“That sounds good.” Hadley smiled at the suggestion, happy to accept the invitation.
That evening, she brought Joy to Flynn Mansion. When they reached the gate, the guard—already informed of their visit—quickly let them through.
“Go ahead.”
“Thank you,” Hadley replied with a polite nod.
At the entrance of the grand house, Ernest and Locke were waiting for them.
“Joy!” The moment Locke spotted her, he dashed forward in excitement.
“Careful!” Ernest called, concern edging his voice. He couldn’t help but think that if Elissa were still around, she would be just as protective of Locke’s well-being.
“Joy!”
“Locke!”
After so much time apart, the two children rushed toward each other and embraced tightly.
“Aunt Hadley.” Locke turned to her, still holding Joy’s hand. “Can I show Joy my toy room? I’ve got so many new things I want her to see!”
“Of course.” Hadley’s face lit up with a smile.
“Come on, Joy!”
With their hands clasped, the two children walked toward the house and stopped beside Ernest.
“Daddy, I’m going to show Joy my new toys.”
“Hello, Uncle Ernest.”
“Hello, Joy. I’m glad you haven’t forgotten about me.” Ernest crouched down, greeting her with a warm smile. He reached out and gently ruffled her soft hair. “Go on and have fun with Locke. If he gives you any trouble, just let me know and I’ll handle him.” Then he turned to Locke. “Look after Joy, alright?”
Locke gave a serious nod. “I will, Daddy.”
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Joy quickly chimed in to defend her cousin. “Uncle Ernest, Locke’s always nice to me. He never gives me trouble.”
“Very good,” Ernest replied with a smile. “That’s what I like to hear. Now off you go and play.”
Joy and Locke bounded up the stairs together.
“Ernest.” Hadley met his gaze, and a quiet smile passed between them.
“Come on in. Let’s talk inside.”
They moved into the living room and sat down on the sofa.
Wasting no time, Ernest got straight to the point. “You don’t need to stress about Joy’s enrollment. I’ll handle everything and keep you updated on when school begins. On the first day, I’ll pick you both up and take you to the school myself.”
Hadley hadn’t expected Ernest to arrange everything so smoothly.
A grateful smile formed on her lips. “I appreciate that, Ernest. I’ll trust you with this.”
At a private school with such a strong reputation, connections and family background made a real difference. With Ernest taking charge, everything would be far easier.
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