Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182 The Missing Gown

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Finn leaned in, puzzled, and saw the same thing she did–nothing but the hollow interior of the box.

Nadine was upset.

So the stunning gown that had stolen the spotlight at the party was supposed to be hers? Tess had actually worn the dress Finn had given her just to grab attention?

She clenched her teeth, the image of Tess basking in admiration flashing in her mind.

Nadine could almost see the moment replaying: one second, the crowd’s eyes were fixed on her, and the next, all attention had shifted to Tess. That moment was supposed to be hers.

Finn leaned in. When Nadine felt the air grow colder with him getting closer, she quickly smothered whatever flashed across her mind and put on a look of uneasy disappointment. “Finn, it’s empty.”

She lifted her gaze, eyes glistening with wounded innocence. “Yesterday, Tess wore a Cavrielle wasn’t gown, and you told me the dress was one of a kind–custom made. There was only one, there?”

Her voice trembled as she lowered her head, feigning injury.

Finn’s dark eyes deepened, a sharp glint of something unreadable flashing in their depths.

Gathering what looked like courage, Nadine’s eyes reddened as she whispered, “How could she do this? This wasn’t just a gown–it was your gift, your thoughtfulness. And now … she’s caught up in a storm over it. If she’d only told me, maybe none of this would have happened.”

Her voice hitched at the right moments, the perfect blend of hurt and reluctant concern, painting herself as a younger sister betrayed but still thinking of her older sister’s well–being.

Finn didn’t so much as twitch. His face remained unreadable, the silence stretching until it began to feel heavy.

When no comfort came, Nadine’s confidence wavered. She sensed something slipping, and her heart began to pound–until he patted her shoulder.

“So that’s the story behind that controversial gown,” a deep male voice said from behind. “Don’t worry too much about your sister. The PR team knows what they’re doing.”

The smile froze on Nadine’s face.

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15:52 Fri, Oct 3

Chapter 182 The Missing Gown

What?

That wasn’t the reaction she’d expected.

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She looked up, ready to say more, but Finn had already taken the box from her arms and set it back in place with a quiet finality.

“Since I can’t give you the gown now, let’s head back to the office.”

Without another word, he walked away.

Her polished, gentle expression cracked as she stared at his retreating back.

“What is it?”

Finn asked when he noticed she hadn’t moved. He stopped and turned, his sculpted features catching the light, eyes shifting slowly over her face. There was something in them- something sharp, something weighing her.

Nadine’s heart gave a faint flutter. She snapped back to herself, a flicker of panic still in her

eyes.

Finn’s gaze darkened. He said nothing as Nadine jogged to his side.

When he started walking again, his pace was measured, but his gaze, when it flicked toward her, carried a hint of suspicion.

He’d never told her the dress was Cavrielle, yet she’d named the brand instantly and linked it without hesitation to the gown Tess had worn.

Finn dropped his eyes, masking the shadow in them; his lips flattened into a hard, straight line.

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Nadine, and a question rose, sharp and unwelcome. Nadine, are you really as innocent as you claim?

Before he could dwell on it, a figure came jogging toward them.

Felix.

He’d just failed to pick up Tess from the hospital and, irritated with himself, had parked the car when he spotted Finn and Nadine coming down the corridor.

He hurried over, choosing his words carefully. “Mr. Lock, welcome home. The hospital says Mrs. Lock has already been discharged. Did you see her on your way in?”

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15:52 Fri, Oct 3

Chapter 182 The Missing Gown

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Finn’s drifting thoughts snapped tight. His jaw set. “Tess has been discharged? And you didn’t get her?”

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