?Chapter 2495:


    Just as Ernest’s fingers touched the ss, Quentin stepped forward.


    “Mr. Flynn.”


    “Go ahead.”


    Before speaking, Quentin nced briefly in Hadley’s direction.


    “We’ve just received news from another hospital.”


    Ernest pulled his hand back and stood.


    “Which hospital?”


    “In Seblil.”


    “Alright, let’s go.” He gave a short nod.


    “We’ll talk on the way.”


    Hadley picked up the coat draped over the chair.


    “Here, Ernest.”


    “Thanks.” He took it and hesitated for a moment before speaking quietly, “Hadley, I have to go. I’m sorry.”


    “No need to say that.”


    He had already done so much for her today. And she knew why he was leaving in a hurry. He hadn’t stopped looking for Elissa—not once.


    At first, he used her records to track every ce that might have logged her name. Then, he turned to hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes—every medical facility he could find, public or private, near or far from Srixby. It felt nearly impossible—like chasing a shadow through fog.


    It was difficult, but Ernest persisted. He believed as long as he kept trying, there was still a chance.


    Hadley also believed that, judging by Elissa’s condition when she vanished, even if she survived, she would have been gravely hurt. Ernest had chosen the right path.


    “Finding Elissaes first.” Hadley followed him to the door.


    “But don’t forget to take care of yourself. This isn’t something you can fix overnight.”


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    Quentin had told her that Ernest never ignored a lead. If there was even the slightest rumor about Elissa, he would go himself. And every time, he came back empty-handed. Each time, a little more worn down.


    “You’ve got to stay strong if you want to keep going,” she said.


    “I know.” He let out a quietugh.


    “You sound like Grandma when you say that.”


    She frowned.


    “Just go already.”


    At the doorway, Eric showed up.


    “Heading out?”


    “Yeah.” Ernest gave a quick nod.


    “It’s urgent. I’ll exinter.”


    He stopped and looked back at Hadley.


    “I’m going now. Tonight, you’ll be Mr. Flynn. Watch over…” He paused, just briefly.


    “Hadley.”


    Her body tensed. She was about to protest. But—


    “Got it.” Eric didn’t miss a beat.


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