bChapter /bb232 /b

    But that one simple sentence was enough to test where Frank’s loyaltiesy.

    If they were truly divorced, who would bother picking up their ex–wife to bring her home?

    After Matriarch Paige Murphy’s words faded, silence hung ion /ithe other end of the line for a long moment.

    Elissa’s fingers trembled almost imperceptibly. Matriarch Paige Murphy shot her a sideways nce, a mocking little smirk hinting at Elissa’s overreach, then spoke into the phone, “If it’s a bother for you, Frank, never

    mind…”

    She hadn’t finished when Frank’s calm, low voice came through.

    He seemed to be giving instructions to an assistant–postponing an urgent meeting, canceling his evening appointments.

    Then Frank’s tone lightened with a hint of a smile. “Why would it be a bother? I’ll head to the manor right now.”

    “That’s good of you, Frank. I appreciate it.”

    Matriarch Paige Murphy’s brow furrowed sharply, but she still managed a smile, unwilling ito /ilet the conversation end without probing further. “Elissa was lucky to marry you, Frank.”

    Frank replied without missing a beat, “I’d say I’m the lucky one to have married heri.” /i

    Once the call ended, Frank nced at Bernard, who looked a little troubled. “What’s wrong?”

    Bernard hesitated. “Mr. Atwater, I’m afraid that meeting isn’t so easy to reschedule…”

    “Move it to this evening,” Frank said, checking his watch. “Eight o’clock should work.”

    16:49

    Bernard looked like he’d swallowed a lemon. “Sir, are you going to…”

    “Pick up Elissa,” Frank answered simply.

    He stood, slipped on the suit jacket draped over his chair, the silver watch on his wrist catching the light. “I’ll be heading out inow/i.”

    Bernard could only stare after him, dumbfounded. Since when was Mr. Atwater sopletely love–struck?

    The moment the call ended, Elissa could sense that Matriarch Paige Murphy was genuinely annoyed.

    And after that little episode, there was no way they’d be going ito /ithe Assembly tonight. The driver turned the car around and took them straight back to Murphy Manor.

    As soon as the car stopped, the old matriarch was out in a sh, storming inside and up the stairs with surprising energy.

    Elissa watched her charge away, a silent smile curving her lips.

    Upstairs, Matriarch Paige Murphy marched into her study and mmed

    the door behind her. She immediately dialed Marcia.

    Marcia picked up instantly, all deference. “Yes, ma’am?”

    Matriarch Paige Murphy snapped, “Where on earth did you get your bogus information?”

    “Bogus information?”

    “The news about Elissa and Frank’s divorce!”

    Marcia was stunned. “That can’t be a mistake-”

    Carm had told her personally. She’d even said the divorce papers were finalized. How could it possibly be false?

    “Still insisting?” Matriarch Paige Murphy’s voice rose, her patience fraying. “Don’t spread these ridiculous rumors to me again. And as for Frank dumping Elissa? From what I can see, he’s practically obsessed with her!”

    b16:49 /b

    He’d rescheduled meetings, canceled appointments–what was he, crazy? Marcia was leftpletely bewildered. Carm had said they were divorced. If Frank hadn’t left Elissa, could it be Elissa who dumped

    Frank?

    Before she could sort out her confusion, Matriarch Paige Murphy’s voice came icy through the phone. “Don’t let me down about the

    pharmaceutical research again. I’m not as soft–hearted as Frank. There are a thousand ways I could end you.”

    With that, she hung up without waiting for a reply.

    Marcia knew it wasn’t an empty threat. Uneasy, she sat for a ilong /imoment before finally making a call of her own.

    “What’s the status on Elissa’s research?”

    –

    Elissa sat quietly in the drawing room.

    Matriarch Paige Murphy hadn’te down, and Frank wouldn’t be arriving just yet.

    Cliff had just sent her a new proposal, so she bent over her phone,pletely absorbed in a serious discussion with him.

    “Waiting for me?”

    She startled at the sudden voice, nearly dropping her phone.

    She looked up to see Rowan standing not far away, dressed in a sleek, dark gray tailored suit–a sight that gave her a second, sharper jolt.

    Was he out of his mind? With all the household staff around, even Butler Murphy was standing right there!

    b3/2 /b

    16.10

    Chapter b233 /b