“Ernest!” Linda’s hands tightened around the wheelchair as her eyes narrowed in shock. Then, a bitter smile crept across her lips.
Through clenched teeth, she let out a low, chilling laugh and yelled, “Is this what you call a solution? You think you’ll find happiness with Elissa? You’re dreaming! Elissa can’t stand me, and she’ll despise you too!”
The laughter twisted into something darker, each sound wilder than the last. “Calling off the wedding now? Don’t fool yourself—it’s much too late for that!”
Nothing she said could move him. Without a word or a glance, Ernest continued toward the exit.
Suddenly, Linda pressed both hands to her head and released a scream that shattered the silence.
“Mr. Flynn!” Jane and the nurses jumped at the sound, startled.
He shot them a hard look. “Why are you all staring at me? I’m not the one with a medical degree. Get a doctor in here!”
“Of course!”
“Calling for help now!”
He left them behind, stepping through the doorway without looking back even once.
Even then, worry carved deep lines into his forehead, refusing to let up. Linda’s voice haunted him. “Elissa can’t stand me, and she’ll despise you too!” That single thought gnawed at him the most.
Meanwhile, in another hospital room, Elissa completed her oxygen therapy, feeling a touch calmer.
Ernest hoped to bring her back home. He spoke gently, trying to reassure her. “Locke is waiting for us. If you can’t think about yourself, at least do this for him. Locke means the world to you, doesn’t he?”
No answer came from her lips, yet she also didn’t turn him away.
They left the hospital together and slipped quietly into the car, setting out for Lion Bay.
сαρ gν﹒сｍ
Partway through the drive, Quentin answered his ringing phone. “Mr. Flynn, the hospital called to let you know that members of the Holland family stopped by. They wanted to ask about Mr. Holland.”
Ernest’s eyes moved to Elissa, who sat quietly beside him, her mind far away. He paused, then gave clear instructions. “Let them know they can visit me tomorrow at the Flynn Group office.”
“Understood,” replied Quentin.
With Lion Bay just ahead, Ernest offered a soft reminder. “We’ll be home soon. Locke’s still young, so do your best not to cry in front of him.”
Elissa’s eyelashes fluttered at his words. She remained silent but fought to keep her emotions in check.
The car rolled to a stop in the driveway, and the front door burst open as Locke raced out. “You’re finally here, Mommy!”
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