A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 193

Elissa's expression froze for a split second.

She paused, then said quietly, "So that's how it is."

So, her relationship with Rowan was even more unspeakable than she'd thought—hidden in even deeper shadows. Suddenly, the way Lorraine and Rowan interacted made perfect sense; it was she, Elissa, who'd never truly understood what was going on between them.

No wonder Lorraine showed up here on New Year's Eve.

She was here as Rowan's future wife.

Before Lorraine could say a word, Matriarch Paige Murphy descended the stairs, her face all warmth and affection. "Lorraine, when did you arrive? Why didn't you have Mr. Hawkins fetch me?"

She spoke with the unmistakable kindness reserved for a granddaughter-in-law.

Lorraine responded graciously, "Mr. Hawkins mentioned you were taking a nap, so I didn't want to disturb you."

Matriarch Paige moved to take her seat at the head of the sitting room. "Are you sure it's all right for you to be here tonight? I hope your parents don't mind."

Lorraine stepped forward and gently took the older woman's arm, her voice soft and sweet. "Of course not. My parents specifically asked me to spend time with you—and with Rowan."

It was the first time Elissa had ever heard another woman call Rowan by his first name with such easy familiarity.

Matriarch Paige patted Lorraine's hand, visibly pleased. Only then did she turn to Elissa, and upon noticing Frank by her side, her expression softened a fraction.

"Frank, I hope Elissa hasn't caused you or your family any trouble. She can be a bit…difficult."

Her tone was that of a doting grandmother, yet every word subtly belittled Elissa. But Elissa was used to it by now. Over the years, the old matriarch had said similar things to plenty of people.

Frank's brow furrowed. He glanced down at his wife, demure and silent beside him, then spoke in a cool, even tone. "Elissa has never caused me any trouble. No one in my family thinks she's difficult."

He added, "Actually, she's wonderful. Both my mother and grandmother are very fond of her."

At this, Matriarch Paige looked slightly embarrassed. "Is that so? Maybe she only acts up around us Murphys, then…"

Frank turned and smiled. "We're just discussing how the Murphy family treats Elissa."

Rowan's expression didn't change—his gaze swept over Frank's hand resting on Elissa's shoulder, a faint, inscrutable smile on his lips. "Isn't that something you already know?"

Not well.

Frank had known that for a long time.

Back when Elissa was just a little girl and Frank used to visit Rowan at the Murphy house, he'd heard stories, too.

Yet all these years, he'd never truly paid attention to how Elissa was treated here.

His sudden urge to defend her now seemed almost laughable.

Elissa couldn't tell whether Rowan's words were aimed at Frank or at Matriarch Paige Murphy.