A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 467

Rex slammed his utensils down impatiently. "You're an outsider. Why do you have so many opinions? Just listen to what my sister says." He was really getting tired of her act.

He, for one, hoped his sister would get to the bottom of it as soon as possible. Marcia was his sister? God, that would be the biggest stain on his reputation for the rest of his life. He couldn't even imagine the ridicule he would face from Rowan when he returned to Vistapeak City.

His carelessly uttered word, "outsider," immediately sent the situation spiraling out of control. Maya burst into tears, turning to Tristan. "Dad! Did you hear what Rex said? Fine, now that Vera's barely back, there's no room for me in this family anymore, is there?"

…

After hearing Laurel's words, Suzanne had asked a maid to wheel her back to her room, wanting no part in the ensuing drama. Now, the dining room was thick with tension. Before Tristan could speak, Old Mr. Wilkinson slammed his hand on the table, his already stern face contorted with anger. "Enough with the crying! If you truly feel this family has no place for you, you can leave right now!" He wasn't going to raise a child for over twenty years only to be accused like this, without even a shred of gratitude.

Old Mr. Wilkinson felt utterly wronged. All this constant weeping and complaining, acting like the whole world owed her something—it was exhausting. He usually stayed out of these petty family squabbles, but this was too much.

His outburst stunned Maya into silence. Leave? If she left the Wilkinson family, what would she be in Cresthaven?

Rex, far from letting it go, smirked and gestured toward the courtyard. "You hear that? Grandpa said you can leave now."

"Alright, you little rascal," Tristan said, his feelings for his youngest son a mixture of love and exasperation. Every other Wilkinson child had been raised to be calm and polite, but this one was always stirring the pot. "You're the one who spoke out of turn, yet you're acting like you're the one who's been wronged."

The Wilkinsons stared in astonishment. No one had expected her to be released from custody so quickly. Laurel’s eyes instinctively darted toward Maya and Tristan, suspecting they had pulled some strings with the police.

Tristan quickly shook his head. "Your mother can vouch for me. I didn't make a single phone call last night." Suzanne had been emotionally fragile, and he hadn't left her side, fearing she might do something rash like she had years ago.

Maya just shrugged. "I'm just an outsider. I don't have that kind of influence."

"It… it was me…" Marcia stammered, wringing her hands as she forced herself to speak. "I'm pregnant, so they let me go home for now."