Without hesitation, Elissa extended her arm. “Either one is fine.”

“Very well, Mrs. Flynn.” The nurse rolled up her sleeve and expertly drew the blood.

Once that was done, the doctor proceeded with a thorough check-up.

“The sample will be sent to the lab once we’re back at the hospital,” the doctor said. “We’ll send the results to Mr. Miles. As for your current health, Mrs. Flynn, everything looks stable. There’s no need for any more injections.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Relief washed over Ernest, and his voice carried satisfaction. A weight seemed to lift from his chest.

“Thank you both for your trouble,” he added, signaling to Quentin. “Please see them out.”

“Of course, Mr. Flynn,” Quentin replied immediately.

While Quentin attended to the guests, Ernest helped Elissa stand. “You must be hungry. Let’s have breakfast.”

In the dining area, breakfast was already laid out on the table.

Ernest pulled out a chair for Elissa. She sat down, lifted her fork, and looked at him in surprise. “Aren’t you supposed to be leaving soon?”

“Not just yet. I want a little more time with you.”

Elissa didn’t respond. Instead, she looked away, staying silent.

She found herself in a familiar situation once again.

Sensing her discomfort, Ernest spoke softly. “I’ll be heading out in a bit. I’m meeting with Eric later.”

Taking a slice of bread, he spread peanut butter on it and placed it on Elissa’s plate.

With a slight frown, Elissa addressed the servant. “Could you bring me some chili oil?”

“Really?” Ernest looked up, startled. “You never cared for spicy food before.”

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“I do now,” Elissa said, keeping her gaze fixed on her plate.

“I see.” Realization dawned on Ernest. Maybe the pregnancy was altering her tastes. He turned to the servant. “Please hurry with the chili oil.”

“Right away!” The servant quickly left and returned with the chili oil. “Here’s the chili oil.”

Ernest reached for the jar, but Elissa got there first. She opened it and drizzled some over her bacon. He watched, slightly uneasy.

That definitely looked spicy.

“You’ve got new cravings,” he remarked with a half-smile. “Maybe our baby is already asking for spicy food.”

Elissa didn’t respond and continued eating.

Ernest spoke more to himself than to her. “You know, I’d really like the baby to be a girl. Locke is so fond of Joy.”

A hint of envy slipped into his voice. “Having a daughter, one as sweet as Joy, would be a dream. We’d finally have our own little princess.”

He used his fork to add another piece of bacon to her plate. “You should try a little more.”

After Elissa finished her meal, Ernest helped her upstairs before leaving Lion Bay.

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