A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 387

Janice pushed her nagging thoughts aside and went straight upstairs to Elissa's office. Tapping on the half-open door, she asked warmly, "Elissa, finishing up for the day?"

Elissa had just taken off her white coat and was about to leave. She smiled. "Yes, just about. What brings you here? Didn't you just get a refill a couple of days ago?" After two courses of the medicine, Janice's health had already improved significantly, and Elissa didn't plan on prescribing any more. Too much medicine wasn't always a good thing.

"I brought you some dinner." Janice closed the door and walked over to the desk, opening the insulated container. "I know you usually just grab something quick for lunch after your consultations, so I made some soup and a couple of your favorite dishes."

"You're pregnant now," she added gently. "You can't be so careless with your meals anymore."

Even though Janice had given up on matchmaking her with Rowan, she had a genuine affection for the girl. With some free time today, she had started worrying that Elissa wasn't taking proper care of herself.

Elissa, who had been wondering what to get for lunch, was touched and pleasantly surprised. She sat back down. "How did you know I was craving beef stew?"

Chicken noodle soup, beef stew, a creamy chowder, and a fresh salad. It was exactly what she wanted.

Janice chuckled. "Pregnancy cravings can be powerful. I've already eaten, so go on, you eat."

"Okay." Elissa picked up the utensils and began to eat with relish.

Seeing her enjoy the food, Janice's expression grew even more tender. She reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Elissa's ear, looking at her as if she were her own child. "Slow down. Chew properly so your body can absorb the nutrients."

"Okay," Elissa mumbled through a mouthful, looking more like a well-behaved child than the poised and patient doctor who advised her patients.

It was the most satisfying meal she'd had in days, and her nausea was completely absent.

Elissa pressed her lips together. "It was an accident. But I'm definitely keeping it."

Janice was at a loss for words. *What's the point in keeping the child of such an irresponsible man?* Still, it wasn't her place to interfere. All she could do was offer the girl more support from now on.

But she had to get it off her chest. "It's good that you feel that way; it's a life, after all. But your ex-husband is a real piece of work!"

Only then did Elissa realize that the "ex" Mrs. Garrett was talking about was Frank.

-

At that moment, the "piece of work" in question was driving back to Atwater Manor. The butler, Quentin, had called him twice, saying his mother had been sick with anger ever since he'd had her escorted home from Vistapeak Gardens.