?Chapter 2249:


    A wave of realization washed over Ernest, and his scalp prickled. He had a strong suspicion about the woman’s identity.


    In an instant, Elissa’s self-control vanished. “Mom!” she cried, her eyes filling with tears as she rushed over and wrapped her arms tightly around Savannah. She clung to her mother, sobbing with the desperation of a lost child.


    Between huping breaths, Elissa managed to say, “Mom, you’re here! I can’t believe you’re finally here!”


    Upon hearing her daughter, emotion overcame Savannah. Tears welled in her eyes until they spilled down her cheeks. She gently stroked Elissa’s back and spoke with a raw, shaky voice. “Of course. Mom’s here… I’m so sorry I waste, Elissa.”


    The apology hung in the air for a moment before Elissa broke downpletely, her cries echoing through the foyer. “Mom!”


    Savannah’s heart ached at the sound. She framed Elissa’s face with both hands, her tone tender but steady. “It’s all right, sweetheart. I’m here now. Mom’s here, and no one will hurt you again. Not while I’m here.”


    Tears still streaked Elissa’s face as she nodded, clutching Savannah’s arm with all her strength.


    Off to the side, Ernest watched the reunion in silence, his thoughts racing even though his face revealed nothing.


    After a moment, he managed a polite, if slightly stiff, smile and stepped forward. “Mrs. Brown, wee. I’m Ernest.”


    Savannah turned to look at him, as if she had only just noticed anyone else in the room. Her gaze swept over him from head to toe. Then, with a short, derisiveugh, she replied, “So, you’re Ernest? My, you’re quite old.”


    The words caught Ernest off guard. He hadn’t expected to be greeted with such a jab. Was he really that old? He was barely in his thirties.


    Still, Ernest forced himself to remainposed. He kept his expression steady and dipped his head. “Only eight years older than Elissa, actually, but—”


    “No buts!” Savannah cut him off without a shred of patience. “I don’t care anything about you. I’m only here to take my daughter home, and that’s all that matters.”


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    Savannah gently patted Elissa’s hand. “Shall we go?”


    Elissa nodded quickly, excitement shining through her tears. “Yes!”


    “Good girl.” A soft smile appeared in Savannah’s eyes as she hugged her daughter. “You’ve been through enough. Go on and get your things. We’re leaving right now.”


    “Okay.” Elissa pouted a little, but confidence had taken the ce of her earlier despair with her mother by her side.


    “Let’s go.” Savannah brushed thest of the tears from Elissa’s cheeks and caressed her gently. “I’ll help you pack. Don’t worry about your clothes or anything like that. Just bring your ID and what you absolutely need. I’ll make sure you have everything new.”


    “Alright, Mom. We’ll get new stuff,” Elissa agreed with a smallugh.


    Arm in arm, the two made their way upstairs,pletely ignoring Ernest as if he weren’t even there.


    Left behind, Ernest finally found his voice and stepped forward, sounding resolute. “Mrs. Brown, I can’t let Elissa go with you.”


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