Sadie stood there, her senses ensnared, unable to muster a response as Arianaâs scathing rebuke echoed in the room.
âRather than tending to your wounded daughter, youâve chosen to slander me? Youâre not fit to wear the mantle of motherhood!â
Still reeling from the stinging slap sheâd received, Sadie found herself too stunned to react.
By the time she finally summoned her voice to retaliate, Ariana had already seized her wrist in an unyielding grip.
With fiery rage blazing in her eyes, Ariana clasped Sadieâs hand and hurled her to the ground.
She sneered down at the crumpled figure before her, saying, âWhy do you quake in fear every time our paths cross? Is it concern for Adele, or is there a shadowy secret Lurking in your conscience that youâd rather keep concealed? Perhaps youâve harbored some shameful deeds?â
Sadie tumbled to the floor, her emotions in turmoil, a potent blend of panic and rage bubbling within.
Her chest heaved violently as she pointed a trembling finger up at Ariana.
Through clenched teeth, she spat out, âYou impudent wretch! Go away, and never darken my doorstep again!â
Ariana remained thoroughly unmoved by Sadieâs frenzied outburst.
With an icy chuckle, she countered, âAnd on what grounds do you presume to banish me?â
âGuards!â Sadie cried out, her madness now evident in her eyes.
âRemove this interloper from my house!â
With a crimson haze clouding her vision, she yelled at Ariana, âLet me warn you, should you dare to return, I shall have you arrested for trespassing!â
Weary of the ceaseless clamor, Ariana opted to exit rather than endure any more of Sadieâs histrionics.
Sadie continued her torrent of curses as Ariana departed, her facade of a dignified actress completely shattered.
Shortly after, Holden rushed home upon learning of the incident.
As he stepped inside, he found Sadie putting on a dramatic display of sobbing in the foyer.
Impatient with her theatrics, he strode right past her and ascended the stairs in search of Adele.
Seeing her belovedâs return, Sadie scurried after Holden, whimpering and reaching for an opportunity to explain herself.
Before she could utter a single word, his icy glare silenced her.
âYou had better pray Adele is okay!â he cautioned.
Upstairs, Adele sat in stunned silence on the bed.
Gauze was wrapped around her forehead, and her arm bore the mark of red ointment.
Her eyes remained swollen and bloodshot from her earlier tears.
The doctor delivered his instructions to Holden in a hushed tone when he arrived, saying, âItâs nothing grave; just keep the wounds dry.
â
Holden nodded, a pang of anguish piercing his heart at the sight of Adeleâs condition.
He moved with great care to the bed and settled down beside her.
âIs there pain elsewhere, my dear? You must tell Daddy if youâre feeling unwell.
â
Adele simply sat in a daze.
Holden retrieved some toys from beside the bed, hoping to provide Adele with a much-needed distraction.
Gradually, she began to respond, engaging in the play.
The tranquility of the moment was shattered when Sadie suddenly entered the room.
At the mere sight of Sadie, Adele let out a frightened wail and sought refuge in Holdenâs embrace.
Holden swiftly enfolded Adele in his arms, casting a withering glare in Sadieâs direction.