?Chapter 2895:


    Ernest didn’t excuse him, but his tone softened.


    “Let’s head home first. We’ll settle this once your grandmother is with us. Does that sound alright?”


    “Alright.”


    “Locke!” Eric called as he and Hadley walked over, Joy resting safely in their arms.


    “Ernest.”


    Hadley’s eyes drifted to the white bandage pressed against Locke’s forehead. With a worried frown, she asked, “Locke, does it still hurt?”


    “Aunt Hadley. Uncle Eric.” Locke offered them a respectful greeting before shaking his head.


    “Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt at all.”


    There was no truth in that. Of course it hurt.


    Ernest’s gaze fixed on his son’s injury. His brows drew tight, and his voice sharpened.


    “Did that couple do this to you?!”


    How could theyy a hand on his boy?


    If Elissa ever discovered the truth, her heart would break. But even without her knowing, Ernest had already sworn he would never forgive them.


    “Ernest, no!” Hadley’s face tightened, and she hurried to exin.


    “This wasn’t caused by them. Joy told us everything. Locke was injured while protecting her.”


    Afterward, she shared the full story with Ernest.


    Looking at Locke with warmth in her eyes, she added, “You saved Joy, Locke. Without you, I can’t even imagine what might have happened. Thank you for looking out for her.”


    Locke waved his hands quickly.


    “Please don’t thank me! If anything, it was my mistake that Joy and I ended up caught together… and also…”


    The boy faltered for a moment, shy but sincere.


    ???????????????? ???????????????? ????????????: g????????ν?????????????


    “I’m the older one. Protecting her is what I should do.”


    Hadley’s gaze met Eric’s, and the two of them exchanged a quiet smile.


    “That’s right,” Hadley said brightly as she ruffled Locke’s hair.


    “Our Locke is the bravest, most dependable boy anyone could ask for.”


    Eric lifted his thumb with a grin.


    “Count my thanks as well. You truly did an amazing thing.”


    “Thanks, Uncle Eric.” Locke hid his face against Ernest’s chest with shy affection.


    Sensing his embarrassment, Ernest bent close and murmured in his ear, “You did a brave thing by protecting Joy. That’s what a true man does, Locke.”


    “Really?” Locke lifted his head, his wide eyes searching his father’s face.


    “Of course.” Ernest gave a firm nod. His expression softened when he noticed the bandage on his son’s forehead. Pressing a kiss to the child’s round cheek, he added, “If your mother could see you now, her heart would swell with pride. Let’s go home.”


    With the children safe, Ernest had only one thought left—returning to Srixby.


    Savannah was waiting for them, and through her, he hoped to learn something about Elissa. Where had she gone? Was she safe?


    “First, we should get down the mountain,” Hadley said.


    .


    .


    .