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Ernest’s smile wavered as he replied, “Did you come all this way just for that?” It was the undeniable truth.

“What have I done to deserve this? Why are you doing it?” Elissa’s eyes brimmed red as her fury surged. “Ernest, I’ve never hurt you! Or are you going to deny it was you behind this?”

Their eyes met and held, a heavy silence suspended between them.

“It was me.” Ernest gave a slow nod, his voice low but certain. “I asked them to remove you from the project.”

Elissa froze for a second, then let out a bitter laugh. Her voice cut sharply. “I don’t get it. Weren’t you the one who failed me? Huh?”

“Yes, I failed you,” Ernest confessed without evasion. He paused briefly, then added, “But I couldn’t bear seeing you around Robin—even if it was just for work.”

“What?” Elissa reeled, thrown off balance. “Who are you to decide that? We’re just work partners—and even if we weren’t, even if we reconciled—it’s none of your business!”

Ernest’s expression hardened, a deep frown shadowing his face. Incredulous, he asked, “Are you actually thinking of getting back with him?”

“What if I am?” Elissa snapped, her temper flaring.

“No way!” Ernest barked. “Need I remind you how he treated you all these years? You’re lucky he didn’t beat you to death!”

“That’s right.” Elissa sneered, nodding with icy clarity. “But don’t forget—the reason he tormented me was because of you!”

Her eyes burned with resentment as she spoke, each word deliberate. “You are the root of all my suffering!”

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“Elissa!”

“Ernest!”

Ernest yelled, but Elissa’s voice rose over his, cracking with fury. “No wonder they say you see someone’s true colors after a breakup! You’re the type of ex who stabs his partner in the back—a two-faced hypocrite!”

Blinded by rage, Elissa seized the glass from the table and hurled its contents over Ernest’s head. Icy tea soaked him from head to toe, leaving him utterly drenched and humiliated.

Elissa let out a frigid sneer. “You’re selfish and conniving—and Linda’s a vile snake. The two of you are perfect for each other. Stay together forever and spare the rest of us.”

With a sharp flick of her arm, she slammed the empty glass onto the table, spun around, and bolted from the room.

Ernest was frozen in place.

“Mr. Flynn?” Quentin stepped in, stunned at the sight before him. “What on earth happened?”

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