A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 434

If there was a conflict, it meant both sides were likely at fault, or maybe it was entirely his family's problem. If he chose Tanya Foster, his family might be angry and call him a fool, but they wouldn't be left feeling alone and abandoned. But if he chose his family, Tanya would truly have nothing.

The answer surprised Elissa. "You wouldn't blame her at all?"

"No," Rex said firmly.

Elissa went back to her room, his answer replaying in her mind. She hadn't expected him to be so certain, so unhesitating. What about Rowan? She sat on the edge of her bed after her shower, her hair still damp, and seriously considered what his answer might be.

Maybe Suzanne was right. She should at least ask him. She had already prepared herself for the worst-case scenario.

Lying in bed, she thought about what Rowan had said on the terrace, and her eyes reddened slightly as she stared at the ceiling. After a long while, she took a deep breath and finally made a decision.

She would ask him. After the police had news about the accident in the next few days, she would go back to Vistapeak City and ask him face-to-face.

With that decision made, the heavy weight on her chest seemed to lift, just a little.

-

The next morning, Wilkinson Manor was buzzing with activity. Old Mr. Wilkinson's birthday banquet was the following day, and guests from out of town were already arriving in Cresthaven, paying their respects at the manor first.

Elissa had been formally introduced to Old Mr. Wilkinson at breakfast. Afterwards, she retreated to her room to avoid getting in the way of their hosting duties.

Around noon, Carmela Atwater arrived at the manor to pay her respects, with Marcia in tow. Carmela hadn't planned on bringing Marcia, but when Marcia heard they were going to the Wilkinson family home, she had insisted on coming along. Carmela found herself thinking that Elissa was much better behaved. At least she wasn't so shameless.

At the entrance, they ran into Frank.

His eyes swept over Marcia, and he frowned at his mother. "Why did you bring her?"

Carmela was at a loss for words. Lately, her son's temper had become noticeably shorter. Not daring to push him, she explained, "She insisted on coming. I wouldn't drag her around while she's pregnant otherwise."

Frank shot Marcia a cold look. "Just wait in the car."

Her pregnancy was starting to show. If someone noticed and asked, the Atwater family would be humiliated.

Maya crossed her arms. Seeing that no one else was around, she smiled. "I can help you marry Frank."

Marcia tested the waters. "And how would you do that?"

A knot of fear tightened in her stomach. She decided to go all in. "How do you plan to help me? Jesse is completely biased toward Elissa."

She had learned that lesson the hard way outside the Wilkinson Group's regional office. He protected Elissa like she was his own sister.

Maya raised an eyebrow. "If I'm coming to you, it's because I've already figured out a way."