It was truly puzzling.
Ariana wondered why she needed to meet Holden before commencing the diagnosis.
Did she have to see him first to treat Adeleâs ailment?
At this point, Devin realized that he had spoken too hastily and was anxious about the possibility of an encounter between Holden and Ariana.
However, he swiftly regained his composure and explained, âItâs just that previous therapists who came here were accompanied by Mr.
Fredrick.
â
âBut didnât we schedule a specific time?â Ariana furrowed her brows subtly.
At this juncture, sending her away would mean that her trip had been in vain.
Devin knew that insisting on her departure at this moment would only raise suspicion, so he didnât press the matter further.
Instead, he expressed a mild apology.
âYes, the diagnosis can commence at any time.
My previous suggestion was merely a personal opinion.
Miss Edwards, please accept my apologies.
â
Ariana didnât pursue the matter further and turned her attention back to Adele.
Devin breathed a sigh of relief, hoping fervently that Holden would be too preoccupied to meet her today.
âs
After offering a brief word of comfort to Adele, Ariana turned to Devin and stated, âWe can proceed now.
â
Devin nodded and arranged for paper and pens.
Ariana placed a pen in Adeleâs hand and smiled warmly.
âAdele, letâs start drawing something.
â
Adele obediently began doodling on the paper while Devin lingered nearby, his anxiety mounting.
Just then, his phone rang, and Devin answered it.
He listened for a moment before his expression shifted slightly.
He asked sternly, âYou couldnât handle it?â
Unaware of the other personâs response, Devin glanced at the two figures engrossed in their drawings and added, âIâm occupied at the moment and canât leave.
â
The urgent voice on the other end persisted, and Devin let out a quiet sigh before saying, âI understand.
â
He then hung up the phone.
He adjusted his demeanor briefly, exchanged a few words with Ariana, and then left.
In the living room, only Adele and Ariana remained.
Suddenly, Adele set down her pen and hurriedly dashed upstairs.
âAdele?â Ariana called out, but Adele didnât turn back.
Her tiny legs propelled her rapidly up the stairs, and Ariana followed closely.
They reached the third floor, passing by a partially open door, and Ariana caught the sound of voices emanating from inside.
Among them, one voice struck her as strangely familiar, a voice she had heard frequently in phone calls over the past few days.
Ariana was taken aback.
She could discern that this voice was distinct from the others, neither distorted nor artificial.
Yet, this was the Fredrickâs residence, and there should be no one else present.
Could it be.
.
Holden?
However, it didnât add up.
Ariana recollected that Holdenâs voice from five years ago didnât sound like this.
She believed she might have misheard, so she moved closer and strained her ears to listen attentively.