A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 286

Warmth blossomed in Elissa’s chest as she accepted the gift, her eyes curving with a smile. “What’s this?”

Tanya Foster made a heart shape with her hand. “It’s my love for you, obviously.”

Elissa burst out laughing, caught off guard by the cheesy gesture. “Alright, message received. Now can you finally get some rest?”

She’d noticed ages ago that Tanya was barely keeping her eyes open, stubbornly fighting off sleep just to wish her a happy birthday right at midnight.

Tanya clung to her arm. “Tonight, the birthday girl sleeps with me.”

-

At the clinic, tradition dictated that there were never appointments scheduled on Elissa’s birthday.

She woke late, lounging in bed with Tanya for a while before finally dragging herself up and getting ready. One headed off to her research institute, the other to her law firm—each with their own daily grind.

They’d already planned: tonight, Elissa, Tanya, and Cliff would celebrate her birthday together over dinner.

With nothing pressing at home during the day, Elissa figured she might as well go in to work.

When she walked into the lab, Cliff looked up and couldn’t help but laugh. “I knew you wouldn’t just take the day off.”

She grinned, setting her bag and coat aside. “I just want to get this project done sooner, that’s all.” With that, she headed over to her workstation.

At noon, she and Cliff grabbed a quick bite downstairs. Returning to the lab, they found Lorraine waiting by the door.

She waved as soon as she spotted Elissa, brandishing a gift bag.

Elissa hurried over. “What’s this?”

“Happy birthday,” Lorraine said with a bright smile, handing over the bag. “A little something for you.”

Elissa glimpsed the unmistakable logo of a luxury brand and hesitated. “This is way too much…”

She honestly couldn’t think of any other explanation.

The first time she’d stumbled across Elissa and Rowan together in private, she’d been angry. In her world, cheating while married was absolutely inexcusable.

But the more she thought about it, the less it fit Elissa’s character.

Elissa was a little surprised, but didn’t bother to hide the truth. She nodded. “Yeah, we split up before the holidays.”

“Does Mr. Murphy…know?” Lorraine hesitated before asking.

Did he know?

Elissa wasn’t entirely sure.

She’d mentioned it in front of Bradley and the others just a couple days ago. With the way gossip traveled among them, Rowan should have heard by now. Strangely enough, he hadn’t mocked her for ignoring everyone’s warnings and ending up with a failed marriage.