A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 286

Warmth blossomed in Elissa’s chest as she accepted the gift, her eyes curving with a smile. “What’s this?”

Tanya Foster made a heart shape with her hand. “It’s my love for you, obviously.”

Elissa burst out laughing, caught off guard by the cheesy gesture. “Alright, message received. Now can you finally get some rest?”

She’d noticed ages ago that Tanya was barely keeping her eyes open, stubbornly fighting off sleep just to wish her a happy birthday right at midnight.

Tanya clung to her arm. “Tonight, the birthday girl sleeps with me.”

-

At the clinic, tradition dictated that there were never appointments scheduled on Elissa’s birthday.

She woke late, lounging in bed with Tanya for a while before finally dragging herself up and getting ready. One headed off to her research institute, the other to her law firm—each with their own daily grind.

They’d already planned: tonight, Elissa, Tanya, and Cliff would celebrate her birthday together over dinner.

With nothing pressing at home during the day, Elissa figured she might as well go in to work.

When she walked into the lab, Cliff looked up and couldn’t help but laugh. “I knew you wouldn’t just take the day off.”

She grinned, setting her bag and coat aside. “I just want to get this project done sooner, that’s all.” With that, she headed over to her workstation.

At noon, she and Cliff grabbed a quick bite downstairs. Returning to the lab, they found Lorraine waiting by the door.

She waved as soon as she spotted Elissa, brandishing a gift bag.

Elissa hurried over. “What’s this?”

“Happy birthday,” Lorraine said with a bright smile, handing over the bag. “A little something for you.”

Elissa glimpsed the unmistakable logo of a luxury brand and hesitated. “This is way too much…”

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