Chapter 1028
Ariana was speculating but couldn’t assert with certainty, so she resolved to inquire directly.
She got her phone and went to the social media account of that online friend, opening the chat window.
However, a sense of unease crept over her as she did so.
The profile picture of this wealthy friend’s account was a young girl who, strangely enough, bore a striking resemblance to Adele!
Ariana found it hard to believe, but she zoomed in on the profile picture for a closer look.
Though it was merely an image of the back of someone’s head, the silhouette bore an uncanny Likeness.
She glanced at Adele’s back and then shifted her gaze back to the magnified photo on her phone.
The previous images the person had sent also featured a child’s silhouette, remarkably akin to Adele’s.
In an instant, Ariana’s intuition whispered that this man was, in fact, Holden himself.
‘s
She struggled to accept this revelation, particularly considering she had heard Holden’s voice five years ago.
How could he have undergone such a transformation?
His voice even resembled Theodore’s.
Pondering his voice, Ariana experienced a curious blend of perplexity and intrigue.
She hesitated momentarily, unable to resist her inner curiosity, and concocted an excuse to leave.
Drawing on her memory, she pretended to saunter past the study, pausing at the door.
At that very moment, she overheard Shawn’s voice.
She was on the cusp of eavesdropping further when suddenly, a hand tapped her on the back.
Ariana nearly jumped out of her skin when a voice spoke up behind her.
The weight of guilt she felt already had her on edge.
Spinning around, she met the eyes of a round maid eyeing her with a hint of doubt.
“Why are you here?” the maid asked, sizing her up with a careful glance.
Ariana’s gaze darted here and there, searching for a quick answer.
“Lost my way to the bathroom,” she fibbed.
The corners of the maid’s mouth turned upwards, but her eyes continued to size Ariana up.
With a voice as sweet as southern tea but dripping with disbelief, she said, “Bathroom’s downstairs.
Let me show you.
”
Ariana laughed, a bit too loud and a tad too forced, feeling the weight of her lie.
Keeping the act alive, she trailed behind the maid.
Reaching the door, Ariana offered a thankful smile and whispered her gratitude.
She ducked inside, shutting the door, and let out a long sigh, her back pressed against it.
She was cross at herself for being so easily found out.
Lost in her thoughts, Ariana didn’t catch the soft sound of a lock clicking outside.
With her cheeks aflame from embarrassment, Ariana patted herself on the cheek.
When she looked up, it hit her: the bathroom was dr@ped in shadows.
Her hands traveled the walls, trying switches and buttons, but nothing lit up.
Could it be busted?
She gazed up, puzzled by the unlit bulb above.
The Fredrick family were loaded.
A light glitch in their lavish home? And wouldn’t a mansion like theirs have more than one bathroom on each floor?