?Chapter 2172:


    With just a subtle grin, Ernest flicked his eyes sideways at him and tapped the sofa cushion.


    Eric sat in silence, weighed down by regret. He wondered if Ernest would ever truly let go of the past.


    “Alright.” He slumped into the sofa, clearly disappointed.


    His eyes caught the band-aid on Ernest’s forehead. “Did something happen to you? What’s with the band-aid? Let me look at it…”


    Ernest groaned and blocked him with a raised hand. “Are you here for a reason? Spit it out.”


    Retreating, Eric’s hand dropped awkwardly. Ernest’s mood hadn’t softened at all.


    “Well…” Eric cleared his throat and tried again. “I actually needed to tell you something important. Elissa only came back to Srixby because she got a phone call.”


    A flicker of surprise crossed Ernest’s face. “What phone call? I thought Hadley told her Addy was sick?”


    “No.” Shaking his head, Eric corrected him. “Someone called the ind vi out of nowhere. Phillips checked and found out the call came from a virtual IP. It didn’t trace back to Srixby.”


    Phillips had already uncovered the details behind that call. Whoever made it had been paid online to ce the call.


    A frown formed on Ernest’s face. “So we have no way of finding out who’s really behind it?”


    Eric shook his head. “The ount was registered overseas and then erased right after.”


    Who would do something like that?


    Ernest narrowed his eyes. “That caller clearly knows Elissa’s location. Who else could it be?”


    “I really don’t know.” Eric shook his head. “But that ind belongs to the Scott family. Only someone close to them would know all the details.”


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    “If a Scott family member is involved…” Ernest pressed his lips together, thinking hard. “What are they hoping to achieve by luring Elissa back?”


    As the realization hit, both of them locked eyes, concern growing between them.


    After Eric had left, Ernest climbed the stairs.


    Laney saw him and said, “Locke hasn’t woken up yet. The nanny is with him, and Miss Hond is in her room resting.”


    With a nod, Ernest offered a reminder. “She’s in the early stages of pregnancy, and her condition is still delicate. Please watch over her closely.”


    “Of course, Mr. Flynn. You can count on me.” Laney nodded and then left the hallway soon after.


    Quiet filled the house. Elissay curled up, eyes shut, on her bed. Ernest moved toward her, settling quietly on the edge beside her.


    Noticing the faint flutter of hershes, Ernest realized she was only pretending to sleep. She wanted to avoid a conversation.


    Rather than feel slighted, he tookfort in her presence. Just having her close made him feel calm.


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