“Wow!” Locke beamed with wonder, positioning his tiny hand with exquisite care against Elissa’s abdomen.
His sweet voice carried solemn reverence as he whispered, “Hello, baby, I’m your big brother… Locke. You must grow strong and healthy, and when you arrive, I’ll play with you every day and share everything I know!”
Elissa’s smile felt carved from ice, while her heart shattered into countless pieces.
Sorrow overwhelmed her for Locke, who remained innocent of the truth—that both he and his unborn sibling existed outside the bonds of marriage.
“Locke.” Ernest gently lifted the boy off the bed. “Mommy’s expecting a baby and can’t walk on her own, so Daddy will carry her.” He pointed toward Quentin. “Be a good boy and follow Quentin, alright?”
“Okay!” Locke nodded seriously. “I won’t bother Mommy. I’ll behave.”
“Good boy,” Ernest nodded with approval.
Quentin stepped forward, took Locke’s hand, and led him out of the room.
Ernest bent down and reached for Elissa. In a low voice, only she could hear, he said, “See? Locke’s already excited about having a sibling. For his sake, try to stay strong, alright?”
Elissa forced a cold smile. Shameless. He never stopped using Locke as leverage. And now, it was working again.
But someday—she knew—he would regret it.
She stared at him, her voice flat. “Ernest, you’ll face the consequences one day.” She truly believed it. Locke wouldn’t stay a child forever. He’d grow up. With that thought, she added, “When Locke finds out the truth—how he came into this world—do you really think he’ll thank you? He’ll hate you.”
Ernest’s expression darkened, but he said nothing. He simply lifted her, carrying her out of the hospital room.
Back at Lion Bay, Ernest gently placed Elissa on the sofa. Locke sat nearby, happily chatting with her.
?tst chptrs in glnoνels.
Meanwhile, Ernest gathered the house staff and security team. His tone was cold. “Listen carefully. Miss Holland is pregnant. From now on, you will provide the best care possible. If anything happens to her, the baby, or Locke…” He paused, letting a soft, menacing laugh escape. His gaze swept across the room. “You’ll all be my enemies.”
No one dared to speak. The maids and guards lowered their heads, barely breathing.
Ernest didn’t specify what he’d do, but they didn’t need him to. They understood.
Quentin stepped forward, his voice sharp. “Stay focused. Do your jobs properly.”
“Yes, Mr. Flynn. Mr. Miles!”
“Then go,” Quentin ordered.
“Yes!”
Elissa heard everything from the living room. She knew Ernest had done it on purpose—scolding the staff within earshot so she could hear it all. It was clear that he was using the entire household to warn her against getting any ideas—or else people would suffer because of her.
She sank deeper into the sofa, her heart heavy. Even Linda couldn’t stop him… What could possibly be done now?
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