He felt so estranged from himself, it was as if he’d lost all control.
Frank stared at Elissa, unblinking, his thoughts darkening–if she confessed, maybe he really would strangle her.
But Elissa only lowered her gaze and shot back, “Aren’t you the same?”
It was all just mutual exploitation.
No one here was any better than the other.
Frank grabbed her chin hard, forcing her to meet his eyes. “I’ll ask you again. Think carefully before you answer.”
“This marriage–have you only ever used me?”
Pain shot through her jaw, so sharp she could almost hear the bone. threaten to crack. Elissa’s eyes reddened, her self–control slipping away inch by inch. She spat her answer without hesitation. “Yes! That’s right–l
have!”
“Frank, you’re the one who betrayed this marriage. What gives you the right to question me like you’re the victim?”
Atst, she’d said what she’d been holding in for so long.
There was a time she’d wanted to entrust her whole future to this man.
She’d tried to win his favor, imagined a lifetime of being the docile Mrs.
Frank.
She had really wanted that.
Frank’s grip tightened, and it took every ounce of his upbringing not to give in to his rage and hurt her.
“I’ve exined myself to you again and again. Short of spelling it out–l will never rece my wife. You will always be Mrs. Frank.”
“Elissa, why can’t you understand that?”
09.51
Chapter BB
His tone, full of patronizing mercy, nearly made herugh.
Frank saw her fall silent and assumed she regretted her outburst. His voice softened and he let go of her chin–he’d never liked pushing people.
this way.
“We can pretend none of this ever happened. And since Marcia wants in on the Murphy Group project, and you’re the team leader, you can surely take on a new member. Show some goodwill and go apologize to her and her son at the hospital.”
Elissa hadn’t expected this–so this was what he’d been angling for.
Herposure returned. She spoke coolly, all business. “Marcia simply isn’t qualified for this project, not by seniority or ability.”
She’d trained for fifteen years at the side of the most respected physician. in traditional medicine, inheriting his full expertise, then spent another three years practicing and developing new drugs.
Cliff hadpleted his undergraduate and doctoral degrees<b>, </b>then founded the Serenity Medical Center himself.
The other three team members were either MDs or had significant research experience abroad.
And Marcia? What did she have?
“Marcia is a top graduate from Vistapeak University,” Frank argued, frowning. “She’s even your senior. You only have a bachelor’s degree, so what makes you so high and mighty?”
Elissa didn’t bother arguing. “If you’re unhappy with my decision, go ahead and call the <b>cops</b><b>.</b><b>” </b>
“Elissa!” Frank snapped, exasperated by her stubbornness. “Don’t make me regret my decision back then!”
“What decision?” Elissa’s voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes clouding. “Marrying me?”
He was the first to regret it–she hadn’t even gotten there yet.
As silence stretched between them, Elissa’s lips curled in a bitter smile.
“Then go ahead and regret it.”
With that, she turned on her heel and strode out of the elevator.
She hadn’t expected to almost run straight into Rowan, standing just a few paces away.
It was obvious he’d overheard at least part of their exchange.
Elissa’s cheeks burned with embarrassment and irritation. “Mr. Murphy, do you always eavesdrop like this?”
He didn’t seem bothered in the least. One hand tucked in his trouser pocket, he looked her up and down, his height giving him an easy air of confidence. His voice was calm<b>, </b>almost teasing. “Depends on who’s
worth listening to.”
“And you–do you have any regrets?”