?Chapter 3115:


    Elissa stood still, her silence signaling clear disagreement. She absolutely did not want to leave Ernest yet.


    Ernest was patient as he asked, “What time do you usually go to bed?”


    “Before ten,” Elissa replied honestly.


    “It’s already past ten, you know.” Ernest leaned in, his mouth close to her ear, and spoke in a soft murmur meant only for her. “Staying upte just to hang out with me will only make your mom think I’m a terrible influence.”


    Elissa blinked slowly, unsure whether he was tricking her or telling the truth.


    “It’s the truth,” Ernest insisted, giving her a serious nod.


    “In that case…” Elissa finally conceded. “I guess I’ll go to bed.”


    “Okay.” Ernest shed a charming smile. “Want me to walk you to your room?”


    “No, thanks.” Elissa shook her head and turned toward Savannah and Neville. “Mom, Dad, I’m heading to my room. Have a good night.”


    Savannah felt a sharp pang of frustration. Nothing she said seemed to matter. Yet at Ernest’s gentle persuasion, Elissa had instantly relented.


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    Neville nced at his wife. Seeing her rigidly silent with a stern expression, he quickly tried to ease the tension. “Go on up, sweetheart. Sleep well.”


    Elissa’s eyes darted toward her silent mother onest time. With a faint, resigned bite of her lip, she slipped her hand from Ernest’s and made her way up the stairs.


    As Savannah watched her daughter leave, a long, weary sigh escaped her. What else could she possibly do?


    Only after Elissa had vanished from sight did Ernest turn. He walked back to the living area and came to a stop before the sofa, his posture respectful but steady.


    “Mr. Brown. Mrs. Brown.”


    “Please, sit, Mr. Flynn,” Neville offered, gesturing to an armchair.


    Ernest’s gaze flickered to Savannah, seeking her permission. When she offered no objection, he gave a slight nod.


    “Thank you,” he said as he took his seat.


    “Mrs. Brown…” Ernest began, his voice low and carefully measured. Although he was nervous, Ernest knew he had to say this. “I’m asking you… Please let me take Elissa and Ethan back to Srixby.”


    “Humph!” Savannah had anticipated the request, but she couldn’t stop the coldugh that escaped her. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. “What, you think just because the truth is out, I should simply hand them over to you?”


    “No,” Ernest said quickly, shaking his head, a deep frown etching his brow. “That’s not what I mean at all.”


    He took a deliberate breath, choosing his next words with care. “What I want to say first is… thank you. I am deeply, truly grateful to you both.”


    Without their intervention, Elissa and Ethan might not have survived.


    “There’s absolutely no need for that!” Savannah cut in, her voice like shattering ss. “Elissa is my daughter, and Ethan is my grandson. I don’t need or want gratitude from an outsider for taking care of my own family. But since you brought it up… If you are truly grateful for what we have done, the best way to show it is to walk away and let us live our lives in peace.”


    Ernest lowered his head slightly in acknowledgment. “I have seen the devotion you’ve shown them. It’s extraordinary.”


    Savannah had indeed been taking great care of Elissa and Ethan.


    “However…” Ernest’s lips twitched faintly. “The ultimate responsibility for their lives is mine, not yours. You have carried a burden for months that was never meant to be yours. It’s time for me to shoulder my proper role.”


    “Don’t you dare spin this as some noble duty!” Savannah shot back, unmoved. “Caring for my child is my duty, isn’t it?”


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