Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 262

Chapter 262 A Restless Night

The light in the study went out.

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That night, many people tossed and turned, unable to sleep. But Tess, for once, had the best rest she’d had in a long time.

She woke only because Layla stirred, her little belly rumbling with hunger.

When Tess opened her eyes and checked her phone, she was shocked–it was already ten o’clock.

Layla whimpered with her lips puckered, her big watery eyes too tired to even blink.

Guilt swept over Tess. Still in her pajamas, she rushed to the kitchen to make some baby food for Layla.

But just as she pushed the door open, she almost ran straight into Finn. The dark circles under his eyes startled her.

For a moment, Tess thought she was seeing things.

It was unusual to find Finn still at home at this hour.

Without a word, she reacted quickly, treating him as if he were nothing more than air. She walked right past him.

As she brushed by, her hair lifted with the draft, carrying a faint scent that reached Finn. It lingered for only a second before fading.

He had spent the whole night unable to sleep. Unable to rest, drained and hazy, he decided to go straight to the office.

His eyes lingered on the open kitchen door for a long time before he finally forced himself to look away.

When Zane arrived to pick him up, he froze at the sight of Finn’s worn–out face. “Mr. Lock?!”

His professional training slipped. The shock in his voice was obvious.

Finn shot him a cold glance. The sharpness in his eyes made Zane shiver. Embarrassed, he rubbed his nose and quickly covered his mouth.

“Y–you didn’t sleep at all? Shouldn’t you take a break today?” Zane asked carefully, studying

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19:20 Mon, Oct 13

Chapter 262 A Restless Night

Finn’s expression.

“Go to the office,” Finn replied in a low, harsh tone.

Zane didn’t dare press further. He quickly opened the car door for him.

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At the same time, Tess pulled her gaze back and set the warm bowl of Gerber rice cereal beside the bed.

Layla’s unfocused eyes lit up.

Watching her tiny pink tongue press against the spoon made Tess’s heart melt.

The little bowl emptied quickly.

Tess wiped Layla’s lips with care. Clearly, the child had been starving.

Last night, she hadn’t known who stepped in to help, but the storm online had shifted. This morning, while waiting for the cereal to soften, she skimmed through the updates. Several top legal experts had stepped forward, tearing down every false rumor that had been pinned on

her.

Steven’s evidence was solid. It showed the exact time of Nexus Research Institute’s first design meeting, backed with clear video records.

It was almost ironic. Steven had returned to Aetheris once just to clear Finn of a similar mess, and now the same situation had fallen on him.

The second hearing with Zack was right around the corner.

But with the internet buzzing the way it was now, Zack’s tricks probably wouldn’t work this time.

Nadine had promised to represent him for free, but the odds of winning were thin.

She must already be second–guessing herself. Still, Zack was a slick, sharp–dressed bully. Nadine wouldn’t dare to turn him down outright.

Tess’s brows lowered. In only a few minutes, her mind had run through a dozen twists and

turns.

“Joanna.”

Tess called to the maid waiting outside.

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Chapter 262 A Restless Night

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After yesterday’s scolding, Joanna kept her head down, too nervous to look Tess in the eye.

“Don’t let anyone else touch Layla. I’ll be back soon.”

Tess’s voice was colder than usual, sharper, with none of her normal warmth.

Joanna quickly agreed.

Tess hesitated, looking back several times before stepping out.

Even though her name had been cleared, she had no plan to attend the second hearing. She wanted to avoid suspicion. Still, since she held a nominal role at Nexus, she had to show up and help prepare for the case.

She ordered a ride and left quickly.

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