Lullaby 344

Chapter 344

She hadn’t quite figured out how to bring it up.

But since Suzanne had asked, there was no point in beating around the bush.

When Suzanne realized she could genuinely help, she let out a relieved sigh and agreed without hesitation. “Just tell me–if there’s anything I can do, I will.”

“It’s about this file…”

Elissa pulled the folder Frank had given her last night from her bag. “Could I trouble you to help me verify if it’s real?”

She already had a strong hunch it was genuine.

Everything in it made sense; all the details lined up.

Still, something inside her refused to let go. She wanted to be sure.

What if, after all, Frank was just lying to her?

What if this whole thing had nothing to do with the Rowan family, and Paige Murphy simply had it out

for her for no real reason?

Suzanne couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s a piece of cake. Should I have Jesse look into it for you?”

“Yes, thank you so much.”

Just as Elissa finished thanking her, a thought struck her and she added, “Could you… keep this from

Rex?”

Suzanne patted her hand gently. “This is your business. I’d never say a word without your permission. It’s only right to keep it confidential for you.”

“I’ll send the file to Jesse in a bit and have him check it out. For now, just relax and wait for the news. And when you get home, take a good nap–every young woman needs her sleep.”

Feeling the warmth of Suzanne’s hand, Elissa was surprised by the sudden comfort blooming in her chest. She nodded. “Okay.”

Lately, whenever Elissa came over for treatment, Suzanne insisted she stay for dinner.

Elissa had agreed every time.

There was no other reason–Tristan was busy with work and had already returned to Cresthaven; Jesse spent his days at the office. Elissa figured Suzanne would have more of an appetite if she had someone to share a meal with.

What Elissa hadn’t expected was just how invested the Wilkinson family would become in her affairs.

Barely three or four days later, she received a call from Jesse. He had news.

It was early evening when Jesse suggested, “Why don’t we meet in person?”

“Sure,” Elissa replied quickly. “Let me treat you to dinner.”

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11:48

Jesse didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Great. Just pick a spot and text me the address.”

Elissa knew the restaurants in Vistapeak City well. A moment later, she sent him the location.

She hadn’t expected that the moment she walked in, she’d spot the Rowan family at a distance.

Rowan himself barely glanced her way, his expression icy as he disappeared into a private room.

Elissa pushed aside her distraction and headed to where Jesse was waiting. “Mr. Jesse.”

Jesse handed her the menu. “I ordered a few things already. See if there’s anything you want to add.”

“Thanks.”

She added two or three familiar dishes, and once the waiter left, she got straight to the point. “About the documents Suzanne gave you–did you find any problems?” For original chapters go to find✦novel.net

Jesse’s eyes softened a little with sympathy. “Do you want there to be a problem, or not?”

He’d heard a bit about her and Rowan from Rex.

Their relationship had always been rocky.

Now, with this coming to light, it was like being thrown back to square one.

Elissa lowered her gaze, then looked up at him, voicing what she already knew in her heart. “There’s nothing wrong with the documents, is there?”

Maybe the lights were too harsh, but Jesse still caught the shimmer in her eyes.

He placed the file in front of her. “No, nothing’s wrong.”

Upstairs, Rex leaned against the railing, watching his second brother and Elissa deep in conversation. He shot a sideways glance at the man behind him and teased, “If you don’t get your act together, I might have to start calling Elissa ‘sister–in–law‘ soon.”

“Get lost,” Rowan snapped, exhaling sharply. His chest still felt tight with frustration. He stuck a cigarette between his lips and pulled out a lighter, but just as the flame got close, he let it die out.

Elissa had always hated the smell of smoke.

Funny, really–the first time he ever tried smoking, Elissa’s sharp nose had caught him. She’d barged into the study, snatched the cigarette right out of his hand, and stomped it out with both feet.