Lullaby 283

He wants to wear her down–slowly and completely.

Elissa wasn’t sure when Rowan first got that idea into his head, but she knew for certain that what she’d said back at the old house had stuck

with him.

Holding a grudge. Again.

She drew a deep breath. “Fine. If you’re so stubborn, then go ahead–never get married, never end up with the girl you actually like. Spend your whole life alone, for all I care.”

Rowan’s eyes flickered with amusement. “The girl I like?”

“That’s right.”

As Elissa spoke, her gaze drifted to the pocket of his tailored trousers.

Just before they left the old house, Lorraine had brought up

something–same as she had the last time at the café, asking about the photo Rowan kept in his wallet.

The connection seemed obvious.

Both times, it had to be about the same girl.

Rowan might be emotionally distant, but he wasn’t the type to chase after every pretty face.

Frank had just stepped out of his car when he spotted the Bentley pulling up nearby. Two people got out, one after the other.

He could tell right away they’d been fighting again. Elissa strode ahead, her posture stiff with annoyance, while Rowan followed behind, looking as cool and unruffled as ever.

Frank had seen this scene play out enough times over the years.

Elissa never seemed to keep her temper in check around Rowan.

Rowan always said she was only tough at home–never out in the world.

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10:28

The smallest disagreement would spark an argument, and sometimes Frank and Bradley Wheeler would have to step in to keep the peace.

Watching Elissa disappear into the building ahead, Frank hurried after her, calling out to Rowan with a grin, “Another fight?”

Rowan’s brow furrowed slightly. “Not exactly.”

“We ran out of time at the restaurant yesterday. There are a few things I didn’t get a chance to say.”

As they walked toward the entrance together, Frank continued, his tone earnest, “I know you’re still upset about how I treated Elissa in the past. Honestly, I was wrong–I had things mixed up, thought Marcia was Elissa. But I promise, from now on, I’ll give her my undivided attention.”

“I’ll stay here–won’t leave until she’s ready to forgive me.”

Rowan, whose expression rarely changed, suddenly stopped in his tracks. “What did you just say?”

Frank was genuinely trying to patch things up with Rowan, regardless of whether the Murphy family had anything to do with Elissa’s parents‘

accident.

At the very least, he figured Elissa might listen if Rowan tried to mediate.

Frank thought Rowan was finally softening. “I said I’ll treat Elissa right

from now on-”

“Not that part.” Rowan’s jaw tightened. “The last thing you said.”

Frank smiled, undeterred. “I’ll stay here as long as it takes–until she

comes around.”

He meant every word.

He’d do whatever it took, as long as Elissa was willing.

Rowan’s brow twitched. He glanced toward the elevators, noticing how Elissa didn’t even look surprised to see Frank here–her expression was cold, almost indifferent.

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10

“Suit yourself. Hope you don’t mind if the place falls apart while you’re at

it.”

Frank was used to Rowan’s sharp tongue and didn’t take offense. “That’s why I was hoping you could help talk to her. She’s always listened to you, ever since she was a kid.”

Rowan seemed to consider it for a moment, then nodded with barely a pause. “Alright.”

“Knew you still cared about her deep down,” Frank said with relief, falling into step beside him toward the elevators.

The doors slid open just as Elissa saw the two men approach. She stepped inside first, pressed her floor number, and retreated into the corner, not sparing either of them so much as a glance.

“Elissa.”

Frank started toward her, but she shifted back another step, pressing herself against the elevator wall.

He stopped short, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but didn’t push any further.

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