A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 568

"Plans changed at the last minute."

Jesse pulled out the chair next to hers and sat down. Picking up the extra set of tableware the staff provided, he smiled warmly and joked, "Do you know what makes my mom happiest?"

Seeing him sit next to Elissa with such a bright smile, a thought unconsciously crossed Suzanne's mind.

Does this boy have feelings for Elissa?

He had never shown any interest in getting close to women before, leading Suzanne to briefly wonder if he was into men.

Elissa didn't think much of it and simply asked, "What?"

Jesse glanced at his mother and laughed. "Every time she sees you, she's happy for two days. Have a meal with her, and she's happy for three."

Suzanne wasn't the least bit embarrassed and simply lifted her chin. "Of course. Elissa doesn't anger and annoy me like you and that jerk do."

Elissa asked, "Jerk?"

"Rex."

Jesse answered her directly.

Elissa was taken aback, unable to hold back a chuckle.

Who would have thought the notoriously wild fourth son of the Wilkinson family had such an affectionate nickname at home.

But her smile faded when Jesse suddenly asked, "How is the jerk doing with chasing your friend?"

"..."

Elissa rubbed her nose. "I don't know either."

She didn't know the Wilkinson family's stance on the matter, so she didn't want to say anything that might negatively impact Tanya.

Jesse noticed her hesitation and explained, "My eldest sister has already spoken with Rex. The family won't completely oppose him developing a relationship with her. However, he needs to think some things through himself."

Elissa was pleasantly surprised. "They're not opposing it anymore?"

"Yeah."

From Jesse's understanding, that was indeed what Laurel meant.

It all came down to what Rex chose to do.

He didn't want to say too much, for fear of influencing Rex's decision.

In matters like this, the person involved had to figure things out with absolute clarity.

If anyone else pushed things even slightly—even Tanya herself—and Rex regretted his decision later, Tanya could be unfairly blamed for standing in his way.

Elissa secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you all."

Regardless of what happened between Tanya and Rex in the future, she felt it was incredibly commendable that the Wilkinson family was willing to compromise on this issue.

The three of them had a highly enjoyable dinner.

After eating, Elissa checked the time. Figuring Maya and the others could return at any moment, she didn't linger.

Maya licked her lips. "What do you think of Rowan Murphy?"

Jesse thought for a moment. "He's excellent."

A man of deep calculations, decisive action, and formidable methods. It wasn't surprising that someone like him could stand at the very pinnacle of Vistapeak City's social circles.

What was most impressive was his lack of any scandalous rumors.

Maya pressed, "Then what would you think about... having him as your brother-in-law?"

"..."

Jesse hadn't expected her to lead the conversation there.

He frowned slightly. "You still haven't given up?"

Just how blind would Rowan have to be to become his brother-in-law?

Maya could vaguely sense the shifting atmosphere at home. She couldn't put her finger on what was wrong.

But her intuition told her she needed to secure her future as quickly as possible.

And marrying Rowan was the best path she could take!

If Jesse didn't agree, she would go directly to Tristan Wilkinson. Once Tristan finalized the engagement with Matriarch Paige Murphy...

Even if the Wilkinsons or Rowan wanted to object, it would be too late!