10:44


    <b>Chapter </b><b>142 </b>


    Marcia felt as if she’d punched a pillow–Elissa’s airy indifference left her fuming, stomping her foot in frustration.


    But when she nced down and saw the jade pendant tossed into her purse, she quickly regained herposure.


    She couldn’t just sit back and wait for things to happen.


    That jade pendant alone wasn’t enough–she needed another card up her sleeve, and soon.


    Elissa strode toward the parking lot, fingers curled tightly around the pendant in her coat pocket. The familiar weight steadied her heart.


    The one she’d handed to Marcia was a replica,missioned from Hayley.


    She’d kept the original.


    Now, atst, it was back where it belonged.


    Holding the only thing her parents had left her filled Elissa with a quiet satisfaction. She was just about to get into her car when arge hand pressed down on the door, stopping her.


    The hand was broad, with long, clean fingers–smooth and pale like


    carved marble.


    Elissa didn’t even have to look up to know whose hand it was.


    Annoyance flickered across her face as she licked her lips. “I already gave the pendant back to Marcia. What more do you want?”


    Her gaze stayed downcast, as if she couldn’t even be bothered to look at


    him.


    Once upon a time, she’d always looked at him directly, her eyes bright and full ofughter. Now, it was like she’d be someone else entirely.


    Frank had no idea how things hade to this between them.


    10:44


    Chapter <b>14Z </b>


    But one thing he was sure of: she would always be his wife, and he had enough patience to win her back.


    His voice was gentle. “That’s not why I’m here.”


    “I overheard some of what you said to Marcia…” He hesitated. “Did you tell her the pendant wasn’t really hers?”


    “That’s right.”


    Elissa finally turned her head to look at him, her tone unwavering. “I saw that pendant when I was a child, but it wasn’t on Marcia.”


    Frank’s eyes widened, and he grabbed her arm. “Are you sure?”


    His grip was tight, more intense than usual.


    “Why would I lie?” she shot back, frowning. “What would I get out of it?”


    “I’m not saying you’re lying…” Frank tried to keep his voice calm. After everything that had happenedtely, he understood why she might not trust him. “I just wondered if you might be mistaken. Those pendants all look pretty simr.”


    Even now, he was still looking for excuses for Marcia.


    Elissa gave a soft, almost mockingugh. “Frank, what are you really trying to say?”


    “I…” Frank nced over toward the clinic entrance, his expression clouded. He looked back at her. “Where exactly did you see it when you were little?”


    “On a friend,” Elissa replied.


    She didn’t mention that the friend was herself.


    With Frank’s history of favoritism, he’d only think she was picking a fight


    with Marcia because of what happened at the hotel.


    Frank’s brow furrowed. “Where did you see it?”


    “At Cresthaven.”


    213


    10:44


    The moment she said those three words, Frank’s hand trembled where it gripped her arm.


    Elissa winced, trying to pull away, but his grasp was too strong.


    “Where in Cresthaven?” he pressed.


    “The orphanage on Pine Hill.”


    She spoke with little patience. “Can you let go of me now?”


    Frank seemed frozen, his usually steady eyes distant and unfocused.


    “Frank?” Elissa prompted.


    “…Sorry.” He snapped out of it, releasing her arm. His lips parted, his voice unsteady. “Can you tell me your friend’s name?”


    “Little Nine.”