A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 211

Jacqueline had always thought Elissa and Cliff made the perfect pair.

Who would have guessed that, in the end, Elissa chose Frank.

Not that anyone could blame her. The first time Jacqueline and Aaron met Frank, they too had been taken in by his gentle demeanor—a refined, trustworthy man, or so he seemed.

It just goes to show: you never really know someone.

After dinner, the group headed out of the restaurant, and from a distance, Elissa spotted Frank.

He must have just come from a business meeting. Dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, with striking features and an easy confidence, he stood out effortlessly among the crowd.

Frank saw Elissa immediately.

She wore a sky-blue dress, her delicate face relaxed and glowing with quiet joy. Her silky black hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and she looked as sweet and serene as ever.

One hand held her wool coat, the other rested on Jacqueline’s arm.

Beside her stood Cliff, her senior from university.

The hallway buzzed with people; waiters passed by carrying trays of sizzling dishes. Cliff stood protectively at Elissa’s side, almost unconsciously shielding her from the bustling crowd.

Every time Elissa glanced up at him, she’d flash a bright, easy smile. From where he stood, Frank couldn’t make out what they were saying, but it was clear they were close.

To any onlooker, they might have seemed like a family of four.

An older couple, and a newlywed pair.

What Frank couldn’t figure out was how Elissa—one of Aaron’s many students—had become so close to them.

One thing was certain: around Cliff, Elissa was completely at ease, a side of her Frank rarely saw.

“Mr. Atwater?”

The man chatting with Frank noticed his distraction and, following Frank’s gaze, looked over. His surprise was obvious. “Mr. Atwater, isn’t that Mr. Blaine over there?”

Beaming, the man greeted Aaron. “Mr. Blaine, do you remember me? I was there when you treated Mayor Campbell’s father-in-law a while back.”

Aaron thought for a moment. “Sorry, I’m getting old. My memory isn’t what it used to be.”

“No problem, no problem at all.”

The man didn’t seem offended. His gaze flicked to Cliff and Elissa. “Mr. Cliff, is this your girlfriend?”

At the faint smile that crossed Cliff’s face, the man jumped at the chance to flatter them. “You two make such a stunning couple. A perfect match, honestly!”

The words had barely left his mouth before the mood shifted—a cold tension seemed to settle over them.

Aaron caught sight of Frank’s face darkening, and had to fight the urge to applaud.

Elissa looked up just in time to see the chill in Frank’s eyes, his expression hardening. She opened her mouth to explain, not wanting him to misunderstand, but before she could speak, he drew her firmly to his side, his arm possessive around her shoulders.