A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 181

At those words, Elissa's entire back went rigid in an instant.

If she and Rowan were truly in a legitimate relationship—if everyone could see it—she'd have no choice but to come clean.

But that wasn't the case. The truth was, they were lovers. And if that ever got out, everyone would judge her the same way: with contempt.

No one would blame Rowan, of course. The disdain would be for her alone.

They'd say she'd clung to Rowan's coattails all those years ago, using their "sibling" bond to secure a spot in the Murphy family—so desperate to hold on, she'd even stooped to being his mistress.

"Marcia!"

Frank's eyes flashed cold as he cut Marcia off sharply. "What are you even thinking? Elissa and Rowan are brother and sister."

Years ago, Elissa had been willing to break it off with Rowan, just to marry him. Frank had always known, deep down, that in her heart, there was no comparison—he would always come first. He'd never once doubted her relationship with Rowan.

Bradley and the others frowned, glancing at Frank. "Frank, maybe you should take her home. She's ruining the mood."

Everyone knew what the deal was between Rowan and little Elissa.

Who was Marcia, some outsider—some homewrecker—to run her mouth here?

Frank checked the time; it was still early enough. He nodded and shot Marcia a look. "Let's go."

Elissa was a little surprised. Frank wasn't nearly as protective of Marcia as he used to be.

He didn't wait for Marcia to react, just took her by the arm and led her straight to the elevator, heading for the parking garage.

Humiliated in front of everyone, Marcia was stunned. "What did I say wrong? Look for yourself—Elissa is wearing the same lipstick as Rowan today!"

It wasn't just the lipstick.

There was something off about the way Rowan and Elissa acted around each other.

Brother and sister? Only these clueless men would buy that. What kind of sister leaves her brother's house with her ears burning red?

"That's enough!"

Frank had had it with her accusations. He shoved her back against the car, fury in his voice. "You insisted on coming, so I let you tag along. Now you can leave, alright?"

"Frank, do you really hate me that much now?"

Just yesterday, Frank had tossed divorce papers in her face, told her he and Elissa were done.

But Marcia was afraid he was lying to her.

Ignoring Marcia's frantic struggles, he met Ridge's eyes in the rearview mirror. "Take her back to the house outside town. Lock her in the basement—no food, no water."

Marcia's eyes went wide with horror. "What are you planning—"

"Aren't you clever? Figure it out."

Frank released her neck, his right hand patting her cheek with a mock tenderness. His voice, though, was pure venom—cold as the devil himself.

"I'm done playing games with you. Stay in that basement and think it over. Think about whether you want to tell me where little Nine is."

"No food, no water. Seven days—that's how long a person can last, right? If you can't make up your mind in seven days… then die."

He said those last two words so quietly they were almost a whisper.

But Marcia's whole body broke out in goosebumps.

For the first time, real terror flickered in her eyes. She realized now—this man might be even more ruthless than Rowan's reputation suggested.

She started to tremble. "If I die, aren't you afraid you'll never find her?"

"Marcia, this is the second time you've tried to threaten me."