A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 191

Carmela truly hadn't expected her son to be this infatuated with Elissa.

She'd thought her plan was airtight, never imagining it would unravel here of all places.

But Elissa hadn't seen any of this coming either.

She never thought Frank would cut ties with Marcia so cleanly, let alone refuse point-blank to divorce her.

Well, at least now it was over.

Once Elissa collected her thoughts, she looked at Carmela. "I only promised to keep this secret until Valentine's Day."

That left just fifteen days.

"Elissa…"

Carmela knew her son's temperament better than anyone. He might seem gentle and composed, but once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.

If Frank ever found out she'd gone behind his back and pulled strings to finalize the divorce papers with Elissa, he'd probably turn against her completely.

No matter how much Carmela disliked Elissa, she could only soften her tone. "Let's call this a favor I owe you, all right?"

"Aunt Carmela,"

Elissa gave a wry smile. "You didn't sound so accommodating when I called you for help a few days ago."

She'd figured Carmela out by now. Deep down, she was just like Mrs. Murphy—unyielding and cold.

They'd already had their falling out. Carmela's momentary compromise today wouldn't make her remember this as a genuine debt.

People like her always thought weakness was just the natural order of things. Why should Elissa bow her head?

For now, Carmela was wary of Frank and wouldn't dare push her too far.

Of course, Carmela remembered how high and mighty she'd sounded on the phone just days before.

She'd assumed Elissa would be grateful for any small gesture, but instead, Elissa held her ground, refusing to just take the hint and back down.

Seething, Carmela slammed her palm on the table. "Elissa, do you even recognize your own place? After everything that's happened, you still think you have the right to talk back to me?"

Elissa's tone was steady, almost dispassionate. "But this time, you're the one asking for my help."

She wasn't wrong—Elissa had always gone back alone before.

"She and Rowan have reconciled."

Frank's words, sharp and unyielding, took all the fire out of Carmela.

Her demeanor shifted instantly. "Fine. If you're going, leave early—after all, it's her family."

With that, she headed downstairs, calling for the butler to help arrange gifts, making a display of courtesy.

As Elissa glanced at the trunk full of neatly packed presents, a thought struck her—power really was a wonderful thing.

Frank held the car door open for her. "What are you thinking about?"

Without thinking, she answered, "Rowan."

She paused, surprised at herself.

She'd subconsciously equated Rowan with power—and she wasn't the only one. In Vistapeak City, a lot of people made that same connection.