A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 435

On the day of Old Mr. Wilkinson’s birthday celebration, Elissa rose early to give Suzanne Jensen her acupuncture treatment.

The party was scheduled for the evening, so when she sat down for breakfast, she was the only guest at the table with the Wilkinsons.

Worried she might feel awkward, Suzanne had Elissa sit beside her, making it easy to serve her food.

Watching them interact with the easy affection of a mother and daughter, Maya clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms until they left angry red marks.

It was just like when Vera was born. Suzanne’s attention had shifted away from her then, too.

And now, it was happening all over again.

She dreaded to think how spoiled Elissa would be if she turned out to be the real Vera. Would there even be a place left for her in this family?

The thought solidified her resolve. She couldn't let that happen. No matter what.

However, Elissa wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as Suzanne feared. Old Mrs. Wilkinson was passionate about healthy living, and they had already chatted at length during breakfast the day before.

Today was no different. Elissa might not have been an expert in many things, but she knew just how to talk about health in a way that captivated the old woman.

Old Mrs. Wilkinson’s eyes widened. "So you’re saying it’s actually better to be a little hungry?"

"That’s right," Elissa said with a soft smile. "Staying full all the time can be hard on your body. For you especially, it’s best to eat light and stop when you’re about sixty or seventy percent full."

"She certainly does," Tristan added, eager to please his wife but also genuinely impressed by Elissa’s medical skills. "Just look at Suzanne. So many doctors couldn’t help her, but doesn’t she look much better now?"

Old Mr. Wilkinson glanced at Suzanne. "That’s true." When his stern gaze returned to Elissa, it was softened with admiration. "You’re a remarkable young woman. So young, yet so capable."

Maya, seeing that even her grandfather was starting to accept Elissa, couldn't stop herself from blurting out, "Who knows if it isn’t just some kind of smoke and mirrors. For all we know, she’s just improved Mom’s complexion, but it’s done nothing to actually help her legs."

"Clang."

Laurel, who had returned to the estate in the early hours of the morning, set her fork down. Her voice was cold and clear. "If you have the ability to heal Mom’s legs, I’ll personally send Dr. Drummond back to Vistapeak City right now. If you don’t, then shut your mouth."

She had already heard that morning how Tristan and Maya had upset Suzanne to the point of fainting. She was already displeased and had intended to keep the peace for her grandfather’s birthday, but Maya just had to push it.