A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 224

When Lorraine heard the sum repeated aloud, she felt as if both she and Rowan had lost their minds. “Where am I supposed to come up with three billion dollars in cash?”

Forget ordinary people—even the wealthiest families in Vistapeak City would struggle to gather that kind of money.

And to just hand it over for nothing? Impossible.

Elissa’s calm expression didn’t waver, making Lorraine grow suspicious. “You’re not lying to me, are you?”

Elissa replied, “Why would I lie about this?”

Lorraine took a deep breath, suddenly at a loss for words.

It was the first time in her life that money had ever left her so helpless.

Elissa broke the silence, “Still want that prescription?”

After all, it was obvious Lorraine hadn’t come here just for medical advice.

“I do,” Lorraine answered with a nod.

Her sleep had been awful lately, and she’d just overheard some patients outside raving about Elissa’s medical skills.

Since she was already here, she figured she might as well do something about her health.

Elissa tapped away at the keyboard, then handed Lorraine a freshly printed prescription. “You can pay and pick this up at the front desk downstairs.”

Lorraine took the paper but didn’t leave right away, hesitating as if unsure whether to voice what was on her mind.

Elissa glanced at the clock, clearly eager to go. “So, have you decided to pay that three billion for me?”

“…”

Lorraine let out a long breath. “I don’t have that kind of money. If it were three million, maybe I could scrape it together.”

“Then don’t bother. I’m off for the day,” Elissa replied, not the least bit surprised.

She’d never expected Lorraine to come up with that money. She’d only wanted to lay things out clearly, to avoid endless trouble in the future.

She was going to pick up her divorce papers.

Today was the day Carmela had promised to hand them over.

After exchanging a few words with Cliff, Elissa made her way straight to Atwater Manor.

Because it was Valentine’s Day, the manor was far livelier than usual. Lanterns hung everywhere in the yard, adding a festive glow to the place.

As soon as Elissa stepped inside, she heard the racket upstairs—Hickey Atwater was making his presence known as always.

Carmela saw her enter and bristled with irritation. “Couldn’t you wait even one more day? You have to collect the divorce papers on Valentine’s Day?”

In her mind, her own son was as outstanding as they came—background, looks, talent, character, all first-rate.

More than enough to match a hundred Elissas.

Elissa’s voice was calm but resolute. “No, I can’t wait.”