A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 381

Rowan Murphy's brow furrowed as he listened. "Let her. If she wants to fall for that routine, I can't stop her."

If she hadn't been so susceptible, she wouldn't have been twisted around Frank Atwater's finger all those years ago.

The more Rowan thought about it, the more irritated he became. Before Ian could say another word, he stood up, his face a cold mask. "Get the car. We're going to Vistapeak Gardens."

-

When Elissa Drummond left the Riley family's clinic, Old Mr. Cross offered to give her a ride, but she refused without a second thought.

When she arrived home, she found Frank waiting outside her door, holding an insulated food carrier. "Edna heard I'm living downstairs from you now," he said. "She made some of your favorite dishes and asked me to bring them up."

During their three-year marriage, Edna had been the one in the Atwater family who had looked after her the most in day-to-day life.

Elissa glanced at the size of the carrier, knowing it was far too much for just her and Tanya. Out of politeness, she asked, "Have you eaten? Do you want to join us?"

"Can I?"

A flicker of light crossed Frank's eyes, but he didn't agree immediately, his question tinged with uncertainty.

For a moment, Elissa was reminded of the Frank she knew as a child. He used to be just like this, with that same hint of careful hope.

Elissa pressed her lips together. "It's just a meal. Of course, you can."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Frank offered a gentle smile and followed her inside.

As Elissa opened the shoe cabinet to get him a pair of slippers, Frank's gaze fell on a pair of men's slippers that looked to be his size. "Those should fit me," he said, pointing.

"Not those." Elissa's refusal was swift and sharp. Realizing her tone was a bit harsh, she explained, "Those are my brother's. You know how particular he is about people touching his things."

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