It all made sense now. Eric listened closely, a small smile forming as a memory surfaced. He recalled the few times when they shared desserts, and Joy indeed had a soft spot for the creamy center.
“If that’s it,” Hadley said as she shifted her weight slightly, “I’ll get going.” Tamara was already waiting in the car.
“Alright then.”
At Lion Bay.
Elissa hadn’t been away long before her footsteps echoed through the house once more.
“Mr. Flynn. Miss Holland.”
The familiar housekeeper stood by the door, unchanged since the last time. Although the place still felt familiar, a few things had shifted since her last visit: carpets now lined the staircase, and every sharp edge had been softened with padded guards.
Without pause, Ernest carried Elissa straight upstairs. He nudged the master bedroom door open with his foot and placed her gently onto the sofa.
Slumped against the cushions, Elissa shot him a furious look. Her jaw tightened, rage bubbling inside her—but no amount of fury could change the reality of him. Ernest tossed his jacket over the sofa with ease, then loosened his tie as he sank beside her.
“I meant to bring you home two days from now, so only the housekeeper has arrived. I’ll have the caregiver come by this afternoon—it’ll still be Laney.” During the period when Elissa was unable to see, Laney had stepped in and taken care of her. He kept talking, adding, “There’s nothing you need to change. Besides, you’ve always been fond of her.”
After a short pause, he added, “As for a nutritionist—I haven’t found one that meets my standards yet, so that might take a while. In the meantime, the chef from the Flynn Mansion will come here and handle your meals.”
His words kept coming without pause, one arrangement after another. The longer he talked, the thinner Elissa’s patience stretched. At last, she shut her eyes and placed her hands over her ears.
Your escape begins at g?lnσνs?com
“You really think that’ll shut me up?” Ernest lifted a brow, clearly entertained. In many ways, Elissa was still the same—youthful in spirit, almost childlike in moments like this, even with two kids of her own. That part of her always stood out to him. No matter what life threw her way, she never hardened—she stayed warm and gentle.
He had never been that way. Not even close.
“One more thing,” Ernest added, a subtle smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “Starting tomorrow, you’re off the hook at work. I’ve already arranged an extended leave for you.”
Elissa froze. Her eyes snapped open, staring at him like she hadn’t heard him right. “An extended leave? For what reason?”
“Isn’t it clear enough?” Ernest kept his voice steady. “You’re expecting a baby. You should be resting at home, not running around and tiring yourself out.”
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