Chapter 1032
At the time, she thought the worst-case scenario would be a slight penalty on her paycheck, especially given the rewards she hoped to receive from Sadie.
However, Holden’s chilling stare silenced her explanations.
“Effective immediately, you are dismissed.
You have one hour to leave.
”
Begging desperately, she cried, “Please, I meant no harm!” But the bodyguards swiftly ushered her out.
With her departure, Holden pressed his fingers to his temples, taking a deep breath to steady himself amidst the emotional tumult.
Suddenly, Shawn’s voice broke the silence.
“Adele?”
Holden looked up to see Adele hesitantly standing at the doorway.
His countenance warmed immediately.
“Did the commotion bother you?” he inquired gently.
However, Adele’s attention was solely on Ariana.
Without a word, she climbed the bed, snuggling close to Ariana, seeking solace in her presence.
Holden observed Adele with puzzlement, perplexed by her sudden attachment to Ariana.
Approaching her, he tried to lift Adele gently, but the child clung fiercely to Ariana.
Each time he reached out, Adele evaded him, clearly not wanting to be parted from Ariana.
Silently, Adele nestled her head against Ariana’s side, wrapping herself up close to the unconscious woman.
Such behavior was unprecedented for Adele.
During his time with her, Holden had never seen her form such an immediate bond.
A mix of emotions washed over him: happiness at the possibility that Ariana might be instrumental in helping Adele, and curiosity about what drew the child to Ariana so intensely.
Recollection struck.
Ariana was a child psychologist.
However, he hadn’t been made aware of this earlier.
He turned to Shawn, seeking answers.
“Didn’t the background check reveal Ariana’s occupation as a psychologist?”
Shawn responded promptly, “She used an alias during her tenure at the institution.
Our probe emphasized the institute and her professional history, not her personal details.
”
Nodding, Holden absorbed this information silently.
Devin chose that moment to step into the room.
Catching sight of Ariana on the bed and Holden nearby, he paled.
Concern buzzed in his mind.
Had Ariana and Holden crossed paths too soon? As anxiety welled up, Devin discreetly eyed Holden for any telling signs.
Had Ariana recognized Holden and lost consciousness due to the shock?
However, gauging Holden’s demeanor, Devin found it as stoic and unruffled as usual, showing no hints of recognizing Ariana or any abnormal.
developments.