Both Elissa and Ernest froze, caught off guard.

“Ice cream?” Ernest’s expression hardened. “Being injured doesn’t mean you get whatever you want!”

“Daddy’s so mean!” Locke huffed, puffing out his cheeks and turning to Elissa. “Mommy, please!”

Elissa sighed, her tone soft but firm. “Sweetie, you can’t have ice cream right now. If you’re thirsty, how about some water?”

“Water’s not sweet,” Locke grumbled, his pout deepening.

“Hmm…” Elissa considered for a moment. “What if Mommy adds some honey in it? It’ll be sweet and yummy. Sound good?”

“Yay!” Locke’s face lit up, and he nodded eagerly.

Elissa glanced at Ernest. “You brought everything from Lion Bay, right? Including the staff?”

“Everyone’s here,” Ernest confirmed. Not only the regular household staff—he had also ensured the caregiver who had been tending to Elissa was present, determined to make things seamless for her and Locke.

“Good,” Elissa said with a nod. “Find the kitchen staff who worked there before. They knew where I used to put the honey. Have them prepare it for Locke.”

Elissa always preferred organic wildflower honey, which was good for health.

“Got it,” Ernest said, heading off to relay the instructions.

After he left, Elissa paused, struck by how naturally she had just directed him. Habits were truly terrifying things.

Elissa stayed glued to Locke’s side, never straying far.

Later, a kitchen staff member approached Ernest. “Sir, what should we make for Miss Holland’s dinner?” The question caught him off guard.

After a moment’s thought, he remembered Savannah. Grabbing his phone, he first called Hadley to get Savannah’s contact information, and then dialed her directly. “Hello, Mrs. Brown, this is Ernest.”

“What’s this about?” Savannah’s voice was sharp, as always.

The best stories are at g?lnσν?s?

“I’d like to know what you’ve been cooking for Elissa lately. I want the kitchen to make something she’ll enjoy.”

Savannah paused, then let out a dry chuckle before giving precise instructions. “Prepare steamed fish for her tonight. Skinless. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Set out some salt for dipping.”

“Let me repeat that back to you to make sure I’ve got it right…”

“Go on,” Savannah said.

After he recited the instructions perfectly, Savannah gave a quiet nod. “That’s right.”

She was surprised—he hadn’t missed a single detail. Ernest was meticulous about everyday matters, but when it came to larger principles, she found him utterly lacking.

Once the fish was prepared, Ernest went upstairs to fetch Elissa.

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