A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 319

Jesse’s brow twitched slightly as he explained to Elissa, “My mother met you yesterday and said she felt an instant connection.”

Elissa couldn’t help but smile. “I felt the same way when I saw Mrs. Wilkinson. She made me feel right at home.”

There was none of that aloofness you’d expect from old money—she radiated quiet grace, and though she wasn’t talkative, there was a warmth about her that put people at ease.

Jesse figured Elissa was just being polite, but he led her inside all the same. “Mom, Dr. Drummond is here.”

Elissa stepped into the living room. “Mr. Wilkinson, Mrs. Wilkinson.”

When Suzanne looked at her, her expression was softer than it had been the day before; her lips even curled into the faintest smile. “Dr. Drummond, sorry to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Elissa moved forward. “Shall we begin?”

Suzanne nodded. “Of course.”

With Suzanne’s permission, Elissa glanced at Jesse. “Which floor is the room on?”

“Second,” Jesse replied.

Tristan wheeled Suzanne along, and together, they headed for the elevator.

Once inside the bedroom, Tristan carefully lifted Suzanne onto the bed. Elissa spoke up, “I’m about to begin the treatment. Mr. Wilkinson, Jesse, I’ll need you to step outside for a while.”

Though the focus was on Suzanne’s legs, the acupuncture points she needed to reach were more complicated and not limited to just the legs.

But knowing the Wilkinson family might be uneasy about leaving her alone, Elissa added, “If you’d like, a maid can stay to keep an eye on things.”

“No need,” Suzanne said, sending a look to her husband and son. “Darling, Jesse—both of you, out.”

Tristan, usually the one who gave the orders in Cresthaven, nodded to Elissa with sincere trust. “We’re counting on you.”

Elissa could see how deep the bond was between Tristan and Suzanne. It struck her—some love really does last a lifetime.

She smiled gently. “Don’t worry.”

Sure enough, it didn’t hurt.

Elissa’s hands were swift and steady. In no time, needles of varying sizes were placed with precision at each point along Suzanne’s body.

Then Elissa straightened up, walked to the window, and drew the curtains wide, letting the late morning sunlight spill across the room.

Suzanne instinctively squinted. “Dr. Drummond, it’s too bright…”

“You need the sunshine,” Elissa said gently, glancing at Suzanne’s pale face. “A little sunlight will do you good—it helps restore your energy, and it’s not too hot at this hour. If you’re worried about your complexion, I have ways to make sure your skin stays fair.”

“But right now, what matters most is getting your legs healthy again.”

Something in Elissa’s patient expression made Suzanne want to listen.

Midway through the session, a maid came in to bring Elissa some water. Seeing the sunlight flooding the bed, the maid hurried to close the curtains.

Suzanne stopped her. “No, leave them. I’d like to enjoy the sun for a bit.”