A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 389

Frank didn't know how he managed to leave Atwater Manor. He had completely forgotten about Marcia and the child in her womb; his mind was consumed with thoughts of Elissa.

Her reaction to Edna's beef stew that day had been identical to Marcia's just now. And Tanya's excuse—an upset stomach—was the exact same one Marcia had used.

How clumsy.

Acting on pure instinct, Frank drove toward Serenity Traditional Medicine Center. He didn't find Elissa, but he ran into Cliff.

Cliff frowned. "Looking for Elissa?"

Frank nodded. "Yes. Do you know where she is?"

"She's already left for the day," Cliff said, his tone cool. He'd never been fond of Frank. "And she's not obligated to report her whereabouts to me, so I have no idea where she went."

"…Thank you." Frank turned and walked away, his expression hurried and distraught.

Sensing something was wrong, Cliff pulled out his phone and sent Elissa a quick text.

[Frank just came by the clinic looking for you. He seemed really agitated. Be careful.]

Elissa received the message just after finishing an acupuncture session with Suzanne. She had been visiting Zephyr Manor every other day to treat Suzanne, whose condition was improving thanks to a combination of dietary therapy and now, herbal remedies.

After replying to the text, she still felt a sense of unease.

And it was cheesecake, not strawberry cake. She had no idea how Laurel had discovered that, while Rowan would occasionally share a strawberry dessert with her, cheesecake was her absolute favorite.

Laurel cleared her throat, ignoring her mother's teasing. "My leave is over. I'm heading back to Cresthaven now. Please continue to take good care of my mother."

Elissa felt an unexpected pang of disappointment. She stood up. "You're leaving right now?"

"Yes," Laurel nodded, her expression as stoic as ever. "I won't be able to make it to your press conference, but I wish you the best of luck." Then, the woman who was always so decisive looked down at Elissa. "If you need anything, you can call me."

The feeling of reluctance intensified. Elissa nodded earnestly. "Okay. Then let me walk you downstairs." Suzanne's treatment wasn't over yet.

Laurel seemed to pause for a fraction of a second, then gave a slight nod. "Alright. You can see me off."