A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 341

She’d considered this explanation before.

In the past, Elissa had imagined countless excuses for him. She’d even wondered if maybe he had some secret pain he just couldn’t share.

But in the end, she’d dismissed every single one.

After all, eight years had passed. In all that time, he’d had countless chances to say something—anything. Yet not once had he offered her an explanation.

Eventually, Elissa couldn’t come up with any more excuses for him. She could only tell herself that he honestly just wanted to get rid of her—cut loose the dead weight.

Rowan lowered his eyes, staring at her for a long time. Words crowded in his throat, but he didn’t know how to say any of it.

—I did it to protect you.

Even in his mind, the words sounded almost ridiculous, arrogant even.

But before he could figure out how to begin, Elissa’s phone suddenly rang, shattering the silence.

She pulled her phone out, saw Frank’s name on the screen, and frowned, hitting decline without a second thought.

Just as she was about to press Rowan for answers, her phone rang again.

Whoever was calling clearly had something urgent.

Elissa hesitated, then answered, “Hello? What is it?”

Honestly, she no longer expected Frank to find out anything for her—or do anything at all.

Her parents had been gone for years. There was no longer any rush to figure out the truth. Once Mrs. Wilkinson’s legs had recovered, she could ask Jesse for help.

The Wilkinson family’s main influence was in Cresthaven; looking into things there should be quick.

Frank, having waited a while without hearing her voice, walked over to his window. “I’ve almost finished investigating what happened back then.”

Elissa’s brow furrowed. “You found something?”

“Yeah,” Frank said, hesitating. “Actually, I’ve known for a while now, but… I just haven’t figured out how to tell you.”

Elissa froze.

Almost without thinking, she glanced up at Rowan.

If Frank had found out, but couldn’t bring himself to say it—there was probably only one reason left…

Maybe she’d always suspected it, deep down, but had chosen to ignore it.

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