Maybe, just maybe, this would be his very first time celebrating his own birthday.
From the very beginning, Ferris never believed Eric was his biological son. Growing up in the Scott family, there could never be a birthday cake or a celebration in his honor.
Years later, after joining the Flynn family, the house would fill with laughter during birthday parties. But those celebrations were for the real Eric Flynn, not him.
It struck Hadley—this would very likely be the first birthday truly belonging to him. That thought sent a dull ache through her chest.
Without hesitation, she created a calendar reminder for Eric’s birthday. She was determined to give him the celebration he deserved.
The problem now was deciding on a present. Choosing a gift felt impossible since Eric already had everything a person could need. Her mind started to whirl with possibilities.
As she thought hard, she stretched out and let a huge yawn escape, her eyelids growing heavier by the second. Exhaustion tugged at her. Night shoots weren’t unusual for her, but fatigue weighed her down more than usual today. She made up her mind to sleep first.
As Eric left Jewel Avenue, he turned to Phillips and asked, “Any idea where Ernest is?”
Phillips replied without missing a beat, “He’s on his way back to Lion Bay. Last night, he and Miss Holland went to the island to get Locke.”
“Figured as much.” Eric gave a nod, just as he expected. Given everything that happened, he doubted Ernest would let Elissa out of his sight for even a moment. “Let’s head to Lion Bay.”
“Okay.” Eric decided he’d wait there and use the time to go over a few things with Ernest.
At Lion Bay, the car rolled into the driveway.
With Locke still cradled in her arms, Elissa stepped out, feeling strangely empty inside. Returning here, her heart remained as still as a calm pond, untouched by emotion.
“Here, put this on.” Ernest noticed the chill and carefully draped a light blanket around her shoulders. Autumn mornings carried a bite in the air.
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Inside, a servant held the front door open for them.
“Mr. Flynn, Miss Holland…” the servant greeted politely, then added, “Mr. Scott has been waiting for a while inside.”
Ernest’s brow knitted in annoyance. “Why is he here so early?”
Elissa glanced over at him, her eyes questioning.
Catching her look, Ernest quickly reassured her. “Relax, I haven’t forgotten what I promised.”
Eric appeared just then, greeting them, “Morning, Ernest. Morning, Elissa.”
“Morning.” Elissa returned his greeting with a smile, and then turned to the man at her side. “Did you not hear him?”
A short grunt escaped Ernest. “Oh, I heard him. You’ve been up all night—take Locke upstairs and get some rest.”
She had no intention of interrupting whatever the brothers needed to discuss. Before leaving, Elissa gave him a reminder. “Remember to keep it civil.”
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