A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 206

Elissa arched a brow, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “A bet’s a bet. I lost, fair and square.”

Frank’s gaze lingered on her animated face. The sharpness in his eyes softened, warmth blooming in their depths.

—

Murphy Manor

After stepping out of the car, Marcia followed a housekeeper through the grand entryway and toward the drawing room.

The Murphy estate radiated an old-world elegance that made the Atwater home seem almost ordinary by comparison. Every step Marcia took was a silent reminder of the gulf between people like them and people like her—why, she wondered, had she always been destined to wade through the mud while others walked marble halls?

“Ma’am, Ms. Carson is here—the lady Mrs. Atwater mentioned on the phone yesterday,” the butler announced as Marcia reached the doorway.

He held out an arm, halting her just long enough for someone inside to give a curt acknowledgment. Then, with a polite gesture, he ushered her in.

Inside, Matriarch Paige Murphy sat upright in an antique armchair, a porcelain teacup balanced in her hand. Her sharp, calculating eyes fixed on Marcia the moment she walked in.

Her presence was commanding—far more imposing than Old Mrs. Atwater back home, who, for all her sternness, could usually muster a kind word or two. Marcia’s chest tightened, her every step careful, as if treading on thin ice.

Before she could speak, Paige Murphy cut straight to the point. “You’re Mrs. Spencer from the Atwater family?”

“Yes,” Marcia replied, nodding.

Everyone in Vistapeak’s upper circles knew about Mrs. Spencer’s little scandal with her brother-in-law. There was no use pretending otherwise.

Paige Murphy’s disdain was barely concealed. “Your mother-in-law said you wanted to discuss something with me?”

“I do.” Marcia met her gaze, matching her bluntness. “Matriarch Murphy, I know the real reason your family adopted Elissa all those years ago.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Paige Murphy’s face, but she quickly masked it with a cool, practiced smile. “And what reason might that be?”

No one outside the family could possibly know the truth. The adoption had been handled quietly, behind closed doors.

She moved as if to leave.

“Butler!” Paige Murphy’s voice cracked like a whip.

The butler reappeared instantly.

“Bring Ms. Carson some tea,” Paige commanded, her voice icy but controlled.

Relief washed over Marcia. She sat down on a carved wooden chair, composing herself. “Matriarch Murphy, I didn’t come here to cause trouble.”

The butler closed the door, poured her a steaming cup of tea, and set it carefully at her side. “Ms. Carson, please.”

Paige Murphy’s voice was cool. “So what is it you want?”

Marcia traced her finger around the rim of the delicate cup, a glimmer of cold calculation in her eyes. “I’m here to help you.”