A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 576

Elissa was entirely focused on Jacqueline's critical condition and didn't notice his strange reaction. She just pressed her lips together and answered honestly, "Not good."

Frank looked genuinely surprised. "Even you and Mr. Blaine can't figure it out?"

Nearby, Rowan casually continued reviewing his documents, though his dark gaze flicked toward them every few seconds, cold and unreadable.

He remained silent.

Elissa wasn't surprised by Frank's reaction. She answered factually, "This toxin is incredibly complex. I don't have a solution right now, but maybe when my mentor gets back, he'll know what to do."

Even though she knew deep down that their only real hope was waiting for the research institute's chemical breakdown to formulate an antidote.

Still, she couldn't help but desperately pray for her mentor to arrive in Vistapeak City as soon as possible.

Hearing this, a flicker of disbelief crossed Frank's face, quickly followed by a look of deep concern. "Then we'll just have to wait for Mr. Blaine to return so you can look at it together. Make sure you take care of your own health. Don't exhaust yourself—especially since you're carrying a child."

Rowan smoothly raised an eyebrow, his expression perfectly composed. He still didn't speak, but the pressure he applied to his fountain pen as it scratched across the document visibly intensified.

Just as Elissa opened her mouth to reply, Rowan snapped his file shut. He curled his lips into a faint, predatory smile and spoke in a low, resonant voice. "Don't worry, Mr. Atwater. With me around, I would never let little Nine exhaust herself."

This was the very first time Rowan had ever called her by her intimate childhood nickname in front of another person.

In the past, the man had been insanely possessive, refusing to let anyone else even know her nickname. Even around his closest friends like Bradley, he had strictly forbidden it.

But right now, dropping that simple, incredibly intimate nickname in front of Frank was the equivalent of twisting a serrated knife straight into the man's chest.

If Frank had known Elissa's nickname back then, he never would have mistaken Marcia for her for all those years.

Frank clearly felt the vicious sting. His fingers curled into a tight fist, but he maintained a veneer of polite civility, acting as if he hadn't caught the territorial hostility in Rowan's tone. He forced a smile. "Knowing you're taking care of her and the baby definitely puts my mind at ease."

When he said the word 'baby', he deliberately emphasized the syllables.

If this had happened earlier, Rowan might have snapped in fury. But now, he had already made his peace with it.

He knew with absolute certainty that he was head over heels in love with Elissa.

And for Rowan, the very foundation of true love was complete, unconditional acceptance.

He loved her, which meant he accepted every single part of her.

Including this child.

Rowan flashed a relaxed, utterly unbothered smile. "Well, even if it didn't put your mind at ease, there's absolutely nothing you could do about it."

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