?Chapter 686:


    Quentin instinctively headed straight to the Flynn estate after setting everything in motion, knowing that Ernest wouldn’t be able to stay idle in such a crisis.


    “I understand,” Ernest said with a brief nod. “Stay put. I’ll join you shortly.”


    Ending the call, Ernest hurriedly dressed and made his way toward the exit.


    Just as he stepped into the hallway, Linda appeared unexpectedly before him.


    “Linda.” Ernest halted abruptly, a flicker of worry crossing his face.


    Their many years together had taught Linda exactly how to read him.


    Fixing him with a steady, prating gaze, she asked calmly,


    “What’s so urgent that you need to rush out at this hour?”


    Avoiding her eyes slightly, Ernest replied in a vague tone,


    “Quentin called; says he needs me urgently.”


    “Needs you for what, exactly?” Linda’s skepticism was obvious.


    “Linda…” Ernest faltered briefly.


    “Ernest.” Linda took a step closer, confronting him directly.


    “Don’t avoid my question. Look at me properly and tell me clearly: what’s urgent enough to drag you out of the house in the dead of night?”


    Ernest hadn’t returned to his regr work in the familypany yet, still stuck in recovery.


    With Eric handling all business affairs and Linda managing household responsibilities, Ernest had no clear reason to leave so suddenly in the middle of the night. Tonight felt different, and Linda sensed something far more troubling beneath the surface.


    Her suspicions, simmering quietly over the months, seemed on the brink of validation.


    Ch3ck 0ut th3 0r1g1n4l 4t g4ln0v3ls.c0m


    “Linda.”


    His gaze flickered uneasily, but he knew the moment hade.


    Keeping this hidden forever hadn’t been realistic. Eventually, the child would return to their home, and Linda deserved to know the truth.


    But things didn’t go as nned.


    He had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to speak with Linda, yet unforeseen developments hadpelled him to act sooner.


    Though it might not be the ideal moment, the situation had left him with little choice but to proceed now.


    “I need you to hear me out carefully…”


    Reaching out, Ernest gently held Linda’s hand, sincerity evident in his eyes.


    “I’ll exin everything honestly, but first, promise you’ll listen calmly until I’m finished.”


    “I’m listening,” Linda replied, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Tell me clearly what’s happening.”


    Taking a deep breath, Ernest admitted carefully,


    “The reason I’m leaving is… because my child is missing.”


    “What?”


    Linda stared nkly, as though Ernest’s words had stripped all meaning from her mind.


    “What did you just say?”


    Taking another steadying breath, Ernest repeated slowly,


    “I said my child has gone missing, and I must find him immediately.”


    A dizzying rush filled Linda’s head, almost knocking her off her feet with its force.


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