A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 441

Frank, wanting to avoid being seen with Marcia, had paid his respects at Wilkinson Manor the day before and made an excuse not to attend the main event. Since the Atwater family hadn’t formally split the households, Carmela’s presence was sufficient representation.

When Carmela saw the police heading their way, she followed, her face turning grim as she overheard the officer's words from a short distance.

That fool. What had she done now? Causing a scene in Cresthaven, of all places, and right in front of the Wilkinsons.

Marcia’s face went pale, and she instinctively scanned the crowd for Maya. Maya had promised to help her, but now the police were here, and she was nowhere in sight. She hadn’t even explained how she planned to help.

From the backyard, Suzanne heard the commotion and had a maid wheel her over. "What’s happening?" she asked Laurel.

"The hit-and-run driver from Elissa’s accident confessed," Laurel explained. She had received the update just half an hour ago. The police, aware that Marcia was at the manor, had called Laurel first, asking if they should wait until after the party to avoid disrupting Old Mr. Wilkinson’s celebration. Laurel told them to come immediately.

It was only then that Elissa realized the "intentional injury case" was her car crash.

She shot Marcia a cold smile. "You must have been so disappointed to see me standing here in one piece." No wonder Marcia had been so shocked to see her earlier; she must have thought Elissa was lying unconscious in a hospital bed.

Marcia’s hands trembled. Knowing how protective the Wilkinsons were of Elissa, and that Carmela wouldn’t risk offending them after already crossing the Murphys, she was trapped. "I…" She was speechless, managing only to stammer a denial to the police. "What intentional injury case? I don’t know anything about it…"

The lead officer replied calmly, "Ms. Carson, we wouldn’t be here without substantial evidence. Whether you know about it or not, you can clarify everything once you cooperate with our investigation at the station."

"Mom…" Marcia grew more desperate and turned to Elissa. "Elissa, for the sake of the three years we spent as sisters-in-law, please, help me…"

Before she could finish, Elissa cut her off coolly. "The police and Mrs. Wilkinson have already made it clear how this will be handled." There was no affection between them, only a history of animosity.

Seeing that the situation was final, the officer gestured to Marcia. "Ms. Carson, if you please."