The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 496

The people of the Sloan family saw nothing but profit. No one cared about her actual situation.

But things were different now. Tamara subconsciously placed a hand over her stomach.

Clutching her bag tightly, she hurried upstairs. Only after locking her bedroom door did she let out a long breath. She hid the pregnancy test in a secret compartment of her vanity table. Her fingers gently caressed her lower abdomen, her gaze growing steely.

***

It was early morning at the airport in Garrison City. The terminal announcements mechanically broadcast flight information while the terminal buzzed with the sound of rolling luggage and overlapping conversations.

Leilani stood before the security checkpoint, holding her boarding pass, her gaze resting on Abel and Payton a few feet away.

Leilani had booked an early morning flight back to Alloy City. She had risen early, and Abel and Payton had gotten up with her. Originally, she hadn’t wanted them to see her off, but it was the last day. Her protests were futile; both men insisted on driving her to the airport.

The broadcast chime rang out again. “Attention passengers traveling to Alloy City, flight CA1717 is now boarding...”

Leilani listened closely; it was her flight. She withdrew her gaze and picked up her backpack. “I’m going.”

Abel’s eyes were red. He clutched the property deed and keys Leilani had just shoved into his hands, his voice muffled with emotion. “Dr. Sloan, I really can’t take this house...”

Leilani steadied her suitcase and turned to him, her tone calm. “Take it. I said it’s for you, so it’s for you. You and Payton will both need it.”

Abel scratched his head, conflict written all over his face. “But your boyfriend gave this to you. How can I live there? It wouldn’t be right.”

He worried that if her boyfriend found out, there might be a misunderstanding.

Since both Leilani and Payton had spoken, Abel had no choice but to accept. He gripped the keys tightly, his throat tight. “Alright, I’ll accept it. When you need the house back, I’ll return it to you.”

Having spent this time with Leilani, Abel found himself reluctant to see her go. “Dr. Sloan, when will you come back?”

Leilani paused, looking past him toward the gray skyline in the distance. “In a while,” she said. “Once I find the antidote... I’ll naturally come back.”

She withdrew her gaze and patted Abel on the shoulder. “While I’m gone, take good care of Payton.”

Abel nodded heavily, his eyes glistening. “Rest assured, I will!”

Leilani didn’t say anything more. She picked up her suitcase and turned toward the security checkpoint.