A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 483

Jacqueline's implication was clear—she assumed the child was his.

But the timeline on that ultrasound report...

A faint glimmer of hope flared up in Rowan's mind.

However, just as the thought formed, Aaron cut in. "Enough. Elissa hasn't even said who the father is, so what are you guessing for? I'm just annoyed that he couldn't even take good care of her."

The glimmer of hope was instantly snuffed out.

Rowan's lips pulled into a self-deprecating smile.

Right. What was he thinking?

How could he foolishly hope the child was his?

He lowered his gaze. "You're right. I failed to protect Elissa."

He couldn't protect her when they were kids.

And the same was true now.

After dinner, the older couple refused to overstay their welcome and insisted on heading home.

They didn't let Elissa or Rowan see them out either.

Rowan had no choice but to arrange for Evan Murphy to drive them.

When Elissa walked her mentor and his wife downstairs, she couldn't help but say, "Jacqueline, this whole mess started because of me. I've caused you two so much trouble."

Jacqueline gave her a chiding look. "Child, we're family. What's this talk of trouble? No more of this polite nonsense."

Elissa curved her lips into a smile. "Okay, I understand."

Aaron simply stared at her slightly rounded stomach with worry. "Rowan still doesn't know the child is his?"

"He doesn't know yet." Elissa lowered her eyes, resting a hand gently on her abdomen.

She needed to be absolutely certain that Rowan wouldn't take his anger out on her because of Matriarch Paige Murphy.

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