Locke. Her precious little boy.

Detecting her daughter’s wavering resolve, Savannah stepped forward immediately. “Elissa, ignore his manipulation! He’s weaponizing the child to ensnare you! Ultimately, he will drag you back to his side again!”

Elissa understood this truth with painful clarity.

She gazed down at the arms encircling her, her voice soft yet unwavering. “Release me. Regardless of your words, I will not alter my decision. Next week, I will depart for Ontmond with my mother.”

“Elissa?” Ernest’s expression grew thunderous, his typically controlled features now consumed by emotional chaos. “No, you will not. You cannot abandon Locke!”

“That’s enough!” Elissa lifted her hands and forcibly broke free from his grip. She whirled around to confront him, her expression frozen with icy resolve.

By this point, the gym had descended into absolute silence. Onlookers stole glances in their direction, drawn by the unfolding drama.

Witnessing someone like Ernest Flynn, a man of his elevated position, humbling himself before a woman in desperate supplication was an extraordinary sight. Yet the woman stood like stone, completely unmoved by his pleas.

“There’s nothing you can do now!” Elissa’s voice cut through the air like winter wind. “Nothing will alter my resolve. If you treasured me so deeply… why did you leave me behind initially?”

She despised him, and bitterness consumed her that destiny had shown her such cruelty.

She had envisioned a beautiful life stretching before her.

She had once convinced herself that after surviving a torturous marriage, genuine happiness had finally arrived.

She had imagined remaining beside Locke, the child to whom she owed everything, witnessing his growth and showering him with the love he truly deserved.

“It’s you!” Her voice shattered completely, and tears cascaded down her cheeks in torrents. “You ruined everything! You are the one who rendered all of that impossible! You are the one who forced me to disappoint my son! You are the one who annihilated our future!”

? gν?

Ernest parted his lips but found himself completely speechless.

Savannah, positioned nearby, felt profound relief wash over her. She recognized Elissa’s agony, but at least her daughter had persevered through the confrontation.

She moved closer, tenderly drawing Elissa from Ernest’s vicinity.

Threading her arm through Elissa’s, Savannah offered gentle encouragement. “You handled yourself magnificently. Let’s depart.”

Elissa managed a strangled response, nodding despite the tears blurring her vision.

They departed, their hands clasped together in mutual support.

This time, Ernest made no attempt to pursue them. He remained motionless, silently observing their retreat. He understood with perfect clarity now.

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