?Chapter 1454:


    Ernest didn’t budge, her efforts futile against his solid frame.


    “Elissa!” Seizing the moment, he pulled her into an embrace. “I know this is overwhelming,ing out of nowhere, but…”


    “Let me go!” Elissa writhed in his arms, her voice breaking into a frantic scream.


    “Just let go!”


    Her eyes bored into his, unyielding, as she bit her lip so hard it nearly bled.


    “Alright…” Ernest relented, his throat tight. “I’m letting go. I won’t touch you. Just… please, try to calm down.”


    Slowly, he eased his hold.


    Elissa stared at him, dazed, her breath uneven. Her eyelids fluttered—and then she crumpled.


    “Elissa!”


    Ernest caught her just before she hit the floor, swiftly lifting her in his arms andying her gently on the bed.


    At Olsvale Bay, in the warm glow of the dining room, Hadley supervised Enc as he took his herbal remedy.


    He had returned home early, spending the evening ying with Joy.


    Now, handing the empty bowl back to Hadley, he shed a boyish grin, fishing for approval. “Did I do good?”


    Hadley stifled a smile. “You did. Sure did.”


    Hadley’s phone buzzed at that moment.


    “Hello?” she answered, brow furrowing. “Ernest?”


    “Hadley, I hate to call sote, but…” Ernest’s voice was strained.


    “No trouble at all. What’s wrong?” Hadley’s face grew grave as she listened.


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    “Okay, I understand. I’m on my way.”


    She ended the call and noticed Eric’s worried eyes.


    “Did Ernest need something?” he asked.


    “I have to go out for a bit,” Hadley replied, already moving. Eric nodded and followed without hesitation.


    They raced to Elissa’s apartment.<fnff11> Th?s chapter is updated by Find[?]ovel</fnff11>


    “Ernest!” Hadley called, spotting him lingering outside the door, his face taut with worry.


    “You made it,” Ernest said, relief flickering in his eyes.


    “What happened?” Hadley asked.


    She knew Elissa had fainted but not the cause.


    “How could she have just fainted like that?” she murmured.


    Elissa wasn’t the fragile type.


    “She…” Ernest faltered, grappling for words. After a moment, he said, “She learned… she’s Locke’s mother.”


    “What?” Hadley’s jaw dropped, the revtion hitting like a thunderp.


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