?Chapter 1138:


    Just then, a knock came at the door.


    “Come in,” Elissa called.


    A breathless voice followed. “Sorry I’mte—there was a serious traffic jam.”


    The door to the hospital room swung open, and Cristian stepped inside. Hadley and Elissa recognized him immediately from previous encounters, yet his presence here was a mystery.


    They weren’t the only ones feeling that way. Cristian looked just as puzzled.


    He scanned the room and asked, “Isn’t Mr. Flynn supposed to be here?”


    Hadley shook her head, providing some context by saying, “He was here a little while ago, but he just left.”


    “He left already?” Cristian’s puzzled look remained as he greeted Hadley. “Hello, Miss Pearson. It seems we’re meeting again quite soon.” He then turned to Elissa. “Hello, Miss Hond. I’m Cristian Haywood. We’ve met once before.”


    “Hello, Mr. Haywood,” Elissa responded with a polite nod.


    “Since Mr. Flynn isn’t here, I’ll just speak on his behalf,” Cristian said. “He asked me to step in for him. He thought you might need my assistance with your divorce proceedings. Shall we go ahead and discuss it now, Miss Hond?”


    Hadley exchanged a nce with Elissa, marveling internally at how quickly Ernest had acted. It was only today that Elissa had her bandages removed, and already Ernest had arranged for a consultation with Cristian.


    There was no denying how badly Ernest wanted Elissa to be free of that miserable marriage. He’d even gone as far as bringing Cristian into the picture.


    As Cristian’s and Hadley’s eyes settled on Elissa, they awaited her response.


    “Mr. Haywood.”


    Elissa paused before firmly stating, “I appreciate youing, but I’ll be handling the divorce on my own.”


    “Elissa?” Hadley’s surprise was evident.


    “Miss Hond?” Cristian’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Is it the expense that worries you? I understand I don’te cheap, and perhaps involving me in a mere divorce case might seem excessive.” Cristian was quite straightforward. “But Mr. Flynn and I are close, and he’s offered to cover all costs. You shouldn’t worry about the financial aspect.”


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    Yet, the more Cristian tried to reassure her, the more resolute Elissa appeared. “Mr. Haywood, I appreciate your willingness to help, but I must decline your assistance.”


    Cristian, taken aback, did not expect such a firm rejection. Nheless, he didn’t push further. “If that’s your decision, I’ll respect it. Maybe you should discuss this with Mr. Flynn again. If you change your mind, just give me a call.”


    “Thank you, Mr. Haywood. Take care.”


    “Of course.”


    “Elissa!” Once Cristian was out of sight, Hadley immediately turned to Elissa, her anxiety palpable. “Why would you turn him down? Cristian is the topwyer in Srixby!”


    “I’m aware,” Elissa acknowledged with a sigh. “He’s incredibly skilled, which is exactly why I can’t really afford him on my own. I already owe Mr. Flynn a significant amount, and I need to focus on paying that back. It’s essential for me to save wherever I can.”


    “To save money?” Hadley was taken aback. “But Ernest isn’t pressing you for repayment.”


    That wasn’t how Elissa saw it.


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