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

Chapter 1472:

Elissa suppressed the bitter twist threatening her lips and continued deliberately, “Regardless of my biological connection to Locke, do not feel compelled to pursue a relationship with me out of misplaced duty or guilt-driven reparations.”

After finding out the truth, Elissa felt as though a fog had lifted.

Everything suddenly made sense—why Ernest had always been so kind, so gentle. She finally saw the reason behind it.

Her eyes stayed fixed on him, calm and steady. “You treat me this way because you feel guilty,” she said softly, her voice smooth but firm. “You care because of Locke, not because of me.”

She gave her head a small shake, the motion almost tired. “Fate brought us together and gave us Locke. That’s all there is. We’re his parents—nothing more. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Elissa…” Ernest understood her words, but he didn’t agree. “My feelings for you aren’t just because you’re Locke’s mother…”

“Oh, really?”

edge. “Let me ask you this—if I wasn’t Locke’s mother,

didn’t answer.

knew the truth—he wouldn’t

dry

went on. “When I came to Srixby a few years ago, I heard all about it. Everyone knew. Ernest Flynn had

expression hardened at the mention

care about her,” Elissa continued, her voice soft but certain.

story starts here:

shaking his head. “It’s not like

back then.” She remembered it vividly. She had even been hired to

didn’t respond. He couldn’t refute it because

for us…” Elissa’s shoulders dropped, and a trace of exhaustion showed in her eyes. “It was

to say.” She picked up her bag, her

him with a glance. “Don’t get up. I don’t need you to walk me