Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 228

He glanced at Steven, then broke into a big grin. “With Ms. Tess on the case, our odds just shot way up!”

His open praise made Tess realize she had read him wrong.

She rubbed her nose, still confused.

That incident a year ago had wrecked her career, so why did he act like he had no clue?

Back then, the uproar in Aetheris had been huge.

Steven didn’t seem surprised at Tommy’s reaction.

He even smiled and said, “That’s right. She’s the one–young Tess, the name everyone in Aetheris knew.”

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Chapter 227 Suggestion

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Tommy nodded, looking at her with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, like he was holding something back.

Tess returned a polite smile.

They sat at her desk and began going over the file Steven had provided.

It didn’t take long for her to understand the case.

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Chapter 228 The Case

Chapter 228 The Case

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This wasn’t a tough problem. The real headache was handling a lawsuit on Crorus soil, which was more complicated than the usual technical work. Still, it wasn’t impossible.

Whenever Tommy hit a wall or looked unsure, Tess would step in with a polite reminder.

Just a few quiet words from her would give him the clue he needed to find the solution instantly, and that made him admire her even more. It also made Tess feel a little embarrassed.

The three of them worked steadily at their stations until lunch rolled around. Steven suggested they grab something to eat at a restaurant in the nearby shopping district.

Her stomach was starting to feel empty, so Tess saw no reason to refuse.

The moment they sat down at the table Steven had reserved, Tess caught sight of someone she didn’t want to see.

Nadine was seated not far away. Across from her sat an older man Tess recognized–Nadine’s teacher.

Tess narrowed her eyes. They were deep in conversation. The old man’s face was tense with anger, and every now and then he let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Nadine seemed half–interested, yet she still replied to him sentence by sentence and even poured him water now and then. She kept up appearances well enough.

Tess didn’t bother trying to figure out what was going on between them. Steven noticed her look and leaned in. “What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.

She lowered her lashes. “Nothing.”

Steven followed her gaze and spotted Nadine. His eyes flickered for a moment, but he stayed quiet.

“Ms. Ember, you have to try this one. It’s the best thing here!”

Tommy’s booming voice and big gestures drew curious stares from other tables.

Tess smiled, picked up a piece of fish from the plate he’d recommended, and took a bite. “It’s smooth, light, and fresh. You really know your food, Mr. Jynn.”

Her words made Tommy beam, and he went on describing the rest of the dishes with real

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Chapter 228 The Case

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Tess played along, tasting each in the order he suggested and giving her thoughts every time.

She had only made it to the third dish when two shadows fell over their table.

Nadine and her teacher stood right beside them.

Tess kept eating without looking up, though Tommy froze in place.

“Tommy? Didn’t think anyone still hung around with you,” the old man said.

With his long white hair and coat that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel, he could have passed for a wise mentor–until he opened his mouth. His tone made it clear he liked picking fights.

Tommy’s fork hesitated midair.

It was subtle, but Tess caught it.

She set her fork down and frowned at them.

“Out of money? Here to bum a meal?”

Steven almost spit out his tea but managed to swallow it, breaking into a fit of coughing instead.

Tess shot him an exasperated glance.

Steven covered his mouth, smiled apologetically, and sat straighter.

Nadine’s face turned pale, and her eyes burned as she glared at Tess.

When had she gotten such a sharp tongue?

“Tess, if Finn were here, I think he’d be surprised.”

“Surprised?”

Tess took a slow sip of tea with a calm face. “He’s seen plenty. This wouldn’t faze him—though you might think so.”

The message was clear–Nadine had gotten nowhere near the close circle of Finn.

Nadine’s face flushed red, and she found Tess more difficult to handle than ever.

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