Upon hearing that, Elissa’s eyes filled with tears once more as she looked helplessly at Savannah.

“Rest easy.” With a gentle smile, Savannah comforted Elissa, her arm acting as a shield between them. Facing Ernest directly, she locked eyes with him, every bit of her resolve on display.

“You see, I’m her mother. Not even the law could keep me from taking my daughter with me. Now, what exactly are you planning to do to stop me?” Her tone could freeze the room, her smile dripping with mockery. “All you have is some cash, but that doesn’t mean you get to decide everything.”

Any warmth left her face. “Suppose I refuse to listen. Tell me, what comes next? What will you actually do about it?”

“That isn’t what I’m saying at all!” Ernest gave a small shake of his head, lines of worry creasing his forehead. He struggled to keep his tone steady as he spoke. “Mrs. Brown, you have it wrong. I could never show disrespect to Elissa’s mother.”

“If that’s true, then problem solved.” Savannah lifted her shoulders as if the matter were settled. She turned back to Elissa. “Elissa, let’s go.”

“Hold on!” The color drained from Ernest’s face, urgency filling his words. “Mrs. Brown, there’s something I think you don’t realize. Elissa and I have been living together as husband and wife. Locke is our child, and now she’s carrying another baby…”

Words failed him when Savannah’s expression remained unchanged. Instead, her eyes glimmered with the hint of mockery.

He felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. That look spelled trouble. Nothing that followed surprised him.

“Finished?” Savannah’s voice was steady, but the chill in the air grew sharper. She gave a humorless chuckle. “Do you honestly believe Elissa is trapped with you just because she’s having your child?”

That stung. Ernest stiffened, frustration shadowing his features. “Mrs. Brown, I admit my past actions were wrong, and Elissa suffered because of me. I’m determined to give her the life she deserves from now on—”

“Enough.” Savannah cut him off, her hand flicking as if brushing away an annoying fly.

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“Listen to yourself. When you talk about treating her well, you only mean making sure she eats well and has something decent to wear.” Her look spoke volumes. “You act as if caring for Elissa is nothing more than providing for a pet.”

A bitter smile tugged at her mouth. “But my daughter is not some animal you can feed and dress up for show. Real happiness isn’t measured by a full plate and a new dress.”

“Mrs. Brown…” Ernest’s voice broke, panic coloring his words. “I don’t see her like that!”

Savannah barely spared him a glance. “From my perspective, that’s exactly what you are doing right now, Mr. Flynn.”

Her next words fell like stones. “Money and status mean nothing to me. Elissa grew up surrounded by love and comfort. She won’t trade that for the illusion of a better life.”

Savannah’s hold on Elissa’s arm became even more secure, and her tone never wavered. “I have always been able to provide for my daughter, and I can take care of her children as well.” She fixed Ernest with a stare that left no room for argument. “Mr. Flynn, you put far too much stock in your own worth.”

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