?Chapter 3056:


    Ernest reached out, but before his hand could touch her, Elissa quietly drew her leg back, slipping out of his reach.


    A faint crease formed on Ernest’s forehead as he lifted his gaze toward her.


    With a gentle, patient tone, he said, “I’m just trying to help. You’re already crying because of the pain, yet you’re still pulling away from me?”


    He raised the ice pack in his hand. “Let me see it, alright? We can try this first and ease the swelling.”


    His words trailed off, and his eyes lingered on her, waiting for her to agree.


    But Elissa only shook her head. “No… that won’t be necessary.”


    “Elissa…”


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    A sigh escaped Ernest, caught somewhere between worry and frustration.


    After a moment of silence, he asked quietly, “Why is it that you suddenly can’t stand me?”


    He leaned his head to one side, his voice gentle as he added, “You used to like me, didn’t you?”


    An unspoken resistance lingered in the air like a quiet warning. Elissa shifted her attention toward him, her lips moving in a faint attempt to speak.


    “Elissa.” Ernest held himself back. “Can you exin the reason to me, please?”


    He felt as if even a guilty man deserved to hear what mistake he had made.


    “No…”


    Elissa lifted her tearful eyes to meet his, her tone carrying the softness she had always shown to others.


    “I never liked you,” Elissa said.


    Ernest froze for a moment, his gaze growing heavier.


    She offered nothing to help him understand, and she even denied any affection he thought had been there. Her words struck him with a finality that stunned him.


    He realized she would not tell him anything more, no matter what he said.


    Elissa usually behaved with a quiet gentleness, yet her stubborn side rose just as strongly as Hadley’s.


    Maybe that was the reason she had grown so close to her.


    “I will stop asking now.” Ernest tried once more to reach for her. “At least let me hold the ice against your ankle.”


    Elissa stayed firm in her refusal and showed no sign of agreeing.


    “Elissa, could you behave for me?”


    Just then, Steven stepped outside while helping Emma walk beside him.


    “Mr. Flynn, is Elissa okay?”


    Ernest looked their way and then passed the ice pack to Steven. “Please use this for her.”


    “Of course.” Steven picked it up quickly. “Mr. Flynn, and here…” He handed Ernest a form. “Emma needs to be checked by another doctor. Could you help with that?”


    Ernest paused before taking the form. “Okay.”


    As he epted it, he guided Emma with a steady arm. “Let’s go.”


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