?Chapter 3048:


    As soon as he walked off, Emma leaned toward Elissa with a grin. “Rx. Mr. Flynn doesn’t talk much, and he hardly ever smiles. He’s not giving you a hard time—that’s just how he is.”


    Elissa blinked in confusion. He didn’t talk much? And he hardly ever smiled?


    Was Emma describing the same man she knew, or someone else entirely?


    Ernest came back shortly, carrying two cocktails.


    He set one down before Emma. “Scotch Soda.”


    “Thanks.”


    “You’re wee.” Ernest gave a short nod, then ced the other ss in front of Elissa without saying a word.


    Elissa’s fingers tightened around herp, and she bit her lip, her gaze falling to the table.


    Emma took a quick sip, but then choked. One cough, two, and then more.


    Ernest reached for a tissue and handed it to her.


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    “Thank you.” Yet her coughing fit continued.


    Emma dabbed at her mouth, trying topose herself. Without hesitation, Ernest poured a ss of water and passed it to her. “Try this. It might help.”


    “Alright.” Emma took the ss, drinking slowly until her throat eased. A grateful smile returned to her lips. “Thank you, really.”


    “No trouble at all.” Ernest gave a small shake of his head, brushing it off as nothing worth mentioning.


    Emma seized the moment to chat. “Mr. Flynn, how long will you be staying in Ontmond this time?”


    The event organized by the Carrillo family was set to end tomorrow. She had asked with the hope of seeing him again after this gathering.


    Ernest cast a sidelong nce at Elissa, but she kept her eyes firmly on her drink, refusing to meet his.


    His expression turned somber.


    He let out a faint sigh before speaking with purpose. “I might not be able to stay too long. I’ll be leaving soon.”


    “Is that so?” Emma’s eyes sparkled. “Would you let me tag along when you return?”


    Ernest cast another sidelong nce at Elissa, but she remained focused on her drink, refusing to look his way.


    Emma leaned back slightly as she spoke. “I’ve already graduated, and I’ve had my fill of fun since then. My father wants me to head to Srixby to help oversee part of our business.”


    That cleared up the reason behind her request. Ernest caught on quickly.


    He had mentioned his departure ns in an offhand manner. Yet Elissa’s indifference to it struck a nerve.


    With a restrained tone, he replied, “Of course. That’s not a problem.”


    “Really?” Emma’s delight was unmistakable.


    She had only suggested it half-jokingly and hadn’t expected him to agree so easily. “Thank you so much!”


    “You’re wee.”


    “Once I get to Srixby…” Her excitement bubbled over. “I want to explore a bit. I’ve lived in Tidebourne for years, but Srixby’s still unfamiliar to me. I’d like to see what it’s like there.”


    Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she added, “Would it be too much to ask you to show me around, Mr. Flynn?”


    “Of course,” Ernest said with a calm nod. “That’s fine.”


    “Then it’s decided!”


    “Alright.”


    “Speaking of which…” Emma started talking about further cooperation between theirpanies.


    On that subject, Ernest’s interest sharpened. He listened carefully, asionally offering ament or two.


    Elissa, however, couldn’t understand any of it.


    When she drained thest of her drink, she rose, ss in hand.


    “Elissa?” Emma looked up, a touch of apology in her tone. “I’m sorry. Am I boring you?”


    “It’s okay.” Elissa offered a soft smile, giving a slight wave of her ss. “I only want one more drink.”


    “I can grab it for you…” Ernest stood up without thinking.


    “It’s fine!” Elissa shook her head quickly. “I also need to stop by the restroom. You two go on talking. I’ll handle it myself.”


    “That’s not a good idea,” Emma objected at once, remembering her promise to Savannah. “I’lle with you.”


    “No! I already said that!” Elissa’s voice rose suddenly.


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