she thought she was hallucinating.
Max had somehow made it inside and was outside the window, trying to get her attention.
Tess¡® expression hardened. She held La closer and stepped back.
Max¡¯s eyes
dimmed when he saw her recoil.
Still, he straightened up and forced a smile, even though she wasn¡¯t buying it.
¡°Tess, I¡¯m here to save you.¡±
¡°Save me?¡±
Tess looked at him, her voice thick with sarcasm. ¡°Like when you and Nadine ¡®saved¡® me by tossing me in prison?¡±
Max didn¡¯t know what to say. Pain shed across his face. ¡°Why can¡¯t you believe I¡¯m on your side?¡±
His eyes scanned the fancy room beforending back on her. ¡°Tess, it was Finn who pushed for your arrest. Yet you¡¯d rather stay trapped here with him than leave with me?¡±
¡°You¡¯re no different than him!¡±
Tess snapped, her face cold and unreadable. ¡°Leave. I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡±
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Chapter 136 Save Me?
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Her stubborn refusal hit Max like a punch to the chest. Rage began to burn under his skin, leaving him feeling empty.
His worried look vanished. He stared at Tess with a mix of longing and bitterness. ¡°I¡¯ve got a stable career now. I can give you and La everything. But you¡¯d still rather depend on Finn and won¡¯t even look at me.¡±
He let out a sneer and pulled out some photos. ¡°Here. Take a look at the man you trust so much. Want to see what he did after dragging you back?¡±
He tossed the photos to the floor, letting them scatter across the room.
The afternoon breeze blew a few inside.
Tess hesitated. Her eyesnded on one that stopped near her feet.
It was a clear shot of Finn and Nadine.
There was no mistaking either of them¨Cshe knew their faces too well.
The image showed Finn gently wiping cream from Nadine¡¯s mouth. Nadine looked shy, and Finn looked affectionate. They looked like a perfect couple.
Tess felt a lump in her throat. She couldn¡¯t find the words.
¡°He brought you back, and now he¡¯s busy apanying Nadine.¡±
Max¡¯s words wereced with scorn for Finn and ridicule for Tess.
But she just stayed quiet, biting her lip.
Just as he sensed something was off, she looked up with a sharp re. ¡°And what about you? Snooping around with a camera? You¡¯re no better than him.¡±
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Chapter 137 Secrets Are Leaked
Tess scoffed and stomped down on the photo with her heel. ¡°Leave now.¡±
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Max¡¯s expression darkened. He stared at her, like he didn¡¯t even know who he was looking at anymore.
Was that truly the quiet, gentle Tess he used to know? Could a year in prison truly turn someone into apletely different person?
The sweet girl he remembered was gone¨Cnow she was fierce, almost unrecognizable.
Suddenly, the sharp noise of curtains being drawn sliced through the silence.
Tess stood up and yanked them shut, covering the massive window and cutting off Max¡¯s view.
Just knowing he was still outside made her feel sick.
She exhaled hard, full of pent¨Cup anger.
Soon, the sound of leather shoes faded away. The world finally went quiet.
Tess felt drained, like every ounce of strength had left her body. She sank onto the bed.
Her mind kept going back to that photo. Nadine and Finn were way too close.
She clenched her fists on instinct.
It had been a year. Tess didn¡¯t hate them anymore, but she was still furious.
What exactly did she feel toward Finn now? Why did he keep pretending their marriage was still intact when it wasn¡¯t? Why did he bring her back just to turn around and cozy up to Nadine?
What did he think she was? A pretty decoration to leave on disy?
Tess ripped the photo apart and tossed it aside, then lit it up and watched it burn.
That was all going exactly how Nadine wanted.
While Finn was distracted, Nadine shot a smug look toward the corner.
She admired Finn¡¯s side profile, feeling a rush of satisfaction. Her pride was fully fed.
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Chapter 137 Secrets Are Leaked
Tess, hope you liked my little gift.
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She smiled and set her utensils down. ¡°Finn, workes first. Let¡¯s get back to the office.
Finn paused mid¨Ccut and set the steak knife down. ¡°You¡¯re finished already?¡±
Nadine shook her head, giving him a yful smile. ¡°You still owe me a proper dinner once this
is over.¡±
The word ¡®owe¡® made Finn blink for a second, but he quickly masked it.
He raised an eyebrow. ¡°Pretty confident, huh?¡±
Nadine caught his meaning and grinned confidently. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m the bestwyer at the Lock Group. I won¡¯t let you down.¡±
Finn didn¡¯t waste a second and hurried back to the office with her.
Everyone was already waiting in the conference room, looking tense and exhausted.
As soon as Finn opened the door, all eyes turned to them at once.
There was a wave of relief, followed by a burst of voices. ¡°Mr. Lock, Ms. Nadine! Thank God you¡¯re here!¡±
Zane quickly came over to pull out their chairs. Fresh chapters posted on find¡¤novel
Finn¡¯s expression shifted instantly, slipping back into work mode.
Nadine scanned the room. Everyone looked super tense, and it made her heart race.
Judging by the atmosphere, she could tell things were about to get messy.
Her hands started to get mmy.
She had a solid grip onw stuff and could manage in a firm. Butpared to Tess, she was way out of her league.
Thest time thepany hit a crisis, she barely pulled through by cashing in every favor she had. What about this time?
A guy wearing thick sses, clearly some kind of researcher,unched into a long exnation. Then, he looked straight at Nadine, clearly expecting something.
Finn cleared his throat. ¡°Any thoughts?¡±
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Chapter 137 Secrets Are Leaked
Nadine blinked. ¡°Huh?¡±
P:
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The researcher looked frustrated that she hadn¡¯t been paying attention, but he still went over everything again.
Someone had stolen the Lock Group¡¯s confidential information and leaked it early. Now, most of their product designs were out in the open, and thepetitor¡¯s version looked practically the same. The inte was going crazy.
They didn¡¯t have any solid proof to back up their im that they created it first, and every idea they had hit a wall.
By the time the guy finished talking, his voice was dry and strained.
He turned toward Nadine with a hopeful look, and slowly, everyone else followed his gaze.
Nadine felt a chill run through her fingers.
Finn frowned at her frozen expression, feeling strange. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing?¡±
Zane jumped in quickly to ease the pressure. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Ms. Nadine. Mr. Lock is already contacting our former technical staff who designed the first phase.¡±
The patent had taken almost two full years to develop, and several tech teams had cycled through it.
The first technical staff had moved abroad. The second team had been working right around the time the leak happened, which was why Finn told Zane to track down the first crew instead.
¡°Uh¡ let¡¯s just wait until we hear from the first team,¡± Nadine said.
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Nadine stood there for a long time. But in the end, all she came up with was a pointless suggestion.
The conference room went quiet.
A bunch of confused and curious staresnded right on her.
Why was thepany¡¯s topwyer so out of ideas?
Most of the people in the room had been around for years. They couldn¡¯t helpparing her to Tess¨Cthe former legal powerhouse who¡¯d already been dismissed.
To be honest, Tess had been on another level.
She didn¡¯t just know thew inside out¨Cher mind was razor¨Csharp, too. Every time a problem arose, she handled it herself and solved it.
Stuff that overwhelmed everyone else? Tess made it look easy. But Nadine? Even though her reputation had grown bigger than Tess¡®, she wasn¡¯t living up to the hype today.
A few people nced around at each other, clearly thinking the same thing.
Finn¡¯s eyes were locked on Nadine¡¯s troubled expression, his face slowly darkening.
He¡¯d always supported her, always seen her as a real talent.
When Tess was in prison, Nadine had be his go¨Cto.
But now, he found himself questioning if she was even trying. Maybe she hadn¡¯t moved past the previous grievance.
Right then, Zane suddenly jumped up, waving his phone with excitement. ¡°Mr. Lock! I got through!¡±
That got nearly everyone on their feet. Their eyes lit up as they focused on Zane¡¯s phone.
¡°Mr. Lock?¡±
The moment that familiar voice came through, people started exchanging hopeful nces.
It was the original tech staff behind their patent¨Cthe one who¡¯d drafted the whole thing from scratch. He was insanely talented and had probably kept extra copies.
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Chapter 138 Steven Stone
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If they could get him on board, it might be their one shot to shut down the inte drama using them of copying.
Finn took the phone. ¡°Steven, I need your help.¡±
There was a short pause, followed by a calm, distantugh. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding, Mr. Lock.
I haven¡¯t worked there in years. Why would I help now?¡±
Skipping all pleasantries, Finn exined the situation straight up.
Steven Stone sounded surprised, but he still said no.
¡°I already quit,¡± he said, voice polite but firm.
The room fell into silence again.
If Steven wasn¡¯t willing to hand over the early drafts, there was almost no way out of this mess.
Finn squinted coldly. ¡°We treated you well when you were with us. We even helped you relocate overseas. We¡¯re not asking much¨Cjust show up with a copy and clear our name.¡±
But Steven wasn¡¯t backing down. ¡°I earned everything I got. I gave a lot to thepany. So why the pressure now?¡±
His voice stayed friendly, but every word carried a sharp edge, like he was smiling while throwing knives.
Zane snuck a peek at Finn and wasn¡¯t surprised to see his boss looking furious.
¡°Mr. Lock, maybe you should ask someone else. If that¡¯s all, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±
¡°Tess is out of prison.¡±
Finn suddenly blurted it out, clearly frustrated.
And right then, Steven, who¡¯d been shutting them down, suddenly stopped talking.
Everyone looked confused¨Cwhy bring up Tess all of a sudden?
Only Zane seemed to get it.
He¡¯d always been close to Finn and Tess, so he knew the old stories that most others didn¡¯t.
Back in the day, the top staff from each department were like a tight crew. Tess and Steven hit it off fast and became close friends right away.
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Chapter 138 Steven Stone Original content can be found at Find1Novel
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After Tess married Finn, word spread among the higher¨Cups that she got the cold shoulder.
When she was taken to prison, Steven resigned and left Crorus that day.
Everything seemed to revolve around Tess.
Finn pursed his lips, looking struggled and troubled.
He hadn¡¯t wanted to mention old stuff, but he didn¡¯t have much of a choice.
He let out a sigh. ¡°She¡¯s out now. She has a kid. She¡¯s doing okay.¡±
The other end stayed quiet. The joking tone was gone, reced by something cold. ¡°Mr. Lock, did you ever think it¡¯d end up like this?
¡°I¡¯ll be back soon. If you want those drafts, tell Tess toe see me herself.¡±
Then, he ended the call without missing a beat.
Still, his words gave the team a tiny glimmer of hope.
Finn lowered the phone slowly. They finally had a possible way out, but it didn¡¯t make his headache any lighter.
Old memories came rushing in.
They had met once before Steven submitted his resignation.
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Steven never understood why Finn had to be so harsh with Tess. The two of them had a huge fight, and after that, they just went their separate ways.
Steven moved overseas and dropped off the map.
Tess was the only person who could ever get him to budge.
Once the call ended, everyone wore different expressions, but Nadine¡¯s face showed the most difort.
She kept her eyes down, letting her pale blonde hair hide most of her face.
Behind those curls, her jaw was tight, her expression stiff.
She¡¯d just been embarrassed in front of everyone. But when Tess¡® name came up, everything was suddenly back on track.
Now, the silence in the room felt like a p.
Tess again!
Finn was finally treating Nadine like he used to before Tess got out of jail. But then, Tess was brought up again.
Nadine¡¯s eyes were red and full of anger.
¡°Zane, call Evermount Vi.¡±
Finn put his phone down and gave the order. Zane nodded without hesitation.
Finn looked around the room, calm andposed. ¡°Steven ising back in a few days. He¡¯ll confirm the patent is original. From now on, legal¡¯s in charge. Prepare to sue¨Cwe¡¯re not letting this slide.¡±
People still looked unsure, but they nodded and nced toward Nadine.
She was running the legal team now, after all.
Nadine¡¯s eyes were still red. She hesitated, biting her lip.
¡°Finn, are we jumping the gun? I mean ¡
will Tess even want to talk to Steven?¡±
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Chapter 139 Will She Meet Him?
Her voice sounded genuinely concerned, like she cared deeply about the Lock Group.
Others started to look doubtful, too.
¡°Mr. Lock, maybe we should find more solid proof first ¡¡±
The
person speaking trailed off awkwardly.
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The rumors about Finn dragging Tess out of the hotel restaurant were shut down fast, but most of the people here had helped deal with the aftermath. They knew exactly what had happened.
Would Tess, who once leakedpany info and never had a good rtionship with Finn, be willing to help?
¡°That¡¯s not your business,¡± Finn said as he massaged his temples, putting an end to the discussion.
The meeting broke up in a hurry. No one said much and just went back to work.
Finn stayed behind, staring at theputer screen. It was ying security footage of Max sneaking into Evermount Vi.
The video cut to Max and Tess facing off.
The camera by the entrance only caught Max¡¯s back through the ss, along with part of Tess¡® dress.
Eventually, Max stormed off furiously. Finn shut off the video.
¡°Mr. Lock, Mrs. Lock isn¡¯t answering her phone,¡± Zane said as he came in, looking uneasy and holding the phone out.
Finn looked at the screen and saw the missed call. He frowned. ¡°Anything else urgent going on with thepany?¡±
Zane paused, a bit thrown, and shook his head. ¡°Right now, everyone is tied up with the patent stuff. Everything else is on hold for now.
¡°Also, the inte is blowing up with fake posts. Some are saying we¡¯ve stolen patents before. The PR team¡¯s scrambling to keep up.¡±
Finn pursed his lips, his expression darkened.
¡°I¡¯m heading out early. Keep me updated on the legal team¡¯s progress.¡±
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Chapter 139 Will She Meet Him?
He stood up without warning and grabbed his navy jacket from the chair.
Zane was honestly shocked.
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Finn never left early. The whole reason the Lock Group was where it was now was because he worked around the clock. Readplete version only at f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?
But Zane didn¡¯t ask questions. He just went to coordinate things with Bill.
Finn made a beeline for Evermount Vi. When he stepped inside, the smell of food hit him.
Tess was in the kitchen, wearing an apron she bought through the delivery service. The apron was patterned with strawberries and trimmed withce. Her wavy hair was tied back with a headband, and some soft bangs framed her face. She looked kind and gentle, like a sweet housewife.
Following the smell, Finn walked into the kitchen and took in the whole picture.
Something in his expression shifted. His heart skipped a beat.
The kitchen fan hummed in the background, but everything else faded out for him.
Tess hadn¡¯t noticed him standing there. She was focused on her phone, following a recipe as she tried to make a few simple dishes.
To make sure she didn¡¯t disappear again, security around the vi had been tightened.
Finn kept saying she could do whatever she wanted, but the new cameras near the gate said otherwise.
With nothing else to do, Tess had started looking up recipes just to pass the time.
La sat nearby in the baby chair Edith had given them, her bright eyes full of sparkle.
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¡°La, you¡¯re still too little to help out in the kitchen. When you¡¯re bigger, I¡¯ll let you try, okay?¡±
Tess softly patted La¡¯s head, smiling warmly as her
cyes
crinkled.
La let out a few baby sounds and nodded like she understood.
After putting two tes of food on the table, Tess rubbed her lower back, looking tired, and pulled off her apron.
Finn¡¯s attention went straight to the table.
There were scrambled eggs and shredded pork¨Cnothing fancy, just basic homemade stuff.
But the smell hit him hard, and his stomach growled.
His eyes dimmed slightly as they lingered on Tess¡® face.
She picked up her fork, took a bite, and blinked in surprise. It seemed like she didn¡¯t expect it to taste that decent.
But after a few more bites, she slowed down.
She still had over half a te of pasta left when she pushed it aside. Her appetite was clearly
gone.
With no one watching, Tess didn¡¯t bother pretending to be tough. She let out a long sigh, her shoulders sagging.
She looked fragile, like a nt about to wither away.
Finn¡¯s
gaze
darkened again.
Was it that miserable for her to live at Evermount Vi and be near him?
He blinked, frustration clouding his eyes.
A momentter, the quiet was broken by the sound of dishes being picked up.
Tess grabbed her te, but then arge handnded over hers.
Finn took it from her without saying anything and started eating the leftover pasta. He even
Chapter 140 He¡¯ll Be Back Soon
used the same fork she¡¯d been using.
Tess backed away, trying to take the te back, but he didn¡¯t even flinch.
He stayed calm and tapped the table with his knuckles, telling her to sit back down.
She looked annoyed. Updates are released by find?novel
Why was Finn home now? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to still be at work?
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But he didn¡¯t seem to care about her mood. Even though he looked refined, he wolfed down both dishes like he hadn¡¯t eaten in days.
¡°Wow, Mr. Lock, broke already? Gotta snatch leftovers now?¡±
Tess gave up and dropped the te, throwing him a sarcastic smile.
Finn paused briefly, then dropped his gaze and finished off thest bite before cing the te on the table.
He pulled out a custom handkerchief and casually dabbed his mouth. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to waste food.¡±
His voice was low and calm, not bothered by her sarcasm.
Tess clenched her fists. His cool and arrogant attitude only made her more annoyed.
¡°Well, since you helped yourself to that much, and this isn¡¯t free, go ahead and wash the dishes.¡±
She mmed the tes down and grabbed La from her stroller, ready to walk off.
But before she could even take a couple of steps, a firm grip caught her wrist.
She tried yanking her arm back twice, but it didn¡¯t work. She turned and shot Finn a re.
¡°Your cooking isn¡¯t bad,¡± Finn suddenly said, catching her off guard.
¡°I¡¯ve been doing it for over a year. If I didn¡¯t learn, I¡¯d probably be dead by now¨Cthanks to you.¡±
Tess gave a cold smirk, her eyes filled with sarcasm.
Finn looked stunned, clearly hit by her words. His brows scrunched as he grumbled, ¡°Do you have to be so snide every time we talk?¡±
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She stared at him and suddenly chuckled sharply, full of hatred. ¡°You seriously expect me to be polite to the guy who¡¯s been holding me and my daughter here like prisoners?¡±
He looked at her. The disgust and rejection in her eyes hit him hard, like a de straight to the chest.
His hand shook a little while still holding her wrist.
¡°I need to talk to you.¡±
Turning his face away, his voice dropped back into its usual distant tone.
Tess made it clear she didn¡¯t want to listen. Her eyes stayed locked on his hand.
His head started to ache, so he just cut to the point. ¡°Steven will be back soon. He wants to see you.¡±
She froze.
Steven?
For once, her eyes didn¡¯t look defiant. Something softer showed through, like ripples spreading after a pebble hits a still pond.
After she got out of prison, she tried to reconnect with people from her past.
Most of her old coworkers at the Lock Group had moved on with their lives. Only Charles had stuck around. Her closest friend, Steven, was said to have moved overseas, and no one seemed to know how to reach him.
When she came to Aetheris for Finn, she left everything else behind. She had no family and friends here.
For her, Aetheris felt like a forgotten ce stuck in time.
Tess¡®shes quivered. ¡°When?¡±
If Steven wasing back, she honestly wanted to see him.
¡°I¡¯ll let you know when it¡¯s scheduled.¡±
This time, Tess didn¡¯t push back.
Right then, the silence was interrupted by a knock at the door.
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Chapter 140 He¡¯ll Be Back Soon
Finn nced at Tess¡® cold expression, then stepped over to answer it.
As soon as he opened the door, a pretty face pecked in.
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Nadine was standing there, smiling sweetly. ¡°Finn, Zane mentioned you headed home early.
¡°The legal team got a new n, and I wanted to run it by you. You weren¡¯t at the office, so I figured I¡¯d stop by here instead.¡±
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Chapter 141 The Real Reason
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After saying that, Nadine leaned forward a bit, trying to sneak a look inside. ¡°I heard Tess is staying here again. Is she home now?¡±
¡°We¡¯re off work. This is my personal time. We¡¯ll deal with work tomorrow.¡±
With that, Finn was ready to close the door.
Nadine¡¯s smile froze. The brightness in her eyes faded, reced by disappointment.
She gave him a pleading look, but he didn¡¯t move an inch.
Right then, Tess showed up behind him. Nadine¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. Before Finn could stop her, she slipped right past him.
¡°Tess! You¡¯re truly back!¡±
As the door swung open, Finn sighed and rubbed his temples. A headache was building.
He turned around to see Nadine clutching Tess¡® hand with way too much enthusiasm.
Instead of kicking her out, Finn just shut the door and let it be.
Tess stared at the overly cheerful woman, thinking Nadine looked more like a carnivorous flower with perfume.
Her expression went cold, and she pulled her hand away sharply, not even pretending to be nice.
¡°I don¡¯t remember Grandma ever saying I had a younger sister,¡± Tess said bluntly before walking away.
Nadine¡¯s hand stayed awkwardly in the air. Her face twitched, but she pped on a fake smile. ¡°I think you¡¯ve misunderstood me-¡±
¡°There¡¯s no misunderstanding.¡±
Tess cut her off, her tone sharp as ice.
The air turned thick with tension. Finn finally spoke up. ¡°Nadine, if you¡¯ve got something to say, just say it and then leave.¡±
Tess had already made it clear she wasn¡¯t interested in Nadine¡¯s act, but Nadine hadn¡¯t
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Chapter 141 The Real Reason
expected Finn to back Tess up.
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Nadine quickly masked the disappointment in her eyes, though a sh of malice still slipped through.
¡°Finn, are you nning to tell Tess about Steven?¡±
Before anyone could respond, she reached for Tess again, full of fake concern. ¡°Tess, the Lock Group has got a big problem. We need Steven to testify, but he¡¯s refusing to give us the documents unless he talks to you. This is important, so please don¡¯t vent your dissatisfaction with me on the Lock Group.¡±
Tess looked at Finn after that, eyes narrowing.
Her usually calm expression shifted, now filled with something closer to realization.
No wonder Finn was being so generous about the Steven meeting.
It turned out that the Lock Group needed her to get the documents.
Tessughed bitterly at her naivety, a sadness washing over her.
So that was the real reason.
She hadpletely misjudged Finn.
Finn didn¡¯t think he had done anything wrong, but the moment their eyes met, guilt hit him out of nowhere.
He tried to keep his tone steady. ¡°Tess, that¡¯s what I wanted to talk to you about. The Lock Group needs your help.¡±
His tone was serious.
Since Nadine had already spilled everything, he saw no point in hiding it anymore.
¡°So, even you¡¯ve got problems you can¡¯t fix? Now you want an ex¨Ccon to step in and save the day? Or should I say, you¡¯re here to beg?¡±
Her voice was mocking, and there was no warmth behind the smile.
The word ¡°ex¨Ccon¡± hit like a p.
Finn¡¯s face tightened. ¡°Tess!¡± he snapped.
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Chapter 141 The Real Reason
The warning in his voice just made her feel more sarcastic.
(49
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Funny how the man who sent her to prison now couldn¡¯t even stand hearing the word.
What a joke.
She let out a coldugh, cradled La in her arms, and turned to leave.
Even a short conversation with them gave her a headache and chest pain. She¡¯d rather not see them at all.
Nadine noticed Tess was about to walk away. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction, but she faked a worried look and reached for Tess again.
But this time, Tess didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Get lost!¡±
¡°Ah!¡±
Nadine let out a dramatic scream as she stumbled backward.
Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he stepped in to catch her.
Nadine went pale from the shock. But once shended safely in his arms, she clung to him like she was terrified.
Tears welled up as she looked up at him while sneaking a smug nce in Tess¡® direction.
But then, her eyesnded on La.
La sucked on her pacifier, staring curiously at everyone.
Her features looked way too much like Finn¡¯s. Nadine¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.
Finn smelled the strong perfume on her and felt another headacheing on.
A few steps away, Tess just watched the two of them, cold and silent.
Her time in prison had been harsh. The forcedbor had made her tougher, but no way she had the strength to toss a full¨Cgrown woman like that.
She saw through Nadine¡¯s act immediately.
Tess smirked and said nothing. The rightful source is Find_Novel(.
Finally, Finn seemed to snap out of it. Once Nadine was steady, he gently pushed her away.
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Chapter 141 The Real Reason
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The warmth from his embrace disappeared. Nadine stood frozen for a second, then slowly looked up, only to meet Tess¡® sharp stare.
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Chapter 142 Why Does She Fall for Him?
Chapter 142 Why Does She Fall for Him?
Nadine caught on immediately, fists tightening in anger.
Finn cleared his throat and frowned. ¡°Tess, Nadine is your sister.¡±
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Tess looked from Nadine to him, thenughed, like she felt amused by what she was hearing.
¡°Oh really? So sisters are supposed to share husbands now?¡±
Her voice was cold, and her sarcasm sharp.
Her meaning was obvious. Finn¡¯s face darkened right away.
Nadine shot Tess a smug look.
So what if she knows? Finn is mine. No way I¡¯m letting her have him.
that?
But on the surface, she widened her eyes, looking wounded. ¡°Tess! How could you say You can be mad at me all you want, but Finn is your husband. Don¡¯t you trust him at all?¡±
¡°Hmph.¡±
Tess didn¡¯t answer. She mmed the door right in their faces.
Finn¡¯s expression went from bad to worse.
Nadine caught it from the corner of her eye, but inside, she was thrilled.
That¡¯s right, Tess. Keep pushing him away. That just makes it easier for me to get closer.
¡°Finn, she-¡±
Nadine lowered her head, putting on a hurt look. ¡°Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have shown up, legal team wanted me to check in with you right away .
¡°1
but the
Her voice trailed off, as if she had suffered a great injustice.
Finn felt like his brain was stuck in slow motion.
¡°Come on. Let¡¯s talk in the study.¡±
He tugged at his tie, clearly annoyed.
1/4 Original content can be found at find~novel
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Chapter 142 Why Does She Fall for Him?
Nadine¡¯s face lit up. She quickly followed behind, her cheeks flushed pink.
Once the noise outside faded, Tess leaned against the door, heart tight with anger.
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Who gave Nadine the nerve to walk in and act like that? Did she think I would just sit back and take it?
Her teeth clicked as she bit her lip, shes of Finn defending Nadine reying in her mind.
Tess blinked hard, then gave a bitter smile.
She was stuck in Evermount Vi¨CFinn¡¯s territory.
So what if she felt disgusted?
She clenched her fists as she looked out the tall window.
Outside, the sky was lit up with brilliant shades from the setting sun, but the metal bars on the window blocked her from all of it.
Right now, those bars felt like prison walls, and she was the bird stuck behind them.
Tess stared nkly for a while, then finally let out a soft, bitterugh.
Why did Finn always have to tear her down like that?
Even if he hated being forced into marrying her, hadn¡¯t she paid enough already?
As night crept in, she tucked La into bed but still couldn¡¯t fall asleep. She dragged herself into the kitchen, hoping a cup of chamomile tea would help.
When she opened the door, she noticed how still everything felt. Only a faint glow from the hallway lights lit the space.
She walked quietly through the house, but a sliver of light from a cracked door caught her attention.
Her
eyes lifted.
It was Finn¡¯s study.
The door wasn¡¯t fully shut, and she could hear a man and a woman talking.
¡°Finn, did Tess agree to meet Steven?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
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Chapter 142 Why Does She Fall for Him?
¡°So, what do you think about the n I suggested?¡±
¡°Not bad.¡±
¡°Compared to when Tess was in charge?¡±
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Finn¡¯s voice sounded a little distant, but he patiently answered Nadine¡¯s endless questions.
Then, she brought up Tess.
That was when he stopped flipping through the files. His eyes slowly rose from the papers.
Unlike earlier, he didn¡¯t respond right away. A picture of Tess shed in his mind¨Cstill and unshaken, like a wildflower blooming on a stormy cliff.
She had rooted herself in a ce deep inside him.
Finn pursed his lips, hisshes twitching slightly. When he saw Nadine watching him with those hopeful eyes, he looked away and said tly, ¡°Yes. Tess only managed what she did because of you.¡±
He forced a small smile, like it was nothing.
Nadine¡¯s eyes lit up, and she leaned across the desk shyly.
From Tess¡® angle, Finn looked gentle, and Nadine¡¯s cheeks were glowing red.
Tess¡® heart missed a beat.
She thought she¡¯d gotten used to the hurt, but it still felt like someone ripping open a wound.
Getting used to pain didn¡¯t mean it stopped hurting.
Tess pressed her palm against her chest. That thin beam of light from the doorway felt like it was burning into her eyes.
Why had she ever fallen for Finn?
He was the kind of man who could flirt with her adopted sister and still act like she meant nothing.
She used to be thrilled to marry him.
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Chapter 142 Why Does She Fall for Him?
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And now? He had the nerve to erase everything she¡¯d worked for at the Lock Group just to keep Nadine happy.
Tess was trembling with anger.
She couldn¡¯t bear to watch them anymore. As she turned to walk away, the edge of her coat brushed the wooden door, making a soft, idental sound.
¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±
Finn¡¯s voice cut through the silence, sharp and on guard.
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Chapter 143 He Won¡¯t Divorce Her
Nadine turned toward the sound.
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By the door stood a woman in a in nightgown, her face still carrying a trace of sadness.
Finn¡¯s eyes narrowed as he forced out her name. ¡°Tess?¡±
¡°Just walking by. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±
Tess gave a polite smile and turned to leave.
¡°Tess!¡±
Something about how calm she was made Finn panic a little. He quickly reached out and grabbed her arm.
¡°Let go of me.¡±
Tess stared coldly at his hand, her voice cool and firm.
But it was exactly that quiet calm that made Finn¡¯s heart beat faster.
¡°The Lock Group is in serious trouble. Nadine was just giving me an update,¡± he blurted.
¡°Why are you telling me that?¡±
Tess turned back, her eyes meeting his like she truly didn¡¯t
get - it.
Finn froze.
Her face was unreadable as she nced at them.
But he suddenly felt like he¡¯d lost something.
Since Tess got out of prison, Finn had sensed her pulling further and further away. Now, staring at her cool expression, it finally sank in.
Did she not love him anymore?
Hisshes twitched. He used to hate how clingy she was. But now that she¡¯d let go, all he felt was panic.
¡°You¡¯re my wife,¡± he said, locking eyes with her.
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Chapter 143 He Won¡¯t Divorce Her
Nadine¡¯s heart sank like a stone. The word ¡°wife¡± hit her hard.
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She had no right to say anything, but it didn¡¯t stop her from curling her fists, her eyes burning with jealousy.
But she quickly masked it and said, ¡°Tess, don¡¯t misunderstand. We were just talking about work. Finn¡¯s been under a lot of pressure at the office. As his wife, you should try to understand him more.¡±
Nadine forced an understanding smile.
But Tess didn¡¯t even look at her.
¡°That title means nothing to me now.¡±
Her voice was soft, almost like a breeze disappearing into the dark.
With that, she turned around and left resolutely, disappearing into the night.
Finn¡¯s lips parted, but nothing came out. Every word got stuck in his throat.
Nadine quickly covered the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes and put on a worried look.
She tugged at his sleeve gently. ¡°Finn, Tess seems upset. I still have more to report, but I can wait till tomorrow. You should go talk to her.¡±
Even as she said it, her teary gaze begged him to stay.
But this time, Finn didn¡¯t hesitate. He kept his eyes fixed on the direction where Tess had gone.
Nadine bit her lip when he didn¡¯t look at her.
¡°Okay.¡±
This time, Finn didn¡¯t stick around. He gave a quiet reply, then flipped off the study lights.
The room sank into darkness, hiding the stunned look frozen on Nadine¡¯s face.
¡°You head back first,¡± he said.
The only thing left behind was the chill in the air and the soft sound of his footsteps fading down the hall, along with a barely audible goodbye.
Once everything went still, Nadine finally realized he had left.
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Chapter 143 He Won¡¯t Divorce Her
Her eyes widened as she stared into the pitch ck.
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She bit her lip hard, watching helplessly as he walked off in the same direction Tess had gone.
By the time Finn reached Tess¡® door, the front entrance of Evermount Vi had already shut.
He knocked gently, mindful that La was probably sleeping.
Tess didn¡¯t want to disturb La either, so even though she didn¡¯t want to see him, she still opened the door.
She stared coldly at Finn, silently demanding to know why he was there.
¡°The Lock Group is in trouble. The only shot we have at fixing things is by getting the original draft from Steven fromst year.
¡°He won¡¯t hand it over unless he talks to you.¡±
His tone was firm, showing how serious it was.
Tess looked at him for a moment. The dim light softened the sharp lines of his face. He didn¡¯t look as cold or tough as usual.
She kept her gaze on him, then stepped outside and quietly closed the door behind her.
She nced at him and said in a low voice, ¡°Let¡¯s talk outside.¡±
La was still asleep. Tess didn¡¯t want to risk waking her up.
Finn¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he quickly followed.
But when they stood face to face outside, Tess¡® icy stare hit him like cold water.
¡°You should start thinking about signing the divorce papers.¡±
She said it before he could get a word in.
Finn¡¯s expression instantly hardened.
He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and blurted out, ¡°No way.¡±
His eyes locked onto hers. ¡°If getting your help means I have to divorce you, then don¡¯t bother.¡±
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Chapter 144 Conversation
:
Finn let out a heavy breath. Frustration pushed hard against his chest.
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Tess noticed the shift in his face. His features darkened, and though he kept his voice steady, the tension underneath it all was clear. She found it almostughable.
He drew closer, reaching out to hold her¨Cwarm and soft¨Cin his arms. He refused to let her ?????? ???? FindN()vel- go.
¡°No matter how big this storm gets, the Lock Group has been standing for years. We¡¯ve got enough strength to weather it,¡± Finn said.
His tone was cold, solid, and full of finality.
Tess looked at him for a moment, then stepped back and exhaled. ¡°Fine. One condition. I don¡¯t know what it is yet, but you¡¯ll agree to it.¡±
Finn didn¡¯t expect her to give in so easily. But as soon as she spoke, his guard shot right back - up.
¡°Anything but divorce.¡±
His eyes stayed locked on hers. They were deep and dark, like staring into a pit that never ended.
Tess held his gaze, and for a second, it felt like she was being dragged into something that could swallow her whole.
She turned away with a cold voice. ¡°So you¡¯ll say yes to anything, as long as it¡¯s not divorce?¡±
Once she gave that promise, Finn finally rxed a little. He rubbed his forehead and nodded. ¡°Fine. But there¡¯s a line.
¡°And I decide where that line is. If I say no, then it¡¯s no. You¡¯ll just have to think of something else.¡±
His words came with caution, but when he looked up again, Tess was already watching him with a sharp, mocking look.
¡°I¡¯ll let you know when I figure it out.¡±
She turned to leave. But before she could take a step, Finn moved and blocked her path.
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Chapter 144 Conversation
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His tall frame cast a heavy shadow over her. With the light behind him, his face looked darker than usual, and for just a second, something softer slipped through.
¡°Tess¡ it¡¯s not what you think. I mean the thing between Nadine and me.¡±
Tess blinked slowly. ¡°Oh? The secretary and the boss? ssic setup. Perfect for an affair.¡±
She gave a dryugh.
¡°Finn, the divorce is just a matter of time.¡±
She said it quietly and shut the door behind her.
The hallway was dim. Wall lights gave off a faint yellow glow. There was no one else around. Finn lowered his gaze.
The veins on his hand bulged as he clenched his fist. His emotions ran high and heavy.
Even now, she couldn¡¯t help making a jab at him and her foster sister.
Finn¡¯s lips pulled into a cold, tight smile. His eyes stayed dead still. Not a trace of warmth.
So what about her and Abel? Or Max?
His hand curled tighter.
His wife. His nephew. He di
His wife. His nephew. He didn¡¯t even know when they had met. He had no clue how close they had be.
She could bond with Abel like they were soulmates, but the second he so much as spoke to Nadine, she turned cold and sarcastic.
The Lock Group had found a way out of its crisis. But Finn couldn¡¯t find a single ounce of peace. His chest felt like it was being squeezed from the inside.
Later that night, he sent a message to Zane, who was already deep asleep. He asked him to dig into how Tess and Abel first met, and what kind of rtionship they had now.
As soon as the message left his phone, Finn¡¯s eyes turned red. He squeezed the device in his palm and quietly made his way to the bedroom.
The room was dark. The light switch sat right by the door, but he didn¡¯t reach for it. He walked forward in silence, step by step, until he reached the bed.
His hand swept across the nightstand until his fingers found a flower¨Cshaped button. He
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Chapter 144 Conversation
pressed it.
A soft light bloomed around the room.
:
The first thing his eyesnded on was the small floralmp by the bed.
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The room Tess and La stayed in were cleaned out specifically for them. But back then¡
Finn opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
Everything of Tess¡® had been removed from this room. Everything but thatmp. It had been left untouched.
He stared at it. To him, it was nothing more than a forgotten object. But themp looked just like it had on the day she left. Spotless. Bright. Even the shade, which should¡¯ve collected dust, was clean like it had just been wiped.
Finn looked away and sank into the bed.
It wasrge. It was cold.
Maybe it just felt that way because she wasn¡¯t there.
Finn had always slept like clockwork. Even on a bed that could hold ten people, he stayed perfectly still, never straying from his side.
But that night, something made him reach out. His hand touched nothing but a cold, empty sheet.
The chill sank into his skin and crept into his chest.
He didn¡¯t know when sleep took over. By the time he opened his eyes again, the sun had already climbed high into the sky. His phone buzzed with a call from Zane.
Still groggy, Finn answered. ¡°Mr. Lock! I told Steven that Mrs. Lock agreed to meet him. He¡¯snding this afternoon, and he¡¯s bringing the draft we¡¯ve been waiting on!¡± Zane¡¯s voice rang with energy.
That snapped Finn awake.
¡°Get ready. We¡¯re heading to the airport.¡±
He changed into a fresh suit and told the driver to take him to the office.
Tess heard the rush of tires as the car pulled away. She stood by the window, watching the
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Chapter 144 Conversation
Maybach speed off into the distance.
Steven was finallying back.
Her thoughts drifted.
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Last night, she had made her terms clear to Finn. It wasn¡¯t just about securing her own ground. Deep down, she really did want to see Steven.
Around noon, Zane called and invited her to the Lock Group office. They would go to the airport together.
Tess handed La off to the nanny at Evermount Vi. She took her time getting ready, making sure every detail was in ce before heading out to meet them.
Keepsake 145
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Chapter 145 Meeting
By the time Tess arrived, the car for the airport run was already waiting by the front gate.
She stepped out of the taxi, and just then, the back window of a nearby car rolled down.
A sharp profile came into view.
Finn turned his head slightly, looked at her, and said, ¡°Get in.¡±
Tess paused for a moment. Her eyes swept across the busy street before she bent down and climbed into the car.
The back seat was spacious. With only the two of them inside, Tess sat as far away as she could. There was enough room between them to seat several more people.
Finn nced at the gap between them. He pressed his lips together and forced down the irritation building inside.
They didn¡¯t exchange a word the entire ride. When they reached the airport, Finn opened the door for her. Their eyes met briefly, but Tess turned away before anything could settle in the silence.
¡°Tess, long time no see.¡±
The familiar voice came from right behind her. Calm and formal.
She turned around, caught off guard. Steven was already standing there. She had no idea when he¡¯d shown up.
It had been a full year since theyst saw each other. Unlike her, Steven looked nearly the same. He still wore those clear square sses. His hair was slicked back clean with gel, the cut sharp and neat.
He rolled up the sleeves of his deep blue striped dress shirt and stepped forward, shutting the car door for her before Finn could even react. His whole presence radiated control and ss, the kind earned through years in the corporate world.
Tess blinked. Her chest tightened, and her nose stung unexpectedly.
Seeing him again brought back too much.
Their eyes met. Steven¡¯s gaze shifted slightly.
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Chapter 145 Meeting
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If Finn hadn¡¯t been standing next to her, he might not have recognized her from behind.
The Tess he remembered had been firm, brilliant, and full of ideas.
She reminded him of himself in some ways¨Cquick¨Cthinking,posed, and professional. But she had always been softer when it counted.
Now, she seemed different. The edge had faded. She looked like someone who had once been ice but had melted into something fluid, someone who was still strong but warmer, quieter.
Steven found himself staring.
¡°Zane said this flight didn¡¯t serve food,¡± he said. ¡°There¡¯s a restaurant nearby. We can grab a bite and talk there.¡±
Finn moved in just slightly, cing himself between them and cutting Steven¡¯s line of sight.
Steven caught the message and backed off with a polite smile. It was smooth and distant. ¡°Sure.¡±
Tess followed silently behind. Follow current nov?ls on Find[?]ovel
As soon as they stepped into the restaurant, a bright voice rang out from across the room.
¡°Finn! What are the odds?¡±
Nadine trotted over, her eyes lit up like she¡¯d just spotted a prize.
Finn looked surprised.
¡°What are you doing here?¡±
Nadine stuck out her tongue yfully and pointed toward a table behind her.
An older man sat there, hair white, posture straight, eyes sharp. He nodded respectfully at Finn.
The elder was obviously a respected person.
¡°This is my professor from college,¡± Nadine said. ¡°I¡¯ve been really worried about Lock Grouptely, so I brought him over to help brainstorm some ideas.¡±
She looked up at Finn, clearly fishing for praise.
Finn gave her a small smile. ¡°You¡¯ve done well.¡±
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Chapter 145 Meeting
As he spoke, he lowered his gaze just enough to hide the nce he stole at Tess.
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Nadine lit up with pride. She waved it off as if it was nothing. ¡°It¡¯s really no trouble! I¡¯m just d I could help you.¡±
They spoke like no one else existed. Steven took it all in. He raised one brow, then looked at Tess.
He knew her. He knew what she used to feel about Finn.
But now, she looked at the two of them with the calm detachment of someone watching strangers.
Not a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes. Nothing.
Steven felt something off.
¡°You must be Mr. Stone,¡± Nadine said suddenly. Her face brightened as she reached out a hand toward him.
Steven¡¯s smile stayed fixed. He lifted his arm and blocked her approach before she could get any closer.
His tone was smooth, but there was no warmth in it. ¡°We have business to discuss. This isn¡¯t a good time for a fourth person. I hope you¡¯ll understand, Ms. Ember.¡±
One nce was all it took. Steven had heard the stories even before returning home. He already had a rough picture of Tess¡® family, and Nadine¡¯s identity clicked instantly.
He narrowed his eyes.
They turned cold.
Back when he still worked at Lock Group, Nadine hadn¡¯t stood out. He only knew Tess had a foster sister in thepany.
Tess had always treated her kindly, but there had been something off in how she spoke about her. Like there was something buried between them.
Nadine clearly hadn¡¯t expected to be shut down so bluntly. Her smile faltered, and her face stiffened.
She looked to Finn for help.
But Finn stayed with Steven on this one. ¡°Go take care of your professor first.¡±
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Keepsake 146
146 Headpat
Chapter 146 Headpat
Nadine¡¯s gaze dulled.
But a secondter, Finn loosened his grip and rested his hand gently on her head.
¡°I¡¯ll meet up with you once I¡¯m finished,¡± he said.
His voice dropped low, smooth and calm as it brushed against her like a warm breeze.
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A flush spread across Nadine¡¯s cheeks, and her ears turned pink. The tight knot in her chest loosened in an instant.
She nodded eagerly, her tone soft and full of pride.
¡°I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±
She didn¡¯t catch the cool distance in his eyes, as though the words hade from someone else.
Before leaving, she tossed onest look at Tess.
Her steps grew light, and her mood soared.
Steven raised a brow, his sharp eyes flicking between Finn and Tess.
¡°You already know how bad things are at Lock Group. I held up my end. How about you?¡±
Finn tapped the table to remind him.
Steven pulled his gaze back and offered a smooth, unreadable smile. ¡°Come on, Mr. Lock, we¡¯ve known each other a long time. Can¡¯t we talk like old friends before diving into work?¡±
He stood up, grabbed the bottle, and poured red wine into Finn¡¯s empty ss. ¡°Some people are worth the wait,¡± Steven said, his voice light. ¡°Just make sure you¡¯re not waiting on the wrong ones.¡±
Finn squinted slightly. Something about those words rubbed him the wrong way.
Steven raised his ss like nothing happened. He still wore that careful, polite smile, but Finn felt his mood dip.
The line dropped like a pebble in still water.
Chapter 146 Headpat
Tiny, but it rippled.
Finn looked at Tess.
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She didn¡¯t lift her head. She kept cutting her steak in silence, her face turned calmly to the side.
¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Steven said, noticing her struggle. Original content can be found at Find?Novel
He reached over and took her te.
Tess didn¡¯t argue.
It wasn¡¯t about being delicate. Her steak was cooked through and tough to cut.
She gave him a small smile.
It was a simple expression and nothing more. But to Finn, it cut like ss.
His jaw tightened. A sharp weight pressed on his chest.
¡°I¡¯m a busy man, Steven,¡± Finn said, dropping his utensils. The noise rang out as metal met porcin.
Steven narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t say another word. He reached into his briefcase, pulled out a folder, and set it firmly on the table.
The easy smile vanished.
¡°My mistake,¡± he said coldly. ¡°You¡¯ve got more on your te than we do. We¡¯re just nobodies, right?¡±
His voice dripped with sarcasm. It made Tess frown.
Finn¡¯s face went hard.
He stood and looked directly at her. ¡°You¡¯ve seen him now. Time to head home, Mrs. Lock.¡±
He said the title with weight, like it was a brand.
His tone left no room for argument.
Steven noticed the change. He looked from one to the other.
It had been a year since he¡¯d seen them.
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Back then, Finn didn¡¯t care much what Tess did. He never tried to control her.
Now, things felt different.
Steven turned to Tess.
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Something wasn¡¯t right.
She nced at him and then back at Finn. Her voice stayed calm. ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry. If you have work, Mr. Lock, then I suggest you get back to it.¡±
Finn had expected it, but her words still unsettled him.
¡°No.¡± he said at once.
Tess looked up, her tone sharp.
¡°Then I¡¯ll use the condition you promised me yesterday. I can¡¯t ask for a divorce, and now I can¡¯t even sit down with an old friend?¡±
er voice wasced with dry scorn.
Her eyes narrowed, and her voice wasced with dry scorn.
She looked like someone who had been locked away too long, and every look she gave him was full of defiance.
But the truth was, he was the one stuck now.
Finn stood frozen.
She could have asked for anything¨Chis money, his possessions, even his heart¨Cand he would have handed it over.
But all she wanted was time with Steven.
So small, yet it shook him to his core.
He stared at the two of them.
Then he let out a short, bitterugh. The air around him felt colder in an instant.
¡°Fine.¡±
He spat the word like it left a bad taste.
Finn spun around and left, walking so fast the wind kicked up behind him.
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Chapter 146 Headpat
Steven reached out and ttened the edge of the tablecloth before it could fly up.
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With Finn gone, he rxed. His tone softened, like an older brother watching out for someone he cared about. ¡°You mentioned divorce. What¡¯s going on?¡±
Before Tess could speak, he continued with a frown, ¡°You used to want to marry him so badly. What changed? Is this still aboutst year, or did something else happen?¡±
His face grew more serious with each word. It was clear he was ready to stand by her if she gave him even one reason.
A quiet warmth rose in Tess¡¯s chest. She told him what she was thinking¨Cclear, honest, and without holding back.
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