?Chapter 3042:


    Earlier, even Emma had insisted they didn’t share that kind of rtionship.


    “Not what?” Savannah retorted. “Not lovers? Don’t be naive!”


    Savannah sighed inwardly—her daughter was difficult to persuade.


    Ernest’s charm was really poison.


    After only a few encounters, he hadpletely bewitched Elissa!


    Savannah braced herself—clearly, it was time to speak more bluntly.


    “Tell me, Elissa,” Savannah said quietly, “what do you have that Emma doesn’t?”


    Beauty?


    Elissa was often praised for her beauty, admired by everyone around her. But Emma was no less—between the two, their difference was barely discernible.


    Wealth? Influence?


    ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????


    In Ontmond, the Carrillo and Brown families stood on equal footing, their status perfectly bnced.


    “So what remains?” Savannah lowered her voice, fearing Elissa’s judgment was clouded, and felt she had no choice but to speak more inly.


    “If you were healthy, you could stand beside her… but, Elissa, you’re not.”


    The truth hurt, but she had to do this.


    “You’re unwell, Elissa.”


    Elissa froze, her face draining of all life.


    She was ill!


    She knew it all too well. She knew she was different from everyone else—in ways she could never change.


    “Elissa, listen to me.”


    Savannah’s heart ached, but there was no turning back now; this was the only way to reach her.


    “Your family—Neville, William, and I—we’re the ones who will never leave you. He will.” She gave a faint, bitter smile. “He’s just a stranger, briefly fascinated by you—but that spark will fade and vanish, as all illusions do.”


    Savannah’s eyes were already rimmed with tears, shimmering with the weight of her sorrow.


    “When that momentes,” Savannah choked, “what will be of you? I can’t watch you crumble again.”


    Elissa’s eyes dimmed, her spirit unraveling into confusion and pain.


    At that moment, Neville approached quietly, catching the tail end of their exchange. His expression was grave, words failing him.


    Without a word, he offered Elissa a ss of water.


    “Thank you,” Elissa murmured, taking it with both hands. “Mom. I’m not feeling well. I want to go back.”


    “You’re unwell?” Savannah’s concern red as she reached for her daughter.


    Feeling her distress, Savannah sighed. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”


    “I’ll join you,” Neville offered.


    “What about the golf games?” Savannah asked softly.


    “It’s fine,” Neville replied.


    “Very well.”


    Together, they led Elissa back to the hotel.


    Savannah handed her a sleeping pill and stayed beside her until her breathing evened out.


    “Is Elissa asleep?” Neville asked softly from the hallway, his voice hushed so as not to wake her.


    “Yes.” Savannah sighed, taking a seat.


    “Savannah,” Neville said gently, “your words… they hurt her, really.”


    Savannah exhaled, her voice weary. “I know. But a little pain now is better than devastationter.”


    Tears welled as she whispered, “I feel awful too… but I made that mistake of letting her go once before, and I can’t do that again. I have to protect her.”


    She remembered how Elissa had once abandoned her family and run to Srixby with Robin—and paid the price for years.


    A hollow marriage first. Then came Ernest.


    Between them, Elissa had suffered more than anyone should—her body weary, her heart scarred.


    “My poor Elissa… hasn’t she suffered enough at the hands of men? She’s carried more pain than anyone should—she’s standing at the edge of breaking.”


    .


    .


    .