Elissa could more or less guess why Frank wanted her back at the old estate, but Carm’s intentions were less clear.


    That uncertainty vanished the moment she arrived and saw Carm surrounded by several daughters from affluent families. It all made


    sense now.


    On the surface, tonight was a birthday celebration for the family matriarch. In reality, it was Frank’s matchmaking party.


    Carm was taking the opportunity to get back at her for daring to ask for so muchst time, making it clear that Frank could easily find someone better now that he was free of her. This marriage, after all, had always been a stretch for Elissa.


    “Frank, you’re here.”


    As Elissa and Frank entered together, Carm’s gaze flicked to the hand Elissa had resting on her son’s arm. Her eyes briefly shed with displeasure, though her tone remained as warm as ever. “Elissa, your grandmother has been asking for you since you arrived. You should go. see her first.”


    “All right.”


    Elissa had <i>no </i>desire to linger and y third wheel. She nodded sensibly.


    Frank said, “I’ll go with you.”


    “Frank, you can goter.”


    Carm stopped him, her voice asposed as always. “The Carson and Bryant girls have bothe by to wish your grandmother a happy. birthday. Why don’t you take them to the tea room for some refreshments, so they’re not left unattended?”


    Frank frowned but couldn’t embarrass his mother in front of everyone.


    “Understood.”


    09:51


    Elissa hadn’t wanted toe tonight, but she would still offer her genuine birthday wishes to the olddy.


    She searched the main hall and learned the matriarch was upstairs in the parlor, catching up with old friends. Deciding to get something to eat first, she made her way to the buffet.


    Just as she reached for a te, a hand snaked around her from behind, squeezing her waist as if no one else were there.


    Elissa’s skin prickled with rm. She spun around, and when she saw who it was, her face darkened. She lowered her voice. “te, are you out. of your mind? Do you even know where you are?”


    Atwater Manor.


    Her inws‘ home, at least in name.


    te wore a careless smirk, ncing toward the tea room before curling his lips knowingly. “Don’t think I haven’t figured out what the Atwater family is up to. They’re clearly ready to rece you.”


    Elissa was surprised. For someone as dense as te, he was surprisingly


    perceptive.


    Carm was clearly determined to humiliate her tonight. If Frank took a liking to any of the girls here, Carm would likely announce the divorce. before the evening was over.


    Elissa’s hand tightened into a fist just as te leaned in close, his smile. turning insolent. “At a time like this, even if I took you right here, the Atwater family wouldn’t dare cross the Murphy family for your sake.”


    His eyes narrowed. “You believe me?”


    A chill ran down Elissa’s spine.


    She did believe him.


    The room was full of politicians and business elites. The Atwaters would never offend the Murphys for her. In fact, they’d probably do everything possible to cover up any scandal, just to save face.


    09:51


    If te wanted to use her, what could she do? Backed by the Murphy name, he could get away with anything, while she–she wouldn’t even have to do anything wrong. As long as te acted despicably enough, she’d bepletely ruined.


    For the first time, te saw fear flicker across her face. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her out of the hall.


    “te, let go!”


    Elissa didn’t dare struggle too much, afraid to draw attention.


    “Try moving again and see what happens.”


    te yanked her into the backyard, shoving her against a brick wall. He grinned, predatory. “Elissa, you know I’ve wanted you for a long time.”


    His gaze swept over her hungrily. Having Rowan, his older cousin, overshadow him was one thing, but as the Murphy family’s second son, he’d seen and had plenty of beautiful women. During his years abroad, he’d had his fair share of wild flings.