?Chapter 1311:


    A second passed, and then another…


    “Ow!” Elissa yelped, unable to stifle the cry.


    The pain was searing, as though her skin were being pricked by a thousand tiny needles.


    Instinctively, Elissa jerked her leg back, but Ernest’s steady hand held it in ce.


    “Hold still!” he chided, his brow knitting in disapproval. “Didn’t I warn you to brace yourself?”


    Elissa was dumbfounded.<fnda51> This update is avable on f?ndnovel</fnda51>


    He had warned her, true, but how could she steel herself against such agony?


    “I understand,” Elissa muttered, chastened. Clenching her teeth, she fought back tears, her eyes glistening with unshed emotion.


    Seeing her distress, Ernest’s stern demeanor softened, a twinge of guilt flickering across his face for his sharp words.


    His voice grew tender. “I’m sorry, that was too harsh. This ointment stings at first, but it works wonders. Just hold on a little longer.”


    Elissa nodded, her lips tightly sealed.


    With practiced care, Ernest steadied her calf to prevent further movement, applied more ointment, and wrapped her ankle in a bandage, smoothing its edges to ensure a snug fit.


    He inspected his work, ensuring the swollen area was fully covered and secure. Satisfied, he dered, “There, all finished.”


    “Thank you,” Elissa said softly, easing her leg away from him.


    The ointment, despite its initial sting, proved remarkable.


    After the burning subsided, a soothing coolness spread, easing the ache in her ankle until it felt almost normal.


    Ernest gathered the remaining ointment, packed it into a small bag, and handed it to Elissa. “Keep this. The instructions are on the box.”


    Elissa hesitated for a second but then epted it, saying, “Thank you.” Refusing felt churlish, especially since Ernest had already applied the ointment to her ankle.


    After a moment’s thought, she reached for her phone. “How much is the ointment? I’ll send you the payment.”


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    “No need,” Ernest replied, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he chuckled. “It’s nothing.”


    “But I insist,” Elissa pressed, her tone resolute. “I can’t let you cover the cost. I’ll transfer the money…”


    “Elissa!” Ernest cut in, his voice firm, the warmth in his smile fading. A shadow of frustration crossed his features as he added, almost impulsively, “Fine, then—two hundred million dors.”


    “What?” Elissa blinked, her voice faltering. “Two hundred million dors?”


    “You’re always keeping tally, aren’t you? So eager to settle every debt?” Ernest’s lips curled into a wry smirk, his voiceced with biting sarcasm. “Since you’re so determined to avoid owing me anything, perhaps you should cover thebor fee for my services. In the time it took to tend to your ankle, I could’ve easily sealed a two-hundred-million-dor deal.


    Honestly, I’m offering you a bargain—practically a steal.”


    Elissa stood speechless, her mind reeling. Was he teasing her? “What are you daydreaming about? Go home!” Ernest’s sharp words cut through her thoughts.


    With that, he rose and strode off, leaving Elissa in a whirlwind of amusement and exasperation. Ernest was a man of few words and a short temper. Was it so wrong for her to want to stand on her own, to avoid taking advantage of his kindness?


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