Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 354

Chapter 354 Nadine’s Plan

Chapter 354 Nadine’s Plan

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470 Fred Cond

Nadine finally saw the truth with crushing clarity. Finn was getting his heart broken over Tess

Her nails dug so deep into her palm that little crescents of pain bloomed across her skin. Bitterness surged in her throat so sharply, it nearly strangled her.

Shannon’s hand slid over hers, warm and steady, grounding her with a mother’s quiet strength.

Nadine blinked hard. She lifted her head in a daze only to see Shannon curl her finger, calling her closer with a knowing gesture.

When she leaned in, Shannon’s eyes narrowed, sharp and probing. “Nadine, are you absolutely sure that Finn loves you?”

Her gaze

flicked between Finn and Tess, quick and merciless, as if weighing their every breath.

The sting of her mother’s doubt scorched Nadine’s cheeks, draining the pale from her skin and leaving her flushed. Still, she bit down on her trembling lip and forced her voice into calm. “Of course he does, Mom. Finn just went through a divorce with Tess. It’s normal for him to feel torn apart right now. He only needs time. He’ll get past it.”

Shannon tilted her head, nodding like she wanted to believe her daughter, though hesitation lingered in her eyes. She leaned closer, her tone lower, edged with warning.

“Then what you tried to do was silly. If he wants to drink, that’s all the more reason not to stop him.”

The reproach in her gaze sliced through Nadine.

Nadine faltered, confusion flickering in her eyes. Shannon lifted a finger, tapped her daughter’s forehead, and bent close, her voice sly and secretive. “Men are easiest to win over when they’re caught in that soft blur between sober and drunk.”

Their eyes locked. And in that instant, the haze in Nadine’s gaze cleared into sudden understanding.

Shannon’s lips curved, satisfaction spreading as she saw the realization take root.

“Good girl. Go on now.”

She patted Nadine’s shoulder, coaxing her forward with a mother’s gentle push.

“Finn, let me order you another bottle.”

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Chapter 354 Nadine’s Plan

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Nadine’s heart skipped a beat as she noticed his glass was nearly empty. She lifted her hand high, signaling the waiter without hesitation.

Finn stayed silent. He only lifted the wine and swallowed, each gulp searing his throat while grief twisted deeper into his chest, until both pain and fire tangled together.

Henry sat watching from the side, his eyes narrowed. He couldn’t read the full game Shannon and Nadine were playing, but the outline was clear enough. If Nadine managed to tie Finn to her, it wouldn’t just benefit the Embers–it would raise them to power that few could touch.

Across the table, Tess kept her gaze lowered, yet her attention clung to Finn. She caught the haze in his eyes. Dark and unfocused, they sank into something hollow, something dangerous.

Her chest grew tight. Unease spread cold and heavy, carrying thoughts that unsettled her more with each passing moment.

Then Abel shifted, sliding just enough in his chair to block her view.

Tess had no choice but to draw her eyes back to him.

He plastered innocence across his face as he dropped some plump seafood on her plate. Try this one. I had to move closer, otherwise I couldn’t serve you right.”

She saw straight through his little trick, yet a helpless smile tugged at her lips. She peeled the shellfish, ate it, and even offered a polite word of thanks, formal and careful.

That small gesture was enough. Abel lit up like he had been handed a prize. His joy burst so brightly he looked ready to wag his tail like a dog eager for affection.

The sight burned through Finn.

Abel’s frame blocked most of Tess from his view, and frustration welled hot and restless inside him. With liquor and longing fighting an intense battle within him, he pressed his palms against the table as if ready to rise.

But his body betrayed him. His knees buckled. Weakness dragged him back into his chair.

Nadine was on him in an instant, her hands steady as she caught his weight. Triumph flared bright in her eyes.

Her gaze found Shannon’s across the table. The two women shared a smile sharp and deep, a silent exchange of victory. “Finn, you’re drunk. I’ll take you to a hotel. You need some rest.”

Nadine leaned closer, lashes lowered, a faint blush painting her cheeks. Her voice carried that shy sweetness carefully crafted to charm.

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Chapter 354 Nadine’s Plan

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But Finn’s brow furrowed. He shoved her away, hard and cold, then slumped back into his chair.

Nadine’s eyes flew wide. For a heartbeat, she thought she must have imagined the rejection. Yet the icy indifference in his face told her she hadn’t.

Slowly, Finn lifted his head. His gaze landed on her, sharp with disbelief and humiliation that cut deeper than words.

His thoughts scattered, clarity drowned beneath a thick, suffocating fog.

In his blurred vision, her eyes overlapped with Tess’s.

A memory rose sharp and merciless. A year ago, Tess had been dragged away in handcuffs, her beautiful eyes dim with despair.

And only last night, when he had forced himself on her, those gem–like eyes had filled with tears, glistening as they spilled down her face.

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