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?”

but it carried a sharp edge. “Let me ask you this—if I wasn’t

didn’t answer. He

down, he knew the truth—he

gave a dry

breath, her voice even as she went on. “When I came to Srixby a few years ago, I heard all about it.

the mention of Linda’s

continued, her voice soft but certain.

story starts

Ernest frowned, shaking his head. “It’s not

been hired to design Linda’s dress. “If Locke hadn’t come along, you two wouldn’t have broken up. You wouldn’t have paid me any attention at

couldn’t refute it because

for us…” Elissa’s shoulders dropped, and a trace of exhaustion showed in her eyes. “It was a mistake. And we don’t need to keep repeating

picked up her bag, her voice quiet. “I should

him with a glance. “Don’t