âActually, it wasnât me.
It was Mr.
Fredrick who discovered you in the bathroom.
â
This revelation left Ariana momentarily perplexed.
She remembered the illusion she experienced when the bathroom door finally swung open, the familiar voice echoing through the room, and Melonâs recurring observation about the striking resemblance between Holden and Theodore.
Gripping the edge of the bed, Ariana tried to process the flood of thoughts, emotions, and potential scenarios racing through her mind.
After some time, she ventured, âWhere is Mr.
Fredrick now? I should express my gratitude.
â
âHe had urgent business in Mistlyn,â Shawn responded without evasion.
Arianaâs myriad of suppositions remained unresolved, casting a shadow of disappointment over her.
The thought of requesting Holdenâs social media profile crossed her mind, but she hesitated to voice it.
She doubted Shawn would share such details, and broaching the topic could invite potential misinterpretations.
Regardless, Ariana resolved internally to find a way to unveil the truth.
She felt it best to leave the Fredrick estate for the time being.
Given her current state, she believed she wasnât in the best position to continue Adeleâs therapy.
After taking a brief respite, she made arrangements to depart, planning to return on another day.
Shawn courteously walked her to the door.
As they approached the exit, Ariana realized that Adele was tagging along closely, even making an attempt to join her in the car.
âSweetie, I promise Iâll be back soon and we can spend time together then, alright?â Ariana tried to reassure the little girl.
But no amount of gentle persuasion seemed to change Adeleâs mind.
Feeling at a loss, Ariana searched for a solution.
It was then that Shawn, after mulling over the predicament, made a suggestion, âGiven Adeleâs reluctance to let go, would you consider taking her home with you? I can come by and retrieve her tomorrow.
â
âWhat?â Ariana stared at Shawn, taken aback by the proposal.
She wondered if sheâd misunderstood him.
The implications were vast: if Sadie discovered that Adele was with her, it might ignite an immediate uproar.
Recognizing Arianaâs hesitation, Shawn sought to allay her concerns.
âMr.
Fredrick has given the directive that decisions benefiting Adeleâs therapy rest in your hands.
â
Arianaâs brow knitted in apprehension.
âBut what about Sadie?â
From what Ariana had witnessed, Sadie, despite being Adeleâs mother, often seemed neglectful.
The therapist worried about potential repercussions on Adele should Sadie discover the arrangement.
Shawn gestured dismissively.
âLeave Miss Pierre to me.
Iâll ensure she understands.
Mr.
Fredrickâs decisions are not to be contested, and she wonât pose any challenges.
â
Although he projected calm, internally Shawn was well-aware of Sadieâs general indifference towards her daughter, especially when preoccupied with her own affairs.
It was unlikely Sadie would even notice Adeleâs brief absence.
And even in the off chance she did and raised objections, Mr.
Fredrickâs mandate would prevail.