Ernest had stood back the whole time, giving them space. When the moment felt right, he finally spoke. “Elissa… I think it’s best for Locke to move to Lion Bay and be with you.”

“Yes, yes!” Locke shouted before she could respond. “I want to live with Mom! I’m not going to be away from her ever again!”

Meanwhile, Elissa went quiet, a storm of feelings swirling inside her. She hadn’t expected Ernest to say that. But then again, she could never say no to that offer.

“Mom?” Locke’s joy wavered when Elissa didn’t respond. His face fell, brows drawn in and lips trembling. “You don’t want to live with me?”

“Of course I do! I do, Locke. I want to live with you. I want us to be together every single day.”

“We’ll always be together!” Locke shouted with glee and threw himself into her arms again.

“You’re right.” Elissa tightened her hold on him and gave a slight nod. She had no choice now. She had to say yes.

Still, a trace of anger stirred in her chest that was too much to ignore. She knew exactly what Ernest was doing. This was his way of tying her to him again. And yet, the truth was bitter and unshakable—she couldn’t refuse. Not when Locke was her own flesh and blood, and she owed him more than words could ever repay.

Meanwhile, Quentin headed off right away to take care of the discharge papers. Laney and the new caregiver began packing up Elissa’s things. Ernest drove Elissa and Locke back to Lion Bay.

“Whoa!” Locke exclaimed as he bounced into the living room and spun around with excitement. “I’m gonna live here with Mom from now on!”

“Locke.” Ernest patted Locke’s head and reminded him, “Shouldn’t you be doing your homework?”

“Okay!” Locke straightened up and turned to Elissa. “Mom, I’m going to do my homework first.”

Your next favorite is on g?lnσν?s．o

“Alright. Go ahead and do it upstairs.”

“Okay!” Locke, backpack on his shoulders, darted up the stairs.

Laney chuckled softly. “I’ll go with him.”

Elissa didn’t answer. She was already planning to follow. After all, she had once been his governess. His studies had always been her concern.

“Elissa.” Ernest reached out just as she had taken a step.

Elissa didn’t meet his gaze. Instead, she frowned and coldly said, “I need to accompany Locke.”

“Elissa…” Ernest gazed deeply into her eyes, refusing to let go. “Locke’s with you now, so cheer up, will you? Don’t overthink things. Let’s just live together happily as a family.”

“A family?” Elissa scoffed. She shook her head and let out a sharp laugh. “Do you actually expect me to believe that? If we were a real family, then take me and Locke to the Flynn Mansion.”

Ernest went quiet. His jaw tensed, and his brows drew together.

“Why won’t you say anything now? Then I’ll speak for you. You can’t bring us there because your wedding’s coming up. And Linda… She’s the one who’s supposed to move in and take her place as the lady of the house.”

She paused for a beat, and then continued, “So, of course, you have to deal with us first. Me, your ‘mistress’, and Locke, your ‘child born out of wedlock.’ You need to tuck us away so you can go on and build your real family.”

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