A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 364

The gesture was intimate, possessive.

Frank heard the elevator and looked over, his brow furrowing. He couldn't believe it. Even after the Murphy family had killed Elissa's parents, Rowan was still by her side, acting as if he had every right to be there.

He suppressed his anger and smiled at Elissa. "Why are you back with Rowan?"

"He hurt his leg," Elissa said, skipping the details. She didn't struggle against Rowan's hold, letting him lean on her.

Frank raised an eyebrow, looking at Rowan. "A girl her size can't support you properly. Let me help."

He reached out to take Rowan's arm.

"Not necessary." Rowan sidestepped him, not missing the opportunity to play up his injury. He staggered, his back hitting the wall with a thud.

Elissa quickly steadied him. Knowing what Frank was up to, her expression hardened. "It's fine, I can manage. Leave him alone."

"You hear that?" Rowan leaned comfortably on her shoulder, a smug smirk directed at Frank. "I don't need your help."

Frank was beginning to see that the relationship between them wasn't as simple as he'd thought. Last night, he had assumed Rowan had forced himself on Elissa. But looking at her now, she didn't seem to be resisting him. If Rowan had truly assaulted her, knowing her personality, she would have kept her distance. She wouldn't be subconsciously protecting him like this.

When the elevator doors opened, Elissa helped Rowan inside first. Frank watched their backs with a cold expression before following them in. When he looked at Elissa again, his face was calm. "I need to talk to you. Can I come up later?"

But…

In the past, after she had been punished at the Murphy estate, a tube of this exact ointment would mysteriously appear on her nightstand. She had wondered if he was the one leaving it for her. But the memory of his cold, decisive abandonment was always stronger. So she allowed herself to wonder, but she never dared to believe.

Shaking off the chaotic thoughts, Elissa took a tube from the box. As she turned around, the man behind her spoke, his voice clear and sharp. "This whole story about you and Frank getting back together… it's fake, isn't it?"

No couple would speak to each other as formally as they had in the elevator. Her attitude toward Frank was even colder than her attitude toward him.

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