Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 409

Chapter 409 Connor Loves Kids

Lyra looked a little bored.

“If you need anything, call me.”

Connor’s eyes shifted to Tess.

Tess nodded, not bothering with polite refusals.

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“Abel just left, and someone still didn’t take their chance,” Lyra muttered, lips curling, her tone pointed.

Tess flushed with sudden embarrassment, shooting her a glare. “Why are you acting like Raven now?”

Lyra only laughed without a care. “Well, she’s been my friend for a long time.”

Still, she wasn’t like Raven. Lyra had a sharper sense, always able to catch shifts in the mood around her.

She changed the subject. “But while you’re gone, what about Layla?”

Just thinking of the soft, sweet girl made her slip into Tess’s shoes, and the thought tugged at her heart.

Tess’s hands paused mid–fold, her whole body sinking into quiet worry.

Since moving into Evermount Heights, she’d been swamped with endless troubles. Rarely had she been able to spend real time with Layla. And now, she was about to be away for days.

She pressed her lips together, feeling heavy guilt.

Since getting out of prison, she had sworn to never let herself owe anyone again. Her messy entanglement with Finn–done, erased. But with Layla … the guilt stayed sharp, pressing at her heart.

“Bessie lives here in Evermount Height. I’ll just have to trouble her a bit more.”

She lowered her head, hiding the shadow in her eyes.

Knock, knock.

“Hey, you in there? Layla’s been fussing to see you.”

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16:55 Sat, Oct 25 B…

Chapter 409 Connor Loves Kids

Right on cue, Bessie’s voice came from outside the door.

Tess froze, then quickly set aside her packing and went to open it.

Bessie stood there holding Layla, whose big round eyes locked straight on her.

“Mom!”

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Layla’s clear, sweet voice rang out as she reached out her chubby arms, begging to be held.

Tess’s chest ached and warmed at the same time as she quickly pulled the little one into her

arms.

Layla was chubby now, her whole body smelling like milk, the kind of hug that could lift anyone’s mood.

When Connor saw her, his eyes lit up. A man who was usually cool, almost distant, suddenly had a glow in his gaze.

Years back, he’d been full of fire, always chasing thrills—extreme sports, wild stunts, all of it. By middle age,

the consequences caught up with him.

He couldn’t have kids.

So when he learned Tess already had a daughter, he didn’t see it as a problem like most guys might. Instead, he felt nothing but joy. To him, it even felt like fate.

“Lyra!”

Layla peeked over Tess’s shoulder, her bright eyes darting around until they landed on Lyra, who was standing just behind her mom.

She was still young but sharp for her age. Not only could she remember the faces around Tess, but she could also call out their names clear as day.

Lyra stepped forward, took her tiny hand, and gave it a gentle shake. “Sweet Layla, I’m right here.”

Almost

everyone in the room had their eyes on the baby, caught by her charm.

Bessie laughed along. “So many people visiting today. Normally, Layla loves a crowd. Funny she’s been fussy tonight. Maybe she feels what you feel, Tess–she knows you’re leaving.”

At those words, Layla bobbed her head up and down like a little rattle, as if she agreed.

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16:55 Sat, Oct 25 B…

Chapter 409 Connor Loves Kids

“What a darling little cupcake,” Raven said, leaning closer, eyes full of wonder.

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