A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 217

Marcia froze for a moment when she heard that, then burst out laughing, giving Elissa a look that said she thought she was crazy.

“Don’t tell me you expect me to believe you’re Mr. Blaine’s personal apprentice? Dream on!”

If Elissa really was Aaron’s apprentice, she’d be rubbing elbows with the city’s elite by now, already famous and successful—certainly not stuck here slaving away in research.

Elissa gave a slight, dismissive smile. “Whether I am or not, I don’t owe you an explanation.”

Without waiting for Marcia’s retort, she turned on her heel and strode away.

Marcia called after her, unwilling to let it go. “Aren’t you even curious why I’m here today?”

“Not interested.”

Elissa didn’t even look back.

She could guess well enough—Marcia was probably going to dangle Frank’s name in front of her, claim he was pulling strings for her. After all, there weren’t many people in Vistapeak City with that kind of influence.

As Elissa stepped into the elevator, the doors nearly closed before another colleague from the Traditional Medicine Unit hurried in, eyes shining with admiration. “Ms. Drummond, you’re incredible!”

Elissa replied calmly, “Anyone who’s dedicated to their research can achieve great things. It all depends on where you set your mind.”

This colleague was different from James and the others—he’d never looked down on her, and would even offer a hand when she needed help.

Xavier nodded enthusiastically, grinning. “If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you.” Elissa smiled.

When the elevator arrived, they exited together.

Once they’d put some space between themselves and the others, Cliff leaned in and asked quietly, “Are you really planning to work with Marcia?”

As Elissa was mulling over how to turn him down, Frank’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen—Bernard was calling. Without stepping away from Elissa, he answered, “What is it?”

“Mr. Atwater,” Bernard said efficiently, “our people at Cresthaven found a childhood photo of that little girl in the Pine Hill Orphanage records. Would you like to see it?”

Frank’s eyes narrowed. “Send it to me.”

“Right away.”

Within seconds, Bernard said, “It’s on your WhatsApp now.”

A notification popped up. Frank tapped the message open. As soon as he saw the photo, a sense of urgency flickered across his face.