?Chapter 1318:


    “Mr. Flynn, do you treat every woman like this?”


    Ernest blinked, and then gave a softugh, somewhere between amused and exasperated. “Do I look like a guy with that kind of spare time?”<fnd04c> Readplete version only at Find~Novel</fnd04c>


    “Not for everyone…” Ernest let out a gentle sigh, his demeanor serene yet tinged with sincerity. “Only three women: my grandmother, Linda, and now you.”


    Elissa’s breath caught in her throat.


    Linda? The name stirred memories—she was a familiar figure, someone Elissa had crossed paths with before. Ernest’s candor was disarming, but what did it mean to be named alongside his grandmother and his ex-fiancée?


    Was there a deeper sentiment woven into his words?


    For a fleeting moment, silence enveloped them. The air grew heavy with unspoken thoughts, and a quiet tension simmered.


    Elissa’s heart fluttered, a wave of uncertainty washing over her.


    Her phone’s sudden ring shattered the stillness.


    “Oh, I’m so sorry,” she murmured, offering Ernest an apologetic smile before answering. “Hello, Mr. Hayes… Yes, see… Very well, goodbye.”


    Ernest couldn’t catch every word, but he pieced together the situation. His brow furrowed slightly. “Is it about the divorce? Any trouble?”


    “No, nothing like that,” Elissa replied, slipping her phone away with a shake of her head. “Just a minor snag in the process.”


    “Good,” Ernest said, a subtle smile curving his lips. “That is a relief.”


    Relief? Elissa wondered. What stake did he have in her divorce? Ernest’s expression, soft with reassurance, sent a warm flush creeping up Elissa’s cheeks. The air around them seemed to hum with an inexplicable warmth.


    The following day, Elissa met Zane during her lunch break, seizing the chance to catch up.


    Zane, passing through the area, had dly epted Elissa’s invitation to dine.


    Their meal was a blend of business and gratitude, a moment to acknowledge Zane’s steadfast support.


    Your next chapter is here gα?ησν???s


    As they stepped out of the restaurant, Elissa’s smile was bright.


    “Mr. Hayes, I can’t thank you enough for all your help.”


    Zane chuckled, waving off her words. “You’ve been singing my praises all afternoon, Elissa. I’ve got to run, but let’s keep in touch.”


    “Safe travels,” Elissa called, watching Zane’s car disappear down the street before turning back toward her office.


    Unbeknownst to her, Linda was nearby, guided by her caregiver, with her friend Danica at her side. Linda’s gaze fixed on Elissa’s retreating figure, her expression clouding with a sharp, unspoken intensity.


    Earlier, she and Danica had been seated mere steps away from Elissa and Zane, their lunch unfolding in quiet parallel—a detail Elissa had entirely missed. And Linda had caught part of their conversation.


    Linda’s gaze darted to Danica, her eyes searching for affirmation. “Did you hear it clearly? She asked Zane to represent her in a divorce proceeding?”


    “Absolutely!” Danica nodded with fervor. “Clear as day, that is what she said.”


    A shadow crossed Linda’s face, her lips curling into a wry sneer. “Well, isn’t that intriguing?”


    Her fists tightened in silent resolve as she turned to her caregiver. “We’re heading to the Flynn Group. Now.”


    To Danica, she added briskly, “You’reing with me.”


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