Tension set into Ernest’s features, but he gave a firm nod. “I’ll let you handle it.”

A sense of resolve pushed him to turn on his heel.

He moved down the hallway without a single glance back.

“I’ll let you find your way out, Mr. Flynn.”

“Ernest…” From inside, Linda pressed against the glass, watching as he disappeared from sight, heartbreak evident on her face. “Ernest! Don’t go! Ernest! Ah—”

“Hold her still!”

“Bring the medication now!” Linda’s cries rang out.

By three o’clock, fatigue began to creep in.

“Coffee, anyone?”

Pencil in hand, Elissa had been lost in her latest sketches when a coworker chimed in. “Let’s order together if you want some.”

“I’m in!”

“Count me in, too…”

Elissa added her name to the coffee order.

“Elissa!” Suddenly, another colleague nudged her and pointed toward the entrance. “There’s someone here asking for you.”

“Oh, thanks.” Startled, Elissa glanced up. “Who would show up at work for me?”

Who could possibly have business at her office?

A playful grin spread across her colleague’s face. “Looks like a real charmer. Is that your boyfriend?”

“What?” Color rushed into Elissa’s cheeks. Read complete version only at Find_Novel(.)net

Laughter erupted as the coworker gave her a light pat on the shoulder. “Kidding! Go check it out.”

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Elissa managed a grateful, “Thank you,” still flustered, and then hurried toward the door.

Based on the teasing, she already had a good idea who might be waiting.

Sure enough, a tall, well-dressed man stood in the corridor, his posture relaxed but undeniably striking.

Almost as if he sensed her presence, Ernest, who had been turned away, slowly pivoted and met her gaze with a gentle smile.

His hand lifted in greeting. “Elissa.”

Elissa kept a few steps between them, deliberately avoiding his outstretched hand.

Suspicion furrowed her brow. “What are you doing here?” Her unease was impossible to miss.

A flicker of discomfort crossed Ernest’s face as he let his hand drop. With a quiet sigh, he said, “I just wanted you to know that I’ve taken care of everything with her.”

Did Ernest just say he had taken care of everything with Linda? Elissa turned the words over in her mind, surprise and confusion swirling through her thoughts. “How… how exactly did you do that?”

“Give me your hand first.” Rather than answering Elissa’s question, Ernest reached out toward her once again.

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