A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 339

Seeing Frank’s expression waver, Marcia pressed her advantage. “Let me tell you, Elissa’s nothing but a natural-born homewrecker—God knows how many men she’s gone through—”

She didn’t even finish before Frank’s hand clamped around her jaw. His eyes went cold and sharp as a blade. “If you want to die and join my brother, just say so.”

“You, of all people, should know I never go easy on women,” he said, his voice icy. Then, with a shove, he tossed her hard against the side of the car and strode away without a backward glance.

Marcia’s back hit the metal with a jolt that sent pain shooting up her spine. Panic bloomed in her chest. Maybe… she should stop provoking Frank.

Once his car had disappeared down the driveway, Marcia braced herself against the vehicle, straightened up, and headed into Atwater Manor.

Hickey dropped his toys and ran to her, all excitement. “Mommy! Dinner time!”

“Yes, let’s go eat,” she said, smoothing his hair and taking his hand as they walked to the dining room.

Carmela was out, and Old Mrs. Atwater never bothered with dinner, so tonight it was just Marcia and Hickey at the table.

The housekeeper and staff began setting out the dishes.

Marcia had barely pulled out her chair and sat down when an overpowering smell hit her—a sharp, fishy tang that turned her stomach. She barely managed to clap a hand to her mouth before dashing to the bathroom.

She retched for what felt like ages.

When she finally returned, pale and shaky, she pointed furiously at the plate of poached fish on the table. “What is this supposed to be? Just because my mother-in-law and grandmother aren’t eating, you think you can treat the two of us like an afterthought?”

“This is just a simple fish dish—how could you mess it up so badly? It reeks!”

The kitchen staff froze, stammering, “Mrs. Spencer, we would never disrespect you or young master Hickey. We cooked everything tonight exactly as always—same recipe, same steps—”

“Oh, really?” Marcia shot back with a cold laugh. “Are you saying I’m making trouble for no reason?”

“N-no, ma’am—”

“Then what are you standing around for? Whoever cooked dinner tonight—pack up and go. You’re fired!”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify