A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 496

A woman in her sixties, yet her grasp on reality was weaker than a toddler's.

Why on earth would anyone willingly marry someone whose family was this thoroughly rotten? Let alone someone like Rex. Let alone the Wilkinson family.

Rex's future wife didn't necessarily need to be a political asset, but she absolutely could not be a liability—someone who would drag him and the entire Wilkinson empire through the mud.

Back in college, when Laurel Wilkinson had first sought her out, Tanya's pride had been shattered. She had been naive and stupid enough to wonder why something as trivial as family background meant she and Rex belonged in two completely different universes.

But after navigating the real world for years, she understood completely. If she were Laurel, she would have done the exact same thing.

Rex lowered his gaze, catching the bitter, self-deprecating smile that flickered across Tanya's face. He didn't comment on it, instead turning to Sheila with an apologetic expression. "Ma'am, I have to apologize again. I'm nowhere near as rich as you think I am."

He offered a sincere, utterly helpless shrug. "I just work a 9-to-5."

Disappointment washed over Sheila. Refusing to give up, she turned her pleading eyes back to Tanya. Tanya just looked away, sending a message clearer than words.

Sheila wiped at her tears, staring at Rex for a long moment before finally whispering, "Please... don't take what her father said to heart. Tanya is a good girl. Just... treat her right."

With that, she scurried back to the house.

Tanya watched her mother's slightly hunched back disappear through the door, a microscopic sneer tugging at her lips. She wanted to suck her daughter dry, yet still desperately craved the role of the loving mother. Human nature was such a twisted paradox.

A cool autumn breeze swept through the street, bringing a biting chill. Rex licked his lips, fishing for something to say. "Actually, she really does care about you..."

"Mr. Rex." Tanya's patience for him was practically nonexistent tonight. Her striking eyes were devoid of any warmth. "This is my family. Are you entirely sure yours would ever sign off on this?"

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