A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 336

Elissa froze for a split second.

She’d heard before that the Wilkinson family liked to take on charity projects. Still, after spending so many years with the Murphys, she’d grown used to thinking all these philanthropic gestures were nothing more than window dressing for high society families.

But the Wilkinsons were different.

They genuinely wanted to help people, in every way they could.

A pang of guilt twisted in Elissa’s chest for her earlier assumptions. She was about to speak when Jesse cut in, “The project’s been in need of a capable medical consultant. Now it comes down to whether you’re willing to join us.”

She didn’t even hesitate. “Of course, I’d love to.”

She could still remember what her parents used to tell her.

And besides, chronic illnesses might seem incurable, but with proper management, they didn’t have to shorten anyone’s life.

Jesse didn’t look surprised at all by her answer. “Here’s what I’m thinking: we’ll pay you a consultant fee every month, and once the project—”

“It’s a charity project,” Elissa interjected with a smile. “I want to help out, so I won’t take any payment.”

“But I still have my clinic and Murphy Group projects, so I can only spare a day or two each week.”

“That’ll be more than enough,” Jesse nodded, recognizing her determination and dropping the subject of compensation.

He’d find another way to thank her later.

The look he gave her was filled with admiration and genuine appreciation.

That’s when Rowan walked up to the doorway, taking in the scene. He quirked an eyebrow and rapped his knuckles lightly on the frame, pointedly asking, “Jesse, you planning to poach my people without even giving me a heads-up?”

Jesse glanced over, a small grin tugging at his lips. “Don’t think I’m stealing anyone. As far as I know, Dr. Drummond isn’t actually on the Murphy Group payroll.”

Rowan gave him a look but didn’t bother to argue. He strode over to Elissa’s side. “You finished? Let’s head home.”

“Just about,” she replied, still unsure what to make of his tone. She turned to Jesse and said, “If there’s anything you need moving forward, feel free to have someone from the team reach out to me.”

At her answer, Rowan’s expression finally softened, even the corner of his mouth twitching up. “Really?”

“Really.” She added in a small voice, “It’s not like I can afford the penalty fee if I break the contract.”

Seeing how much she cared about his feelings, Rowan couldn’t help but reach over and pull her into his arms, holding her close. “So, does that mean you’d do the things I like, too?”

His low, husky voice rumbled above her head, and only then did Elissa realize the hint of intimacy in the air.

It wasn’t just the way he held her—it was the words between them.

For a moment, they really did seem like a couple in love.

Elissa tilted her head up, eyeing him. “Depends. Tell me what you want and maybe I’ll consider it.”

Rowan’s gaze locked on hers, dark eyes intent, his voice slow and certain. “From now on, treat me like I’m your boyfriend.”