A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 297

Elissa paused, letting Cliff and the others head in first before she turned toward Rowan and his group.

Rowan stepped forward, putting some space between himself and the others, and reached out to gently ruffle her hair. “Out for lunch with Mr. Cliff and the gang?”

Elissa nodded. “Yeah.”

“Mr. Carter—” Rowan turned his head to glance at the middle-aged man beside him, his expression calm. “Let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Elissa.”

Elissa froze, startled. When she looked up and met Rowan’s steady gaze, her heart skipped for reasons she couldn’t explain.

Since when was she his girlfriend?

Lorraine had told her he already had someone he liked.

The middle-aged man was clearly surprised, but quickly recovered, smiling warmly. “Well, Mr. Murphy and Ms. Drummond look like a match made in heaven. You two seem perfect for each other. Is there good news on the way?”

The midday sun was bright, almost blinding, but Elissa could still make out the slight curve of a smile at Rowan’s lips.

Rowan’s tone was unusually relaxed. “Very soon.”

For a moment, it seemed as if they really were just an ordinary couple in love.

Elissa tried to ignore the rush of emotion inside her. She couldn’t quite figure out what Rowan was up to, but she played along anyway, giving him a small, cooperative smile. “Well, I’ll leave you all to chat. I’m heading in.”

“Go on.” Rowan tapped her gently on the head, chin lifting slightly.

Elissa made her way into the restaurant, found the private room where Cliff and the others were waiting, and had just sat down when Lorraine’s texts popped up.

*That girl next to Mr. Murphy? She’s Mr. Carter’s daughter.*

*Mr. Carter had heard Mr. Murphy was single, so he’d planned to introduce his daughter to him today. Looks like Rowan shut that down before he even got the chance.*

Elissa felt a question rising in her gut.

*You said Rowan likes someone. Do I know her?*

Something about all of this felt off.

If Lorraine knew Rowan liked someone, why had she kept feeding Elissa these hints? After all, her relationship with Rowan wasn’t exactly innocent.

Cliff chuckled, ignoring him, and turned to Elissa. “We’ve already ordered. Take a look and see if there’s anything you want to add.”

Elissa glanced at the menu and smiled, shaking her head. “No need. These are all my favorites.”

“See?” Bentley jumped in, feigning indignation. “Elissa, I’m telling you, my uncle totally plays favorites. He remembers everything you like, but forgets all about me. I had to order the iced clams myself.”

Elissa’s brows twitched in amusement, and she caught Cliff’s eye.

Cliff just smiled, warm as sunshine. “Well, you’re always overseas and your tastes keep changing. Who can keep up?”

Bentley grinned. “Well, I’m not leaving this time. You better remember what I like from now on.”

“Deal,” Cliff agreed without hesitation.

Elissa looked at him, surprised. “You’re not heading abroad again after this?”

“Nope.” Cliff glanced at Bentley, and didn’t bother hiding the truth. “My sister and her husband are getting a divorce. He’ll be staying here with her from now on.”