Chapter 340
In the past, Elissa had imagined countless excuses for him. She’d even wondered if maybe he had some secret pain he just couldn’t share.
But in the end, she’d dismissed every single one.
After all, eight years had passed. In all that time, he’d had countless chances to say
something–anything. Yet not once had he offered her an explanation.
Eventually, Elissa couldn’t come up with any more excuses for him. She could only tell herself that he honestly just wanted to get rid of her–cut loose the dead weight.
Rowan lowered his eyes, staring at her for a long time. Words crowded in his throat, but he didn’t know how to say any of it.
-I did it to protect you.
Even in his mind, the words sounded almost ridiculous, arrogant even.
But before he could figure out how to begin, Elissa’s phone suddenly rang, shattering the silence.
She pulled her phone out, saw Frank’s name on the screen, and frowned, hitting decline without a second thought.
Just as she was about to press Rowan for answers, her phone rang again.
Whoever was calling clearly had something urgent.
Elissa hesitated, then answered, “Hello? What is it p>
Honestly, she no longer expected Frank to find out anything for her–or do anything at all.
Her parents had been gone for years. There was no longer any rush to figure out the truth. Once Mrs. Wilkinson’s legs had recovered, she could ask Jesse for help.
The Wilkinson family’s main influence was in Cresthaven; looking into things there should be quick.
Frank, having waited a while without hearing her voice, walked over to his window. “I’ve almost finished investigating what happened back then p>
Elissa’s brow furrowed. “ You found something p>
“Yeah,” Frank said, hesitating. “Actually, I’ve known for a while now, but… I just haven’t figured out how to tell you p>
Elissa froze.
Almost without thinking, she glanced up at Rowan.
If Frank had found out, but couldn’t bring himself to say it–there was probably only one reason left…
Maybe she’d always suspected it, deep down, but had chosen to ignore it.
Frank’s call forced her to face it.
12:18
Chapter 341
“Can you come downstairs for a moment?” Frank asked.
Elissa hesitated, not answering right away.
She really wasn’t keen on being alone with him.
Frank, realizing she was uneasy after everything that had happened, quickly added, “If it’s easier, I can come upstairs. Tanya’s there, right? You… probably won’t feel so uncomfortable with her
around p>
“That’s fine,” Elissa replied, this time without delay.
She always felt safer in her own space.
Frank sounded relieved. “When would be a good time for me to come up p>
“Five minutes p>
At this hour, Tanya was usually either working late or gaming–she wouldn’t be disturbed.
After hanging up, Rowan frowned slightly. “Frank p>
“Yeah p>
“What does he want p>
“Said he… has something to tell me p>
Elissa pressed her lips together and stepped into the elevator with Rowan.
Frank’s hesitant words still echoed in her mind, leaving her distracted and restless.
She didn’t even have the energy to question Rowan further.
She could only hope she was overthinking things.
When the elevator reached her floor and she started down the hall toward 2201, a hand suddenly caught her wrist.
Rowan, quick to notice her unease, stared straight at her with those dark eyes. “After you see him, you’re not going to ignore me again… are you p>
His voice was soft, rough around the edges, almost self–mocking.
Something twisted inside Elissa’s chest. She couldn’t find the words to answer.
“I… I’m going home for now. ”
12.18