A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 231

Elissa had no idea how news traveled so fast to the old woman.

Still, she didn’t rush to confirm anything. Her gaze lowered. “What are you getting at?”

Paige could read her face well enough—close enough to the truth, no doubt.

A smile spread across Paige’s lips. “That’s perfect, then.”

“Perfect for what?”

Matriarch Paige Murphy shot the driver a look, signaling him to start the car, then turned back to Elissa with an almost cheerful tone. “You’re still young, and it’s hard for you to judge which men are worth a lifetime. This time, I’ll make the decision for you.”

“I have no intention of getting married again. Not for now.”

From the moment she’d decided on divorce, Elissa had known this day would come. She just hadn’t expected it to arrive so soon.

Matriarch Paige Murphy let out a cold, dismissive laugh. “You don’t get a say in this. After years of living off the Murphy family, don’t you think it’s time you gave something back?”

Elissa clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. “And who exactly are you planning to marry me off to?”

“The fourth son of the Crest family. Impeccable character, excellent background—you should count yourself lucky.”

For once, Paige allowed herself a genuine smile. “I’ve arranged a dinner with their family tonight at The Assembly. We’ll settle everything then.”

Elissa almost laughed out loud.

Impeccable character? The only thing remarkable about him was his lack of any. If sins had a face, he’d be the portrait—worse even than Slate, with a reputation so filthy you’d feel unclean just glancing his way.

Excellent background? Maybe the Crest family had some standing in Vistapeak City, but the fourth son certainly didn’t. His mother had been a prostitute who’d forced herself into the family after giving birth to him, refusing to leave. The legitimate Mrs. Crest had tolerated her in public, but behind closed doors had set a fire that turned her to ash.

The fourth son survived by a stroke of terrible luck, but not without consequences—his face was ruined.

Clearly, Matriarch Murphy had worked overtime to find the worst possible match for Elissa, probably losing sleep combing through every eligible bachelor just to land on this disaster.

It was almost impressive.

Truth or lie, either way, she had nothing to lose. So why not lie?

Paige studied her suspiciously, weighing her options, then gave Butler Murphy a look.

He understood at once and placed a call, putting the phone on speaker.

After a moment, Frank’s steady voice came through the line. “Who is this?”

“Mr. Atwater,” Butler Murphy began, “this is the Murphy Manor butler. Our matriarch would like a word with you.”

He handed the phone to Paige.

Her tone was noticeably gentler now, even tinged with a smile. “Frank, Elissa is with me right now. Why don’t you come by the house this evening and take her home?”

Paige was no fool. She wouldn’t risk everything by bluntly asking, “Are you divorced?”