A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 212

Frank shot the man a sidelong glance, his tone unfailingly gentle as always. “Mr. Bryant, if you can’t even recognize my wife, I don’t see any reason for your company to continue working with the Atwater Group.”

There was not a shred of courtesy in his words.

His displeasure was written all over his face.

Mr. Bryant froze, all thoughts of currying favor forgotten. He stammered, “Oh, it’s just a huge misunderstanding, Mr. Atwater! You’re a big-hearted man—surely you won’t hold this against me.”

He wished he could sew his own lips shut.

If only he’d kept his mouth shut in the first place!

But this Mr. Atwater didn’t seem anything like the rumors in their circles—that he was indifferent to his wife, head-over-heels for someone else. He seemed to care, didn’t he?

If looks could kill, Frank would have finished him off on the spot.

Aaron caught Frank’s pointed glare and said lazily, “It was just a careless remark, not worth fussing over. After all, you’ve made quite a scene with your own escapades, and Elissa has never made a fuss about those.”

The room fell quiet.

Only Elissa, watching her mentor stand up for her, felt a warmth blossom in her chest.

She glanced at the time and spoke up, “Professor, it’s getting late. Let me drive you and Mrs. Carter home.”

“Of course, dear. Thank you.”

Jacqueline, well aware that the divorce wasn’t public yet, tugged Aaron away before he could say something inappropriate. “Let Elissa take us home. I’m exhausted.”

As the three of them headed out, Frank shot Cliff a cold, warning look.

Elissa turned and called back, “Cliff, come on!”

“Coming.”

Cliff replied, then gave Frank a faint, almost taunting smile. “Mr. Atwater, I’ll be heading out as well—Elissa’s offered to drop me off.”

Elissa was about to ignore it and head upstairs when the Maybach’s rear door swung open from inside.

The first thing she saw was a pair of polished leather shoes, then long legs clad in a perfectly pressed suit—no sign of a wrinkle.

Frank stepped out, his eyes sharp as he regarded her. “Why were you having dinner with Cliff tonight?”

On New Year’s, outside of business obligations, people only spent time with close family and friends. If she and Cliff were just colleagues, there was no way they’d be this familiar.

Elissa’s face was cool and distant as she countered, “So now I’m not even allowed to have dinner with whomever I choose?”

“Elissa—”

Frank closed the car door and took two steps toward her, a slight furrow in his brow. “It’s not that I object to you seeing people. But your relationship with Cliff—”

“I don’t owe you any explanations about my private life.”