A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 518

Rowan shot him a sideways glance and replied with a question of his own, "Are you leaving or not?"

"..."

Rex quickly backpedaled. "Leaving, leaving, leaving."

Fine, he'd leave.

Just don't come crying to him for shelter when she kicks you out.

Once the roar of Rex's engine faded down the driveway, Rowan slowly made his way back upstairs.

However, he stopped by his study first to handle some work.

Since her room was fully stocked with everything she could possibly need, Elissa grabbed a cotton pajama set and headed into the bathroom to shower.

Stepping out clean and refreshed, she wandered out to the balcony. Seeing that Rex's car was gone from the driveway, she automatically assumed Rowan had headed back to Vistapeak Gardens as well.

"Miss Elissa, the kitchen made some warm chamomile tea. Would you like me to bring it up?"

A gentle knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. It was Mrs. Gable.

Hearing her familiar voice stripped away the last remnants of awkwardness Elissa felt in the house. She walked over and opened the door. The dimples on her cheeks made her look incredibly sweet when she smiled.

Mrs. Gable's heart melted at the sight.

After all, she had practically watched this girl grow up.

Elissa was an orphan.

Though Mrs. Gable was just an employee, over the years she had subconsciously come to treat Elissa like her own family.

Since it was still early, Elissa didn't want to trouble her. "It's okay, Mrs. Gable, I'll go down and have it in the kitchen."

Besides, Max should be back soon.

He would be thrilled to see her.

And since Mrs. Garrett was temporarily sleeping in a first-floor guest room due to her ankle, Elissa wanted to check the swelling one last time before bed.

"Alright," Mrs. Gable said, her eyes soft with affection. Having not seen Elissa in a long time, she couldn't help but ramble. "It's so crazy how time flies. You and Rowan are all grown up, and now you're going to have a baby of your own..."

"Hey, Max, you're back!" Elissa crouched down and wrapped her arms around him. The freshly bathed dog smelled amazing.

But Max wasn't satisfied with just a hug. He bolted to his room, retrieved a squeaky toy, and shoved it directly into her hands, demanding playtime.

Elissa knew that at his age, she wouldn't have many more chances to play with him like this.

Most dogs Max's age were lethargic, but thanks to the incredible care Rowan had provided over the years, Max was far more energetic than other senior dogs.

She happily took the toy and indulged him.

Upstairs, Rowan sent off his final email. Hearing the joyous commotion from the living room, a rare, tender warmth softened his usually cold eyes.

This was exactly how it was supposed to be.

This was how their home had always been meant to look.

-

At that exact moment, Frank Atwater was standing inside Elissa's old home.