Elissa set her cup down, stood up, and walked out of the lounge. Her steps were calm and steady as she made her way toward the ladies’ fitting area. This boutique catered exclusively to members. Each fitting room bore a custom nameplate, placed neatly on the door to mark the guest inside.

Elissa spotted Linda’s room right away.

Someone stood just outside the fitting room door.

When the woman noticed Elissa approaching, she looked a bit puzzled. But since everyone allowed in here was a VIP, her attitude remained respectful.

“Hello there. Did you perhaps come to the wrong place? This fitting room is currently in use.”

“I know,” Elissa said with a faint smile, her gaze flicking to the nameplate on the door. “I’m a friend of Miss Harris.”

“Oh, I see.” The clerk nodded in understanding.

It wasn’t unusual for these rich VIP guests to be acquainted.

“Would you like me to let her know you’re here?”

“No need,” Elissa replied smoothly. “I’ll wait a moment. She’ll be out soon, won’t she?”

As if on cue, the fitting room door swung open.

Linda rolled into view in her wheelchair, flanked by a designer and Jane, her caregiver.

The store clerk and Elissa looked up at once, both drawn to her entrance.

At the sight of Elissa, Linda’s face tightened in confusion.

Jane, however, recognized her immediately.

Her brows knitted. She stepped forward and placed herself between them, eyeing Elissa with suspicion. “You… What are you doing here?”

M d? g.?

Elissa arched a brow. Her smile held no warmth. She looked straight at Linda and said, “I came here for her.”

Jane stiffened.

“Please move.” Elissa shifted her gaze, lifted a hand, and calmly brushed past Jane, placing herself in front of Linda.

“Hey, wait—” Jane grabbed her arm. “What do you want? Don’t make a scene! Mr. Flynn’s right outside!”

She meant it as a warning. Whatever Elissa had planned, it wouldn’t end well.

But Elissa didn’t flinch. She showed no fear at all.

She knew Ernest was here. And honestly, she didn’t really care.

What mattered was time. And she was running out of it.

“Linda.” She bent low, both hands resting lightly on the wheelchair’s armrests. “I’m Elissa Holland.”

Linda blinked, confused. Her lips parted as she echoed the name. “Elissa… Holland?”

She tried to recall. Her brows pulled together as she shook her head. “I don’t remember that name… Are you someone I know?”

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