Chapter 439
The rising star of the research world was about to become a pariah.
Elissa glanced at her coolly. “Instead of wasting your time worrying about me, you should be more concerned about the baby in your belly p>
“What?” Marcia swallowed hard, a flicker of panic in her eyes. “What do you mean p>
Elissa gave a faint smile. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you? And you pinned it on Frank? Instead of meddling in my affairs, you should be thinking about how you’re going to explain things to the Atwater family when the truth comes out p>
When she’d heard that Carmela had rescued Marcia from the Murphy family a few days after the press conference, she had wondered why Carmela would get involved. Seeing Marcia now, everything made sense. She was clearly showing, her pregnancy likely as far along as Elissa’s. If the child belonged to someone else, Carmela would have thrown her out long ago. But if it were Frank’s, Marcia would have already used the baby to secure her position. That left only one possibility: the baby wasn’t Frank’s, he refused to acknowledge it, and Carmela, desperate for an Atwater heir, would rather be safe than sorry.
Her voice wasn’t quiet, and guests were milling about nearby.
Marcia grew frantic and reached out to cover Elissa’s mouth. “Elissa, what nonsense are you talking about p>
“If you have nothing to hide, what are you afraid of?” Elissa sidestepped her, her voice turning to ice. “If you don’t want this getting back to the Atwaters, then get out of my way p>
With that, she tried to move past Marcia. Rowan was waiting for her, and she didn’t want to waste any more time, nor did she want to cause a scene at the Wilkinsons’ party.
Marcia was seething, unable to stand being constantly overshadowed by this woman. Recalling what Maya had told her yesterday, she suddenly grabbed Elissa’s wrist, her voice laced with venom. “Elissa, do you really think you can act so high and mighty forever, just because the Wilkinsons and Rowan are protecting you p>
Elissa’s expression grew even colder. “Let go p>
“No!” Marcia’s confidence surged as she remembered Maya’s words. “Tell me, if we cause a scene right here, who do you think will end up worse off p>
“You don’t have to ask her that. You can ask me p>
Laurel, who had seen Elissa come downstairs, had been looking for her and arrived just in time to hear Marcia’s threat. Her gaze, sharp as ever, fixed on Marcia.
“I’ve heard a thing or two about you, and I know you’re not without your tricks. However, if you start a fight with Elissa here either nor the Wilkinson family will show you any courtesy p>
As she spoke, her long, elegant fingers closed around Marcia’s wrist. With a slight squeeze, Marcia involuntarily released her grip on Elissa.
Marcia’s heart hammered in her chest. Everyone knew that Laurel Wilkinson’s word was as good as the entire family’s.
Marcia forced a nervous smile. “Miss Wilkinson, you misunderstand. I was just joking with Elissa. You might not know, but we used to be sisters-in-law. We’re quite close p>
“Oh, I know, Laurel said, casually brushing a stray strand of hair from Elissa’s forehead in a clear gesture of protection. “Everyone knows that Elissa and Mr. Atwater manage fell apart because of you p>
The official denials and cover-ups might have fooled the general public, but everyone in their social circle knew the truth.
Marcia was stunned. First Jesse, and now Laurel, the most powerful figure in the Wilkinson family, were defending this bitch so fiercely. Why hadn’t the car crash killed her?
Marcia’s nails dug deeper into her palm. “I p>
Suddenly, a commotion arose from the main hall. Elissa looked over and saw two police officers, guided by the butler, walking in their direction.
“Ms. Carson, presume?” the lead officer said, stopping before them. His tone was professional and steady You are a person of interest in an intentional injury case from last week. We need you to come with us to assist with the investigation p>
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