At six sharp, she clocked out and left the building, spotting Ernest’s car parked out front. With her backpack jostling on her shoulder, she quickened her pace.

“Why the hurry?” Ernest said, stepping out to take her bag, his eyes flicking to her knees with a hint of disapproval. “Don’t your knees still hurt? Why rush? Thought I’d leave without you?”

“Okay,” Elissa said with a small smile, climbing into the car. “I used the spray. It’s much better.”

Sitting close, Ernest caught the subtle scent of the medicine on her, confirming she had indeed used it. Pleased, he nodded and slid into the car.

“To Lion Bay,” he told the driver.

The car set off toward the property Ernest had purchased a while ago, specifically for Elissa when he first found out she was Locke’s mother. Linda had once caused a stir when she found out about it. Now, after all the ups and downs, Elissa was back here again.

The sprawling villa felt excessive for one person.

“Isn’t this a bit much?” Elissa said, pausing at the gate with a slight frown.

“It’s the smallest place I own,” Ernest replied, walking ahead. “I don’t have anything smaller. You will have to make do.”

They crossed the courtyard, where two staff members waited at the entrance—a live-in housekeeper and a familiar caregiver.

“Laney?” Elissa called out, recognizing the woman who had looked after her at the sanatorium.

“Miss Holland,” Laney replied with a warm smile. “You haven’t forgotten me.” Original content can be found at Find~Novel.net

“Of course not,” Elissa said, returning the smile.

She then gently grasped Ernest’s arm and drew him to the side.

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“What is it?” Ernest asked, his smile soft and teasing. “What’s with the secrecy? Got something you want to tell me in private?”

Elissa brushed off the remark, her voice hushed. “Isn’t this all a bit excessive? I can manage on my own—I don’t need this much support.”

A caregiver to ensure her safety during sleepwalking episodes was sufficient.

“Excessive?” Ernest shook his head, waving away her ion. “Don’t act like I haven’t noticed—you were surviving on delivery food. You’re too young to keep that unhealthy eating habit.”

Her tight schedule had made cooking impractical, and after long workdays ending at six, she was often too drained to try.

Elissa countered, “I have lunch at the office canteen… It’s not that bad.”

“And it’s not good enough either,” Ernest replied firmly, his tone unyielding. “You’re Locke’s mother. If I’m going to take care of you, I’m doing it properly.” His eyes locked onto hers with quiet intensity. “Besides, hiring one more person to help is nothing to me.”

Elissa found herself speechless, the vast divide between their lifestyles hitting her again—some differences were simply unbridgeable.

At that moment, Quentin arrived with her bags.

Laney stepped forward quickly. “I’ll handle it. I’m familiar with Miss Holland’s routines from her time at the sanatorium.”

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