Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 548:

Ernest’s brows furrowed. “Nothing?”

“Nothing,” Quentin confirmed. “We’ve cross-checked all the children around three years old—factoring in a margin of six months—but none match the profile.”

“Understood.” Ernest exhaled slowly, the weight of disappointment settling on his shoulders.

He tapped his fingers against the desk, deep in thought. “If they’re not in any of the orphanages, then we need to expand the search. There’s a strong possibility they were adopted.”

Quentin nodded. “We’ll adjust our approach immediately.”

Ernest nodded in approval, but then, as if remembering something, he shifted his gaze back to Quentin.

“Speaking of which…” His voice took on a sharper edge. “Any updates on the other matter?”

Quentin gave a slight nod. “Regarding that matter…”

with each passing moment. His

deep breath and gave a slow nod. “Understood. It’s late—you should get some

“Yes, Mr. Flynn.”

Ernest wheeled himself toward the

and then slowly pulled open the

over its surface before lifting the lid. There it was—the tortoiseshell hairpin. His fingers traced over its smooth,

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱

“Ernest?”

Linda stepped inside, a cup of warm milk in

said softly. “I knocked, but you didn’t answer. What are you—” Her voice abruptly

moment she saw what was in his hand. Ernest tensed. Without thinking, his fingers

asked,

sharp with accusation. “I saw it, Ernest! Don’t bother hiding it.” Her free hand clenched at her side as she glared at him. “Didn’t you say you threw it away? Why

said evenly, though his

forgotten what I