<b>Chapter </b><b>206 </b>


    Elissa arched a brow, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “A bet’s a bet. I lost, fair and


    square.”


    Frank’s gaze lingered on her animated face. The sharpness in his eyes softened, warmth blooming in their depths.


    Murphy Manor


    After stepping out of the car, Marcia followed a housekeeper through the grand entryway and toward the drawing room.


    The Murphy estate radiated an old–world elegance that made the Atwater home seem almost ordinary byparison. Every step Marcia took was a silent reminder of the gulf between people like them and people like her–why, she wondered, had she always been destined to wade through the mud while others walked marble halls?


    “Ma’am, Ms. Carson is here–thedy Mrs. Atwater mentioned on the phone yesterday,” the butler announced as Marcia reached the doorway.


    He held out an arm, halting her just long enough for someone inside to give a curt acknowledgment. Then, with a polite gesture, he ushered her in.


    Inside, Matriarch Paige Murphy sat upright in an antique armchair, a porcin teacup bnced in her hand. Her sharp, calcting eyes fixed on Marcia the moment she walked in.


    Her presence wasmanding–far more imposing than Old Mrs. Atwater back home, who, for all her sternness, could usually muster a kind word or two. Marcia’s chest tightened, her every step careful, as if treading on thin ice.


    Before she could speak, Paige Murphy cut straight to the point. “You’re Mrs. Spencer from the Atwater family?”


    “Yes,” Marcia replied, nodding.


    Everyone in Vistapeak’s upper circles knew about Mrs. Spencer’s little scandal with her brother–inw. There was no use pretending otherwise.


    Paige Murphy’s disdain was barely concealed. “Your mother–inw said you wanted to discuss something with me?”


    “I do.” Marcia met her gaze, matching her bluntness. “Matriarch Murphy, I know the


    10:29


    real reason your family adopted Elissa all those years ago.”


    A flicker of surprise crossed Paige Murphy’s face, but she quickly masked it with a cool, practiced smile. “And what reason might that be?”


    No one outside the family could possibly know the truth. The adoption had been handled quietly, behind closed doors.


    Marcia lifted her chin, her voice steady. “Because of that drug bust neen years ago–the one that made headlines across the country.”


    She hadn’t even finished before Paige Murphy’s expression darkened, her eyes shing dangerously as she scanned the room. Every servant understood the look and hurried out.


    The butler took his ce just outside the door, sealing off any chance the conversation might be overheard.


    Marcia caught the murderous glint in Paige Murphy’s eye and felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Still, she pressed on. “That case was the real reason, wasn’t it? Elissa’s parents–one was an undercover agent, the other the chief investigator.”


    She left it at that. There was no point asking about Paige Murphy’s connection to the drug lord–or why she seemed so intent on making Elissa suffer.


    Some things, Marcia knew, were better left undiscovered.


    Paige Murphy let out a softugh. “And where’s your proof? You think you can throw usations around with nothing but your word? The Murphy family has never been involved in anything criminal. We’re not afraid of police inquiries.”


    She wasn’t wrong. The Murphy family was practically an institution, their legacy as clean as anyone’s could be in this city.


    But Marcia wasn’t deterred. “If you say so. Maybe I’ll ask Mr. Murphy–he has a knack for digging up secrets. I’m sure he could turn up something interesting.”


    She moved as if to leave.


    “Butler!” Paige Murphy’s voice cracked like a whip.


    The butler reappeared instantly.


    “Bring Ms. Carson some tea,” Paigemanded, her voice icy but controlled.


    Relief washed over Marcia. She sat down on a carved wooden chair,posing herself. “Matriarch Murphy, I didn’te here to cause trouble.”


    10:29


    The butler closed the door, poured her a steaming cup of tea, and set it carefully at her side. “Ms. Carson, please.”


    Paige Murphy’s voice was cool. “So what is it you want?”


    Marcia traced her finger around the rim of the delicate cup, a glimmer of cold calction in her eyes. “I’m here to help you.”


    10:2


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