A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 44

Every time Jacqueline peeled off one of those pungent–smelling face masks, she swore she could see her skin growing visibly smoother and brighter. Just one tiny jar would last her a while, the glow lingering for weeks.

Those wealthy ladies she knew had even given up on their fancy skin treatments, pestering her to reveal her secret.

She didn’t know what to tell them.

And even if she did, she certainly wouldn’t.

A sleek black Maybach slid quietly down the road.

In the back seat, Marcia wrung her hands. “Frank, what am I even going to say when we get there? Mr. Blaine…”

Frank’s voice was gentle. “Don’t be so nervous. Mr. Blaine is a kind man, and you’re talented–he’ll enjoy talking with you.”

He added, “But he’s been retired for a few years now. He might not want to take on another student. We’re just dropping by for a visit. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll consider another approach.”

Marcia huffed. “But he accepted Elissa, didn’t he? I graduated from Vistapeak University too. Why wouldn’t he want me?”

Just thinking about it made Marcia’s blood boil.

She’d been a year ahead of Elissa, desperate to study under Mr. Blaine, only for him to announce that he wasn’t accepting new students that

year.

Spencer had even tried pulling strings, but Mr. Blaine just shrugged and said he didn’t have the energy.

Then, the year Elissa enrolled, Mr. Blaine changed his mind and took her on. After that, he promptly retired!

Who knew what kind of dumb luck that woman had stumbled into.

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Frank could only say, “Let’s just see how it goes.”

“Mm!”

Marcia pinned her hopes on him. “No matter what, Mr. Blaine will give you some respect. Frank, I trust you.”

In her mind, this was practically a done deal.

Aaron might be impressive, but with Frank’s influence–and the right incentive–who could turn down a generous offer?

Besides, Marcia’s no slouch herself. Her professors had praised her all through college.

After dinner, Elissa headed out.

At the door, Jacqueline fussed over her just like she had when Elissa was a little girl. “Don’t rush. Text me when you get home.”

Elissa smiled. “You go inside, okay? It’s cold out, and I don’t want your headaches acting up.”

“Alright.”

Once Jacqueline disappeared inside, Elissa turned to leave–only to nearly collide with Frank and Marcia, walking side by side into the courtyard.

They looked awfully close.

It wasn’t surprising; Atwater Group had interests in healthcare, and sometimes Aaron needed advice on specialized issues.

But the winter night air was biting, and Elissa instinctively zipped up her coat, hoping to slip by unnoticed.

Then she heard Frank’s voice. “Elissa?”

Winter evenings fell early, and the only light in the yard came from a dim streetlamp.

He hadn’t quite seen her face.

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Elissa hesitated, then turned with feigned surprise. “Frank? What are you doing here?”

At that moment, she thought, Carmela’s five million dollars wasn’t wasted. After all, she was playing her part.

“That’s what I should be asking you,” Frank said, peering down at her, his large hand ruffling her hair. “Didn’t you say you were busy? You’re never home, and now I find you at Mr. Blaine’s?”

“Uh…”

Elissa pressed her lips together, quickly inventing an excuse. “My mentor asked me to stop by. There’s a complicated patient case at the clinic, and we didn’t want to make a mistake, so he sent me to consult with my old professor.”

“And now?”

Frank’s tone was as gentle as ever, like he was coaxing a child. “Shouldn’t you be heading home?”

“Go wait in the car for us. We just need to stop in and see Mr. Blaine, then we’ll be right out.”

For some reason, Elissa felt a strange pang.

She didn’t feel like Frank’s wife.

More like the child of Frank and Marcia.

If she wanted, they could be one big, happy family. A picture–perfect trio.

No, quartet.

She almost forgot about Hickey.

The thought was so absurd she couldn’t help but laugh at herself. When she looked up at Frank, her face was nothing but sweet and obedient. “Can I head home on my own a little later? Tanya invited me out for dinner,”

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