?Chapter 3004:


    Ernest shifted his gaze to Eric next.


    “You can count on me, Ernest.” Eric shared a knowing look with his grandmother before saying, “I’ll handle thepany. Just focus on finding Elissa. Hadley and I will keep things running smoothly back home.”


    “Great!” Ernest gave a solemn nod, then turned to Hadley.


    “I appreciate your help.”


    “There’s no need for thanks, Ernest.”


    Having them close by brought Ernest a sense of calm.


    “I’ll get my things ready.”


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    “Alright!”


    Just as Ernest turned to leave, a small hand caught the edge of his sleeve.


    When he looked down, Locke’s wide eyes met his.


    “Dad.”


    It hit Ernest then—he hadn’t said a word to his son since hearing the news.


    He crouched down and lifted the boy into his arms. “Come on, you can help me pack.”


    “Really? Okay!”


    Carrying Locke, Ernest made his way upstairs, their voices trailing lightly along the hallway.


    Between the sound of their footsteps, Locke’s question broke through. “Dad, did you find Mom?”


    His little fingers gripped Ernest’s cor tightly.


    “I did,” Ernest said, his tone calm but filled with purpose. “I’m sure it’s her.”


    Locke’s lips trembled with hope. “Then… can I go with you?”


    A faint crease appeared on Ernest’s brow.


    “Not this time, son,” he said, shaking his head.


    After months of relentless searching, Ernest was finally convinced that Savannah had been the one to hide Elissa. He knew deep down that the journey ahead would not be easy. Taking Locke with him would only make things harder for the boy.


    “Listen, Locke.” Ernest smiled at his son. “When I bring your mom home, you’ll be the first one to greet her at the door. How does that sound?”


    “Okay.”


    Locke seemed to realize his father wasn’t going to let hime along, so he epted it without protest.


    “Then hurry and bring Mom back, Dad.”


    “I will.”


    “And don’t forget to bring my baby sister home too.”


    A baby sister, huh?


    The words pierced through Ernest’s chest, leaving him with an ache he couldn’t quite describe.


    Once he finished packing, Ernest stepped out of the mansion without wasting a second.


    By the time he reached the driveway, Quentin was already there, engine running, ready to take him straight to the airport.


    During the ride, Ernest pulled out his phone and opened the set of photos Quentin had sent.


    Elissa appeared on the screen—just as he remembered her.


    That was what hurt the most. Nothing about her had changed.


    In the picture, Elissa stood in a garden with shorter hair brushing her ears. A flowing dress framed her figure, and her stomach… It waspletely t.


    Ernest’s hand clenched around the phone as his eyes shut tight, a sharp pain twisting in his chest.


    Their baby—the daughter he had longed for with all his heart…


    Could it be that she hadn’t survived?


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