?Chapter 2770:


    “Alright.”


    Not long after, the family gathered in the dining room, the room alive with voices.


    N sat at the head of the table, her gaze resting with quiet contentment on Hadley and Eric, and then Locke and Joy. But when her eyes lingered on Ernest, her breath caught. With Elissa still missing, he was the only one whose life still hung unsettled.


    After dinner, N remained in the hall.


    Ernest carried over a small tray.


    “Grandma, have some apples.”


    Because of her fragile stomach, she couldn’t eat raw fruit. The kitchen had steamed the apple under Hadley’s instruction—warm, sweet, and soothing.


    “Alright,” N epted it with a sigh.


    “Hadley is so thoughtful.”


    Ernest gave a silent nod.


    There was no denying that her thoughtfulness was something hecked.


    “About Elissa…” N studied him.


    “Still no news?”


    Ernest paused, then shook his head.


    N’s sigh carried through the quiet.


    “Don’t push yourself too hard. Every morning and night I pray for Elissa.”


    She wished only for Elissa’s safety.


    Still, she knew with each passing day, hope grew thinner.


    “Grandma.” Ernest’s voice softened with gratitude.


    “Thank you.”


    “Why thank me?” N shook her head.


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    “Elissa is Locke’s mother. Even if you two never married, she’s still my granddaughter-inw.”


    At her age, rity came easily.


    To Ernest, Elissa had always been his strength.


    It didn’t matter if news of her never came—what mattered was the possibility that she still lived.


    “Don’t worry.” N patted his hand.


    “Keep looking, no matter how long it takes. I have faith in both of you.”


    “Okay.” Ernest nodded.


    “Thank you, Grandma.”


    A servant then stepped inside.


    “Mrs. Flynn, Mr. Flynn, a guest has arrived.”


    “A guest? I don’t think we’re expecting anyone tonight.” N turned to Ernest with confusion. Given her condition, it was unusual for anyone to show up thiste.


    “If it’s your visitor, Ernest, I’ll head upstairs so you can—”


    “It’s not like that,” the servant cut in quickly.


    “Mrs. Flynn, he asked to see you specifically.”


    N frowned in confusion.


    “Someone’s here to see me? Who could it be?”


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