Louisa’s anger flared. “Why shouldn’t I? Having a daughter who can’t do anything right, I might as well have none at all. You’re beyond hope!” Sobs shook Bonnie as she cried even harder.

“Quit running!” Louisa shouted while the two chased each other, their voices fading as they moved farther away.

Ernest gave Elissa’s hand a gentle squeeze, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Well, that’s the end of the spectacle. Let’s get you home.”

“Alright.” A gentle smile spread across Elissa’s lips, and she felt noticeably lighter.

They slipped into the car and made their way to Lion Bay.

Once they reached her place, Ernest accompanied her inside and offered a reminder. “I’ll be tied up with things for the next few days. There’s a chance I won’t be able to drop by. Remember to look after yourself.”

“Why…” Elissa glanced at him, a little taken aback. “Is there something you need to handle?”

She didn’t expect to see him every day, but his mention of it suggested it mattered.

“Yes.” Ernest nodded. “Linda has to go to Aradimen for her treatment. I’ll be taking her there, helping her get settled, and meeting her doctor.”

“I see.” Understanding, Elissa nodded. “When are you leaving?”

“Tonight. The plane takes off at ten.”

The moment to part was drawing near. Ernest watched the subtle crease forming between Elissa’s brows, his heart caught in a quiet tug-of-war—reluctant to leave, yet quietly comforted by the thought that she might miss him.

“I’ll come back as soon as I can,” he promised gently. “I’ll try to be here before your next session. Just wait for me… and don’t worry, alright?”

But Elissa’s mind was elsewhere. “If you’re leaving the country… what about Locke?”

Sure, the Flynn household had servants, but they weren’t family.

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Fortunately, Ernest had already thought of this.

“I’ve already spoken to Eric,” Ernest replied. “He and Hadley will look after Locke for now.”

He watched her reaction closely, then gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I didn’t leave him with you because… you’re still in the middle of your treatment.”

“Alright.” Elissa nodded, understanding.

If she ended up sleepwalking and frightened Locke, that wouldn’t be fair to the boy. Newest update provided by Find[?]ovel.net

She offered a faint smile. “Then I guess I’ll have to count on Mr. Scott and Hadley. It’s actually kind of perfect—Joy will be there, and Locke loves being with his little cousin. They’ll keep each other company.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” Ernest gave her hand a gentle pat, his voice softening. “Just a bit longer, Elissa. It won’t be long before we can finally live together… all of us, as a real family.”

Elissa didn’t say a word. But her cheeks turned pink at his words, and she shyly turned away, too flustered to meet his eyes.

With summer in full swing, the evenings stretched longer, the sky still awash with golden light as Eric returned to the Scott estate.

“Welcome back, Mr. Scott,” a maid greeted politely.

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