Knowing Miss Pierreâs penchant for basking in the limelight, he realized that even as Mr.
Fredrickâs fiancée, she wouldnât pass up opportunities to stay in the public eye.
Why not immerse her in engagements, ensuring she remained too preoccupied to visit Holdenâs residence?
Confident in this approach, Shawn quickly set his plan into motion.
Some hours later, Ariana began to stir.
The roomâs brightness momentarily blinded her as she blinked awake.
She squinted, trying to adjust to the light, making out the silhouette of a suited man beside her.
The fragments of her earlier vision flashed through her mind, sending her heart racing.
With heightened alertness, she strained her eyes to identify the figure.
âMiss Edwards.
â
The familiar voice belonged to Shawn.
The fleeting hope sheâd felt deflated instantly, replaced by profound disappointment.
She replied with a brief nod, not in the mood for conversation.
âIf you require anything, just let me know,â Shawn remarked, setting a glass of water nearby.
She acknowledged him with a raspy âThank you,â but her thirst was overshadowed by the vividness of her previous vision.
Could it truly have been mere illusion? She questioned her sanity, haunted by the recurrent glimpses of Theodore at the most unexpected moments.
âs
A delicate touch on Arianaâs arm drew her attention.
She looked down to find Adele nestled close.
Offering the child a tender smile, Ariana gently stroked her hair.
Shawn, sensing her distress, approached with concern.
âMiss Edwards, are you experiencing any discomfort?â
He took a moment to fill her in.
âWeâve sorted out the matter.
A servant was responsible for locking you in the bathroom.
Mr.
Fredrick has taken appropriate action, and sheâs no longer with us.
We deeply regret this incident.
â
Sitting up, Arianaâs pallor reflected her troubled state, and she appeared deeply affected by the events.
âYou found me in there, didnât you? Thank you,â she murmured gratefully.
Shawn promptly corrected her misconception.