A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 283

He wants to wear her down—slowly and completely.

Elissa wasn’t sure when Rowan first got that idea into his head, but she knew for certain that what she’d said back at the old house had stuck with him.

Holding a grudge. Again.

She drew a deep breath. “Fine. If you’re so stubborn, then go ahead—never get married, never end up with the girl you actually like. Spend your whole life alone, for all I care.”

Rowan’s eyes flickered with amusement. “The girl I like?”

“That’s right.”

As Elissa spoke, her gaze drifted to the pocket of his tailored trousers.

Just before they left the old house, Lorraine had brought up something—same as she had the last time at the café, asking about the photo Rowan kept in his wallet.

The connection seemed obvious.

Both times, it had to be about the same girl.

Rowan might be emotionally distant, but he wasn’t the type to chase after every pretty face.

Frank had just stepped out of his car when he spotted the Bentley pulling up nearby. Two people got out, one after the other.

He could tell right away they’d been fighting again. Elissa strode ahead, her posture stiff with annoyance, while Rowan followed behind, looking as cool and unruffled as ever.

Frank had seen this scene play out enough times over the years.

Elissa never seemed to keep her temper in check around Rowan.

Rowan always said she was only tough at home—never out in the world. The smallest disagreement would spark an argument, and sometimes Frank and Bradley Wheeler would have to step in to keep the peace.

Watching Elissa disappear into the building ahead, Frank hurried after her, calling out to Rowan with a grin, “Another fight?”

Rowan’s brow furrowed slightly. “Not exactly.”

“We ran out of time at the restaurant yesterday. There are a few things I didn’t get a chance to say.”

Rowan’s brow twitched. He glanced toward the elevators, noticing how Elissa didn’t even look surprised to see Frank here—her expression was cold, almost indifferent.

“Suit yourself. Hope you don’t mind if the place falls apart while you’re at it.”

Frank was used to Rowan’s sharp tongue and didn’t take offense. “That’s why I was hoping you could help talk to her. She’s always listened to you, ever since she was a kid.”

Rowan seemed to consider it for a moment, then nodded with barely a pause. “Alright.”

“Knew you still cared about her deep down,” Frank said with relief, falling into step beside him toward the elevators.

The doors slid open just as Elissa saw the two men approach. She stepped inside first, pressed her floor number, and retreated into the corner, not sparing either of them so much as a glance.

“Elissa.”

Frank started toward her, but she shifted back another step, pressing herself against the elevator wall.

He stopped short, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but didn’t push any further.