They chatted for a while, catching up on each otherâs past experience.
Realizing that she had left Melon alone for a while, Ariana exchanged numbers with Judy, promising to reconnect soon.
Back in the banquet hall, Melon sat alone, his gaze Lingering on the tantalizing spread.
However, due to health reasons, he couldnât partake.
Catalina, spotting the lonely child, felt her heart soften.
Approaching him, she inquired gently, âWhy are you all by yourself?
And whereâs your mother?â
Melon, with impeccable manners, replied, âI accidentally spilled juice on my Mommyâs dress, so she went to freshen up.
â
Catalina noticed Melonâs longing glance at the food but his resistance to touch any.
âArenât you having any?â she asked.
Melon responded with a sigh, âIâm unwell, and there are many foods I canât eat.
â
Compassion swelled in Catalinaâs heart.
âWell, let me help,â she said kindly.
âThere must be something here you can enjoy.
Come with me.
â
âThank you, Mrs.
Chadwick,â Melon replied with appreciation.
However, his brow furrowed slightly as he added, âBut Mommy told me to stay put.
She might get worried if she doesnât find me here.
â
âWe wonât be far, and Iâll ensure someone lets her know youâre with me,â Catalina reassured him.
âs
Catalina whispered to one of her aides to locate Ariana and apprise her of Melonâs whereabouts.
She then guided Melon to a more secluded part of the hall.
But upon entering, Catalinaâs heart sank.
There, reclining on a chaise lounge, was Rodney, attempting to take a brief respite from the eveningâs festivities.
Catalinaâs internal alarm bells began to ring.
All she could think about was that this situation wasnât ideal at all.
With age, Rodneyâs quirks had become more pronounced.
He was notoriously impatient and had a well-known aversion to young ones.
She quickly tried to steer Melon away, hoping to avoid any potential confrontation.
But just as they were about to retreat, Rodneyâs once shut eyes opened.
âHold on,â he commanded.
Caught in his gaze, Catalina hesitated, recognizing the intense scrutiny with which Rodney regarded Melon.
With a beckoning hand, Rodney motioned, and said, âCome closer.
â
Catalina raised an eyebrow at her fatherâs peculiar behavior, given he never really liked kids.
She shot a concerned look towards Melon.