The sweet call from Adele caused Rodneyâs heart to swell with happiness.
He broke into hearty laughter, his smile revealing the genuine delight he felt.
Affectionately, he patted Adeleâs head, and observing her comfort with the gesture, he decided to take it a step further, lifting her into his arms, too, and holding one child on each side.
As Rodney shared this tender moment with Adele, he found her both endearing and pitiable due to her illness.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Judy and Ariana were busy preparing ingredients.
Leaning closer to Ariana, Judy asked in a hushed tone, âHow are you and Theodore doing?â
Arianaâs hand, mid-chop with vegetables, hesitated briefly, and a sigh escaped her lips.
âI donât know.
â
âI understand.
Iâm just asking,â Judy immediately reassured her, implying that there was no need for her to feel pressured.
Judy empathized with Arianaâs predicament.
After all, Holden had forgotten their past together, and the addition of Sadie and Adele in the picture only added layers of complication.
It was indeed a difficult situation for Ariana.
Feeling for Ariana, Judy couldnât help but say, âIn all honesty, itâs clear that Holden still cares about you and is genuinely concerned for you.
I believe heâll sort out these matters and eventually come back to you.
â
Judy couldnât resist offering a few words in defense of Holden.
After all, they had been such a perfect match and deeply in love before.
It would be a shame to let that love burn out instead of rekindling fit.
Just then, Rodneyâs voice interrupted their conversation from behind.
âBy the way, Mitchell will be here shortly.
Judy, please get his favorite coffee ready.
â
Ariana was taken aback and blurted out, âWasnât he supposed to return after two months?â
Rodney smiled and explained, âI had him come back early.
Research seems to have no end, and a few days ago, that kid had a stomach issue and ended up in the hospital.
If his assistant hadnât let me know, he probably wouldâve kept pushing himself.
â
As Rodney rambled on, he carefully observed Arianaâs expression.
He continued meaningfully, âHe doesnât even know how to take care of his own health.
Thatâs why I had to practically force him to come back and take a break.
â
While Rodney went on, Ariana furrowed her brows slightly, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.
Having witnessed Mitchelâs tireless work ethic before, she had always harbored worries that he might collapse in the operating room someday.
Now, hearing about his hospitalization for a stomach ailment, she knew it must be serious.
Although she couldnât reciprocate his love, Ariana harbored a deep sense of gratitude towards Mitchel.
She sincerely hoped for his well-being and didnât want anything untoward to happen to him.
Meanwhile, Rodney discreetly observed the subtle shifts in Arianaâs expression.
As anticipated, the mention of Mitchelâs stomach issue elicited a genuine, worried look from Ariana.
Seeing this, Rodney couldnât help but smile.
It seemed apparent that a gentle nudge was necessary for Mitchel.
Otherwise, he might remain consumed by research, neglecting the opportunity to spend time with Ariana.
Rodney couldnât care less about Mitchelâs research.
If Mitchel had spent more time focusing on Ariana and advancing their relationship, his years of chasing after her would have paid off, and he wouldnât have failed to bring her to the Chadwick family.
As they chatted, the front door swung open, and Melonâs cheerful voice exclaimed, âMitchel!â
Leaving the kitchen, Ariana and Rodney joined the welcoming scene.
Noticing Mitchel had used his key to open the door, Rodney playfully teased, âIt seems things are moving fast between you two.
When did you get the key?â