A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 621

His voice carried through the night air, and Elissa Drummond, standing on the upstairs terrace, caught every single word.

She knew all too well that Finn Thornton wasn't joking or making empty threats; he had come fully prepared. Her life hung entirely on his whim. Anyone who wanted to save her would have to obey his every command. But she wanted Rowan Murphy to live, too. Rowan, herself, and their baby—their family of three had to walk out of this place completely unscathed.

The glaring floodlights in the front yard illuminated Rowan's face perfectly. Elissa could clearly see the hesitation in his eyes, but as if sensing her gaze, his focus suddenly sharpened. This time, Elissa didn't say a word or make a move; she simply locked eyes with him, unblinking.

Nearby, Frank stood quietly, watching the silent exchange as if something had just clicked into place for him.

Rex ran his tongue along the inside of his cheek, his sharp gaze cutting toward Finn. "Plenty of people want Rowan dead, and you don't even make the top of the list. Tonight, whether you hurt him or Elissa, I can make you disappear from this earth without a trace."

No one doubted the weight of his words. After all, he was Rex Wilkinson; making people vanish was well within his capabilities.

This development was entirely outside of Finn's plan. Sean Cross hadn't even brought Elissa to the Wilkinsons to reveal her true identity yet, but all three Wilkinson siblings were already here, wading straight into the crossfire. It was obvious they already knew who she was. If the Wilkinsons hadn't shown up, he could have easily slipped away in Vistapeak City after taking Rowan out, leaving Rowan's men leaderless. But now, whether he achieved his goal or not, getting out in one piece was going to be a problem. The Wilkinsons wouldn't just sit on the sidelines.

Still, he had Elissa. He wasn't about to panic. "The Wilkinsons really are as powerful as they say. Unfortunately for you, I've got nothing left to lose."

"Let's take this inside," Rowan said, pulling his gaze away from the terrace to look at Finn with a cool, collected confidence. "Let's talk. Maybe I can offer you a deal you can't refuse."

Finn needed time to formulate an exit strategy, so he didn't decline.

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