A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121

“I don’t even let people off the hook when I’m in the wrong.”

Rowan barked out a laugh, as if he’d just heard the punchline of some dark joke. “So why should I go easy on anyone when I’m right?”

Out there, everyone said he was ruthless–a devil in a well–tailored suit who didn’t care

about anyone.

But even Frank hadn’t expected Rowan to take it this far. Any shred of old friendship was gone, as if it had never existed.

Tension thickened the air, an uneasy standoff.

After a moment, Frank glanced toward the bedroom. “Maybe we should hear what

Elissa wants to do?”

Inside, Elissa stood with her hand on the doorknob. Hearing her name, a cold smile

flickered across her lips. She opened the door and stepped out.

Rowan relaxed a little when he saw her, putting out his cigarette and about to wave her over. But she looked straight at him, her voice flat and distant. “Let’s just drop it.”

Rowan’s brow furrowed. “What did you say?”

His tone was steady as a frozen lake, but it sent a chill through her anyway.

Elissa’s hands trembled; her face seemed to lose all color. “I said, let it go.”

“You’re sure?”

Her lashes lowered, barely visible, trembling just enough to betray her nerves. “Yes.”

Rowan let out a cold laugh, rising to his feet. His dark eyes locked on her, unblinking, for so long she almost lost her balance.

“Don’t ever think the world owes you anything,” he tossed out, voice light and careless. “Every mess you’re in? You made it yourself.”

With that, he strode out, his people following behind.

Rex hadn’t expected things to end like this. He handed Elissa a small bottle of medicine. “Take another dose before bed tonight. You should feel mostly better by morning.”

She took it with a quiet “Thanks.”

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Chapter 121

She’d met Rex before. Back then, she’d noticed–of all Rowan’s friends, Rex was the closest. But Rex hardly ever visited their home, especially when she was around.

After Rex left, Elissa closed her eyes, drawing a slow, steady breath. She waited for her strength to return, then got ready to leave.

Frank came over, reaching out to steady her. “Elissa, I want to thank you on Marcia’s

behalf…”

“For what?” She dodged his hand, looking him square in the eye, voice thick with irony. “Didn’t you set this up? Let her thank you instead.”

Earlier, she’d been jolted awake by a string of calls from Carmela–one after another. Carmela’s warnings had been both sweet and sharp. “Marcia’s still officially part of the Atwater family and Hickey’s mother. She can’t afford any stains on her reputation.”

Then the threats: if Elissa didn’t play along, Carmela would tell Matriarch Paige Murphy about her divorce.

Funny, really. She was almost assaulted, and yet, somehow, she was the one being

threatened.

Frank looked at her, puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

Before she could answer, his phone rang. He stepped aside, speaking quietly, then hung up and glanced back at her, anxiety flickering in his eyes.

“Something’s come up. Will you be okay getting home by yourself?”

Fake concern.

Elissa’s lips curled into a cold smile. “If I said no, would you actually drive me? Or would you just dump me in some empty office again and disappear?”

“Elissa, I really do have to go.” Frank tried to look sincere, softening his voice for her sake. “That painting from today’s auction–the organizers will deliver it to Juniper Road in the next couple days. Make sure you sign for it, okay?”

“Got it.” Her voice was flat.

Frank sighed in relief and checked his watch. “You should head home early. I have to go.”

After he left, Elissa leaned against the wall, closing her eyes. Her face, pale and drawn, looked utterly broken.

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On the phone earlier, she hadn’t agreed to Carmela’s demands. She’d told her to go ahead and tattle to Matriarch Paige Murphy. Worst case, she’d just kneel in apology for a few days.

But then Carmela had changed her tone: “I heard you killed your own dog once. Now, you’re trying to seduce her favorite grandson. Tell me, Elissa–if Paige Murphy hears about this, what else might you lose? Maybe that best friend of yours–the lawyer?”