A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 323

323 /368

Other than Rowan, Paige Jensen had never in her life been so openly humiliated by someone so much younger than herself.

Jaw clenched, she shot Elissa a withering look, her face thundercloud dark. “Just what kind of stories have you been spreading about the Murphy family? Why does everyone out there seem to think we’re keeping you locked up and mistreating you every day?”

Jesse cut in, his tone unfailingly polite. “Ma’am, when you’ve made it this obvious, are you really surprised that people are talking?”

His words were smooth but edged, impossible to ignore.

As he spoke, Jesse unobtrusively stepped in front of Elissa, blocking Paige’s path and denying her the chance to lash out further.

Elissa looked up at the man who stood a full head taller than her and felt herself freeze for a moment.

This scene—it reminded her of that distant afternoon when she was six or seven, when Rowan had stood protectively in front of her, ushering her back inside the house.

But Jesse’s presence was different, more like the older brother she’d always envied her friends for having.

Back then, she’d often wished for a big brother or sister—someone to keep her company when her parents were busy with work, someone to make her feel a little less alone.

Paige Jensen could barely contain her anger; her chest tightened until she almost coughed up blood.

What on earth were the Wilkinsons doing here in Vistapeak City anyway? As if dealing with Rowan wasn’t enough, now there was someone else who clearly didn’t respect her—and both of them were going out of their way to shield that ungrateful girl.

When Paige fell silent, Jesse smiled faintly. “So even this simple reassurance is too much to ask?”