A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 93

Frank finally finished entertaining those girls and felt himself gradually returning to normal.

As he stepped out of the lounge, he spotted Carmela walking straight toward him. “So, what do you think of today’s girls?”

“What do I think?”

He played dumb, even though he knew exactly what she meant.

Carmela put on a stern face. “Don’t act clueless. You’re my son–I know perfectly well how sharp you are.“,

Frank had half a mind to brush her off. He didn’t want to upset his mother, but now that she’d confronted him so directly, he saw no reason to keep dodging the issue. “Mom, I’d really appreciate it if you stayed out of my personal life.”

His tone was cool, maybe even a little distant.

But Carmela had always doted on her youngest son; she didn’t take offense. Instead, she spoke with gentle insistence. “If you don’t want me involved, then tell me what exactly do you plan to do?”

Frank’s expression grew guarded.

The truth was, he hadn’t planned for anything. Just as he’d told Elissa before, the only woman he’d ever consider marrying was her.

Sure, the girl had been acting out lately–maybe a bit too much—but, honestly, it was his fault. A little jealousy and drama from a young woman was hardly out of the ordinary.

His silence made Carmela jump to the worst conclusion. Her brows knitted as she spoke sharply. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of letting Marcia join the Atwater family again? Two brothers marrying the same woman–do you realize how people would laugh at us?”

The very thought kept her up at night.

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09:52

Chapter 93

Frank’s gaze was steady and cold. “What are you talking about? I already have a wife–how could I possibly marry someone else?”

Carmela was taken aback but remained skeptical. “You’ve never once considered divorcing Elissa for Marcia?”

“Absolutely not.”

Frank nodded, forcing himself to be patient. “Mom, trust me I know exactly what I’m doing.”

He added, “Don’t ever set up something like this again. And please, don’t go behind my back to talk to Elissa, either.”

“But-”

Carmela hesitated, looking uncomfortable. Still, she gave a reluctant nod.

“Fine. I understand.”

Frank immediately sensed something off. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No.”

Carmela denied it flatly.

But inside, she had already made up her mind: the Atwater family needed a new Mrs. Frank. Ever since that outrageous demand, she’d lost all respect for Elissa. A woman so greedy could never help her son–if anything, she’d only hold him back.

Meanwhile, Elissa only allowed herself to relax once Slate had walked away. She leaned heavily against the wall, finally letting out a shaky breath.

As the tension drained from her, she realized her palms were so tightly clenched that her nails had broken the skin.

Every time she saw Slate, those ugly memories surged back like a recurring nightmare.

She couldn’t stop herself from trembling with fear.

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09.52

Chapter 93

It took her a long time to recover; by the time she straightened up, she was chilled to the bone. She smoothed her dress–which, thankfully, was still perfectly in place–and forced herself to return to the party.

She hadn’t forgotten why she was here tonight.

Carmela seemed to expect her. As soon as Elissa stepped back inside, a maid approached and quietly led her to the study on the second floor.

Carmela was already there, pouring tea as she glanced up. “Where did you go? Your legs look like they’re frozen.”

“It was stuffy in the hall,” Elissa replied coolly. “I stepped out back for some air.”

Carmela set a teacup in front of her. “Try this. The tea estate just sent over a new batch.”

“It smells wonderful,” Elissa said. Rowan loved tea, and growing up with him, she’d sampled the best since she was little. She took a sip and got straight to the point. “Mrs. Atwater, where’s the divorce certificate?”

Now that everything was out in the open, Elissa had no patience for small

talk.

Carmela’s hand paused as she set down her own cup. “I was going to give it to you today. But on second thought, I think it’s safer to wait.”

“What does that mean?” Elissa frowned, confused.

Wasn’t everything she’d done today supposed to make a clean break between her and the Atwater family?

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