?Chapter 3030:


    “Humph,” Savannah let out a bitter scoff. “If the Carrillo family really think that way, then they must be blind.”


    Just the mention of Ernest stirred up the resentment Savannah still carried toward him.


    “Men really have it easy. No matter how messy their past is, as long as they’ve got wealth and power, they can always wipe the te clean and marry some woman from a fine family.”


    “Honey…” Neville quickly raised a hand, signaling his wife to stop before she went too far. Their daughter was within earshot.


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    “Oh!”


    Savannah cut herself off mid-thought and turned toward her daughter. “Come on, Elissa. Let’s go.”


    But Elissa didn’t move. Her eyes stayed fixed ahead, lost in a daze.


    Across the garden, Ernest epted a flower from Emma’s hand and tucked it carefully into her hairpin.


    He then stepped back immediately.


    “There. All done.”


    Emma’s fingers brushed against the flower as a wide smile spread across her face. “Thank you.”


    She lifted her skirt slightly and twirled in ce.


    “How do I look?”


    That evening, she wore a blue dress that appeared modest while she stood still, yet fanned out beautifully each time she turned.


    The blue flower nestled in her hair suited her perfectly, bringing out the gentle tones of her dress.


    “Good.” Ernest gave a small nod as he replied.


    He had always been the quiet type, and moments like this left him unsure of what more he could say.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Emma’s face, though she quickly recalled her father mentioning that Ernest tended to keep to himself.


    Still, he stood apart from anyone she had ever known—even the quiet ones.


    “Ready to go?”


    Emma realized that his stillness and gentle confidence were exactly what drew her in.


    They walked toward the dining area, their steps unhurried.


    Elissa looked down, avoiding the sight ahead.


    Savannah and Neville shared a brief look. Was Elissa truly upset?


    That didn’t seem likely.


    She’d only met Ernest once at the estate. Though she had mentioned remembering him, she hadn’t spoken of him again after that.


    By the time Ernest and Emma stepped into the dining hall, most of the guests had already gathered.


    Tonight’s meal was served buffet-style.


    Emma stayed close beside Ernest, helping him choose from the spread while naming each local dish with quiet enthusiasm.


    “Mr. Flynn, you’ve been to Ontmond a few times, haven’t you? Honestly, our food can’t really measure up to what you have back home.”


    Ernest gave a distracted nod, his thoughts clearly far away.


    His eyes stopped wandering when they caught something in the distance.


    He spotted Elissa among the crowd. A quick nce around her revealed Savannah and Neville close by.


    Turning back to Emma, Ernest drew a quiet breath, ready toe up with an excuse to step away.


    “Emma!”


    Before he could utter a word, a voice called out to Emma from nearby.


    Emma turned, her face lighting up. “Oh, it’s you!”


    “Yes, it’s been ages!”


    Taking advantage of the moment, Ernest eased back a few steps with his te and quietly made his way toward Elissa.


    Elissa stood at the buffet table, choosing her favorites while bncing her te.


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