She promptly answered, only to hear Sonia sobbing, âAriana, Iâve resigned.
â
âWhat?â Ariana exclaimed in surprise.
âWhy did you resign? What happened?â
Sonia struggled to articulate her thoughts over the phone, hesitating before eventually stating, âI canât discuss this over the phone.
Letâs meet in person, and Iâll explain everything.
â
âSure,â Ariana quickly replied, then checked the time.
She asked Sonia to meet her for dinner as it was time for that.
Following a brief conversation, they ended the call.
As Ariana hung up the call, she noticed Holdenâs inquisitive expression.
He asked, âWhat happened? Youâre not having dinner with me?â
âI have plans to meet Sonia later; she needs to discuss something important with me,â Ariana explained as she started to finish her tasks.
âIn that case, Iâll join you,â Holden offered, leaning closer.
Ariana playfully rolled her eyes and nudged him aside.
âNo more distractions; itâs been a tiring day.
Focus on your responsibilities as a CEO.
Donât you have a meeting scheduled?â
Just as Holden was about to mention canceling his meeting, there was a knock on the door.
Shawn entered, announcing, âMr.
Fredrick, your meeting is about to start.
â
Holdenâs face darkened.
Noticing that, Ariana smiled and said to him, âItâs fine.
Attend your meeting.
After all, girlsâ night is meant for us girls only.
â
Holden sighed, planted a ki*s on Arianaâs forehead, adjusted his suit, and left for his meeting.
Devin would be the one to send Ariana to the restaurant in the evening.
Upon learning about the dinner with Sonia, Melon leaped off the couch, exclaiming, âIâm coming, too!â
Following his declaration, he turned to Adele and inquired, âAre you coming along?â
âs
Adele slouched on the couch, dozing with almost-closed eyes, holding a partially eaten cookie.
âAdele missed her nap today; sheâs exhausted.
Sheâll stay home,â
Devin said, then proceeded to arrange for Shawn to bring Adele back.
During the car ride, Devin inquired, âMiss Edwards, when do you anticipate finishing dinner? I can fetch you afterward.
â
Considering the potential duration of her conversation with Sonia, Ariana promptly responded, âDonât concern yourself.
Iâm uncertain when weâll finish.
You donât need to pick me up.
â
âApologies, Miss Edwards, but that wonât suffice.
Mr.
Fredrick is adamant about ensuring your safe return.
He has instructed me to collect you,â Devin replied.
Ariana sighed.
âAlright.
Iâll give you a call when weâre finishing up.
â
Devin nodded.
Upon arrival and disembarking from the car, Ariana and Melon entered the restaurant and promptly spotted Sonia.
âGodmother!â Melon pulled Ariana towards Soniaâs table.
Ariana observed Sonia, who appeared utterly exhausted, with a pale complexion and dark circles under her eyes.
Soniaâs condition made Ariana worry.
Ariana took a seat and got straight to the point, asking, âAre you alright? Why did you resign abruptly? What happened?â