?Chapter 953:


    Ernestughed, low and cold. “Shut him up.”


    “Right away, sir!”


    “Mmrn…”


    The next moment, Robin’s ability to make any noise was stifled. Soon after, even his subdued struggles came to a halt.


    Ernest closed his eyes for a moment of reflection, and then turned to Quentin. “Conduct a thorough search of the sanatorium. We need to find her.”


    “Understood!”


    With Quentin off to organize the search, Ernest was left to wait. The staff had already scoured every hall and room. Still, there was no sign of her.


    Ernest massaged his temples, contemting the possibility that Elissa might have left the premises. Though it seemed improbable, he considered whether she could be outside the sanatorium. “Get some people and check the surrounding area as well.”


    This time, it was the director who replied, “Yes, sir.”


    With all internal options exhausted, Ernest thought back to thest time Elissa had disappeared. She’d gone looking for Hadley then.


    He picked up his phone and dialed Hadley’s number.


    “Ernest?” Hadley answered promptly.


    “Hadley…” Ernest hesitated, finding the words difficult. “Did Elissa show up at your ce?”


    “Huh?” Hadley sounded surprised. “No, why?”


    Ernest didn’t bother hiding the truth. “Elissa’s husband showed up at the sanatorium today. She got quite upset and ran off…”


    R3ad the r3zt at g??lnoνels.??????


    He didn’t exin further. There wasn’t much more to say. “Hadley, if Elissa turns up there, please inform me right away.”


    “I will.”


    After ending the call, Hadley felt a mix of concern and confusion. She was anxious for Elissa, but more than that, she couldn’t shake her confusion about Ernest. Why did he seem so frantic? Was it just her imagination?


    By the time the sky began to dim, N had already made her way downstairs to help with dinner preparations.


    Upstairs, Linda was helping Kira while Eric yed with Locke. Yet, Ernest was noticeably absent.


    “What’s happening?” N couldn’t contain her concern as she nced towards Eric. “Did Ernest head to the office? It’s quitete, and he’s not back yet. Isn’t he going to join us for dinner?”


    “Don’t worry, Grandma,” Eric reassured her, grabbing his phone. “I’ll call him now.”


    “Please do,” N replied with a gentle smile. “Work can wait, and family shoulde first. Tell him to hurry; it’s not often we all get to be together like this.”


    They had missed celebrating Christmas together due to Eric’s hospital stay, but they were now looking to make amends.


    “Alright,” Eric said, dialing Ernest’s number.


    “Ernest, where are you? Are you on your way home? Grandma is worried and asked me to check on you.”


    After a brief pause, Ernest responded, “I’m afraid I can’t make it back tonight.”


    “What?” Eric was perplexed. “What do you mean? What’s so urgent that it can’t wait until tomorrow?”


    “I’ll exinter. I have to go.” With that, Ernest ended the call.


    “Hello? Ernest?” Eric stood in disbelief. Had Ernest really just hung up on him? “What’s happening?”


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