Sadie had a decent smile on her face.
Her gaze swept the three of them before she gently pushed Adele forward and said, âDidnât you say you missed Dad? Heâs finally back from his business trip.
Go and greet him.
â
Adele stood in front of Sadie with her head down while holding her doll tightly.
Sadie gently pushed her again and said, âWhy donât you go to him? Didnât you always say you wanted to see your father? Now that heâs back, why are you acting like this? Are you unhappy because he is with another woman?â
Holden knelt, opened his arms, and said with a smile, âAdele, Come here.
Let me give you a hug.
â
When Adele heard this, she slowly raised her head and looked at Holden.
Then, she walked toward him and fell into his embrace.
Holden picked her up, and she obediently nestled on his shoulder.
She said the words Sadie had taught her countless times, âDaddy, letâs go home.
â
Holden tenderly caressed Adeleâs head.
âAlright, sweetheart,â he murmured softly.
Sadie fixed Ariana with a cold stare.
With calmness in her tone, she greeted Ariana, âMiss Edwards, itâs been quite some time, hasnât it?â
Though Ariana harbored no desire to engage with Sadie, she responded with a polite nod.
Upon acknowledging Ariana, Sadieâs attention shifted to Melon, who stood beside Ariana.
As Sadieâs piercing gaze landed on him, Melonâs memories of Sadieâs imposing presence flooded back, causing him to instinctively retreat, seeking solace behind Arianaâs protective embrace.
As Sadieâs gaze landed on Melon, her smile widened, her eyes fixating on him.
âMelon, do you remember me?â she inquired.
Melon clung tighter to Arianaâs arm, his apprehension palpable as he remained silent, unwilling to engage with Sadie.
Sensing Melonâs reluctance, Sadie let out a derisive snort and continued to scrutinize him.
Her words dripped with disdain as she said slowly, âYouâre quite the charmer, arenât you? But I wonder, whom do you resemble? Like mother, like son, they say.
It appears youâve inherited your motherâs knack for thievery.
â
Ariana, witnessing this, stepped forward protectively, positioning herself between Sadie and Melon, her resolve evident in her demeanor.
With a cold stare, she said, âChoose your words wisely.
Children should not be involved in adult disputes.
â
Sadieâs sneer deepened at Arianaâs warning.
She narrowed her eyes, maintaining her composure as she remarked coldly, âIndeed, the early years are crucial for education.
â
Her hand rested on her belly as she continued, âI must ensure Adele learns the importance of not becoming a mistress when she grows up.
Donât you agree, Miss Edwards?â
Ariana could feel the hostility radiating from Sadie.
She met her gaze with equal resolve and countered, âMiss Pierre, perhaps you should focus on enhancing your own morals before imparting wisdom to your child.
â
Sadieâs features contorted with anger, her gaze burning into Ariana.
âSince when has being a mistress become justifiable?â
Ariana seethed with anger.
How could she be labeled a mistress when she and Theodore had been together first?
But even if she defended herself, Sadie would stubbornly cling to her own belief.
So it was pointless to argue.
Intent on continuing her reproach, Sadie remained adamant in her conviction.
However, her tirade was abruptly halted by Holdenâs low, stern voice.
âThatâs enough, Sadie.
Go back,â he commanded firmly.