Linda leaned weakly against Ernest’s chest, her brow furrowed, a soft groan slipping past her lips.

“What is it?” Ernest immediately pulled back, his eyes scanning her face in alarm. “Are you in pain?”

She nodded, her voice thin. “Yes…”

“Where’s your medication?”

The pump had already been removed, but as a precaution, she kept painkillers with her—just in case the pain flared up unexpectedly. “In my bag. I left it in the room upstairs.”

“I’ll get it. Just stay still!”

Ernest sprang up without another word and hurried from the room, turning the corner and vanishing up the stairs.

In the bathroom, Elissa jolted back to herself. This was her chance. Without hesitating, she slipped out of the bathroom and moved swiftly down the hall, careful not to make a sound.

Outside the house, near the gate, Sebastian was talking with Kira. “Did you see Miss Holland anywhere? She’s not answering her phone—”

“There!” Kira interrupted, spotting Elissa striding toward them.

“Miss Holland!” Sebastian exhaled in relief. “Thank God—you had me worried.”

“Sorry about that, Sebastian…” Elissa offered a faint smile, lifting the storage tube in her hand. “Took me a while to find this.”

She moved toward the car, opening the door. “Sorry to have you worried. Let’s go.”

“Sure.”

Sebastian got behind the wheel and pulled away from the Flynn mansion. Kira stood by the gate, her gaze lingering on the departing car. Her brows drew together slowly.

Did Ernest know Elissa had been here?

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Ernest returned with the medication, gently handing the pills and a glass of water to Linda. “It’ll take some time for the pills to take effect,” he said softly, watching her closely. Then, after a pause, his tone hardened slightly. “Don’t do anything reckless again.”

“I won’t,” Linda replied, shaking her head weakly. Her complexion was ashen, but her eyes sparkled with fragile hope.

“I want to get better, so I can be a beautiful bride,” she whispered, a faint smile curving her lips.

Ernest looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

“Mr. Flynn!” Kira stood at the threshold, her expression composed but clearly troubled. “May I have a word with you?”

Kira had been with the Flynns for decades—a respectful elder figure, even to Ernest.

“Alright,” he said, setting down the glass.

He turned to Linda. “Rest here. I’ll be back shortly.”

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