Realizing his mistake, Ernest let her go. “Of course not. Sorry. I’ll get some milk ready for you.”

Elissa slipped her hand free, slid into her slippers, and headed for the downstairs bathroom.

No sooner had she shut the door than her phone began to ring.

Who was calling her now?

Elissa stared at the screen, her pulse racing. Was the hospital calling? Had something happened to Addy again?

But it wasn’t the hospital.

When Elissa recognized the number flashing on the screen, shock overtook her.

She brought a hand to her mouth.

A quiet sound escaped her as tears gathered in her eyes.

“Elissa?”

Savannah’s voice came through the phone. Elissa bit her lip, tears threatening to spill as she whispered, “Mom…”

Elissa splashed some water on her face and checked her reflection, making sure no one could tell she’d been crying. Then she stepped out of the bathroom.

Ernest waited just outside. He balanced a glass of milk in one hand and his phone in the other, speaking with his back to her.

On the other end, Kira sounded worried. “She’s in a lot of pain and hasn’t really eaten.”

Ernest kept his voice steady. “Go ahead and have a doctor take a look.”

Kira replied, “I’ve already called one, but Miss Harris keeps asking for you.”

Ernest hesitated for a moment. “I can’t leave right now. Let’s wait until the doctor has checked her, then we’ll see—”

Elissa walked past him, her face calm and composed.

R h t glov?ls.

Ernest heard footsteps behind him and spun around, catching sight of Elissa. With a furrowed brow, he hurriedly wrapped up the call. “We’ll talk later. I have to go now.”

After ending the call, he hurried to follow her into the dining room, carrying the milk.

Elissa had already taken her seat at the table.

“Elissa.” Sitting beside her, Ernest set the milk down. “It’s warm. I just made it for you.”

Without saying a word, Elissa picked up the glass. Savannah’s call had left her shaken, but she had no intention of skipping her meal.

She kept her gaze down, sipping the milk in slow, careful mouthfuls.

“Don’t rush…” Ernest offered quietly.

She paid no attention to him, so Ernest added, “Watch out. It might still be a bit too warm.”

A server came in carrying a tray and began arranging the plates on the table.

“Lunch is ready for you both, Mr. Flynn and Miss Holland.”

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