Catching Devinâs sudden unease, Holden regarded him with a quizzical look.
âIs something wrong, Devin?â
Quick to mask his worry, Devin replied, âNo, I just came here in haste.
Nothing more.
â
Relieved to see Holden remained unaware, Devin regained his composure.
âSir, thereâs an urgent matter in Mistlyn requiring your personal attention.
We should set out for Mistlyn at once.
â
Normally, Holden would have prioritized company affairs and left immediately.
But a glance at Arianaâs inert form made him pause.
After a contemplative silence, he instructed Shawn with a subdued tone, âStay and watch over her.
â
Caught off guard by this unexpected directive, as he had intended to travel with Holden, Shawn surmised how deeply Holden was involved in Arianaâs well-being.
âs
Maintaining his professionalism, Shawn queried, âDo we proceed with Adeleâs therapy in your absence, or await your return?â
âWhy delay?â Holden replied with conviction.
âHaving gone through Arianaâs records, Iâm confident in her capabilities.
And given the bond Adele has already established with her, itâs an avenue of treatment we must explore.
â
Acknowledging this, Shawn voiced his main apprehension.
âBut thereâs Miss Pierre.
Their previous encounters were far from amicable.
Another confrontation could distress Adele.
â
Mulling over Sadieâs potential to cause upheaval, Holden rubbed his temples.
He looked at Adeleâs peaceful countenance and softly brushed her hair back.
Turning to Shawn, determination clear in his eyes, he said, âAdeleâs well-being is paramount.
Ensure Ariana and Sadie donât cross paths.
During my absence, extend full cooperation to Ariana concerning therapy.
â
Holden meticulously listed out instructions, emphasizing Adeleâs daily habits and routines.
His care for every nuance regarding Adele was evident.
After passing on his directives to Shawn, he departed with Devin.
Shawn stayed behind, vigilantly watching over Adele and anticipating Arianaâs return to consciousness.
In between, he mulled over the responsibilities Holden entrusted to him.
As he paced the room, a particular challenge preoccupied his thoughts:
Miss Pierreâs frequent visits.
Even in Mr.
Fredrickâs absence, she seemed to always be around.
With Ariana in the picture, the likelihood of their paths crossing was high.
An inspired solution suddenly dawned on Shawn.