?Chapter 3040:
A faint sigh escaped her. “Such a shame. If I’d known sooner, we could have met up often—Tidebourne and Srixby are practically next door to each other.”
“Now that you mention Srixby…” Savannah’s lips curved into a mild smile as she carried the conversation forward. “I happened to hear that Mr. Flynn—the gentleman always by your sidees from Srixby, is that right?” Savannah asked casually.
“That’s correct,” Emma answered. “He’s my father’s business partner over there.”
“Really?” Savannah tilted her head, pretending surprise. “You two appear to get along quite well, don’t you?”
“We do,” Emma said with augh. “He’s easy to talk to, and we work together smoothly.”
A faint glimmer of amusement flickered in Savannah’s eyes. “Only work, then? You both seem ratherpatible. Have you thought of taking things beyond that?”
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“Well…” Emma’s usual poise softened into hesitation. “He’s a wonderful man, but I honestly don’t know if he feels the same way.”
“Is that so?” Savannah raised her brows, sounding genuinely intrigued. “You think he might not be interested?”
Savannah’s tone shifted into confidence. “That’s impossible! You’re among the finest women in Ontmond. If anything, he should be the one wondering if he’s worthy of you.”
Then, ncing toward Neville, she asked, “Wouldn’t you agree, honey?”
Startled by the sudden cue, Neville gave a quick nod. “Yes. Absolutely.”
“See that?” Savannah’sugh rang light and teasing. “You’ve got the looks and the brains, and your families already share business ties. I’d say fate’s working in your favor.”
Before Emma could respond, her eyes caught sight of her father waving from afar. Ernest was beside him, standing straight and watching in her direction.
“They’re already here!” Emma said, her face brightening as she lifted her arm to wave back.
Turning to Savannah, she spoke quickly. “Mrs. Brown, my father’s waiting for me… I should go now!”
Savannah’s grin widened with mischief. “Are you sure it’s your father who’s waiting? Or perhaps Mr. Flynn?”
“Mrs. Brown!” Emma’s cheeks turned crimson, her voice rising in yful protest.
A peal ofughter escaped Savannah as she gestured for her to go. “All right, all right! Don’t keep the gentleman waiting.”
“I’ll be off, then! Mr. Brown, goodbye! Elissa, I’ll see you soon!”
With that, Emma turned and hurried toward them, her skirt brushing lightly against her heels.
Across the way, Ernest stoodposed, his eyes tracing Elissa’s face for a brief moment—just enough to bring back the memory ofst night’s dance beneath the moonlight, and the kiss that still lingered in his thoughts.
A faint curve lifted the corners of his mouth, that easy smile of his settling naturally in ce.
Emma, hurrying toward him, mistook it as meant for her and brightened instantly.
Across the path, Savannah caught the look—and so did Elissa.
Dropping her gaze, Elissa turned away, her expression clouding as a quiet heaviness settled over her.
The cheer faded from Savannah’s face, her eyes dimming with something close to irritation. After spending the walkughing beside Emma, even her cheeks felt strained from forcing the pleasantries.
“Elissa.” Savannah reached for Elissa’s hand and gestured toward a shaded bench nearby. “Come rest with me for a moment, will you?”
Turning slightly, she addressed her husband, saying, “Neville, please bring us two sses of water.”
“Okay.” Neville gave a short nod before striding off to do as asked.
“Come here, sweetie.”
Guiding Elissa toward the nearby bench, Savannah motioned for her to sit. “Let’s pause for a while. There’s something important I need to tell you.”
“Alright.” Elissa ced both hands neatly on her knees, her fingers tightening slightly as unease flickered in her eyes.
Watching her daughter’s nervous posture, Savannah drew in a slow breath, gathering her resolve before she spoke. “Elissa, you must stop seeing Mr. Flynn.”
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