“Thank you.” Elissa offered a polite thanks, her eyes following the arrival of each dish. A smile broke across her face. “Is that blackened fish?”

“That’s right,” Ernest chimed in before the server could reply, a grin on his face. “You’ve taken a liking to spicy food these days, so I told them to turn up the heat. Do you want to try some?”

Reaching for the platter, he set a piece of fish on her plate. “If this hits the spot, I’ll ask them to make it more often.”

Elissa remained silent and turned her attention to her meal.

Just then, Ernest’s phone vibrated.

He shot a look in Elissa’s direction, paused, and stepped out of the dining room to take the call.

Kira’s voice greeted him again.

“The doctor already came by, Mr. Flynn. Everything’s been handled,” Kira said.

Ernest listened, keeping his tone even. “Alright, I got it.”

Kira continued, “Are you heading back?”

Ernest’s gaze drifted back toward the dining room. “Not now. Look after her for me.”

“Understood.”

After tucking away his phone, Ernest walked back into the dining room and continued serving food onto Elissa’s plate.

He watched Elissa’s expression, choosing his words with care. “I need to step out for a bit later.”

Predictably, Elissa stayed quiet. Whether or not she caught part of his conversation, Ernest did not plan on keeping anything from her.

“There’s something I have to deal with in the Flynn Mansion. Kira mentioned a doctor stopped by, so I have to see what’s happening over there.”

Elissa kept sipping her soup, offering no reaction.

Ernest’s brow furrowed. “Once you and Locke are asleep, I’ll go. Is that okay?”

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Still, she offered him silence.

“Elissa…” Ernest let out a quiet sigh. “If you’d rather I stay, I will.”

The gentle sound of Elissa’s spoon meeting the bowl filled the brief silence. She hadn’t intended to say a word to him, but his persistence and his roundabout explanations wore her patience thin.

“I never told you not to go.” Elissa’s voice remained calm, almost cold. “Why are you still here? If you need to go, then just go now.”

Her answer, sharp and clear, told him she was upset.

“Alright.” Ernest reached for her hand, speaking softly. “I won’t go anywhere. Please don’t be upset.”

He pointed at her soup. “Do you want more? Is the taste alright?”

For a second, Elissa stared at him, puzzled. Had he really missed her meaning?

“Do I seem upset right now?” Elissa gripped his arm. “Forget the soup. Haven’t I said enough? I’m telling you to go. Hurry up.”

“Elissa,” Ernest tightened his hold on her hand. “You need to relax. I’m not going anywhere, alright?”

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