Chapter 1734: Chapter 1744

Meanwhile, Adele cowered behind Ariana’s legs, peeking out timidly at the scene of her brother bonding with the new pet.

“The puppy is gentle and won’t hurt anyone,” Ariana said, bending down to comfort Adele.

“Would you like to pet it?”

Adele shook her head and stretched out her arms for a hug from Ariana instead.

Ariana lifted her smoothly and cautiously approached the puppy.

Seeing that Adele remained calm, Ariana helped her stroke the puppy gently.

On the other side of the room, Holden watched Ariana and the children enjoying their moment with the puppy.

Choosing not to interrupt, he slipped out of the ward quietly.

Just then, Shawn approached with a phone in his hand.

He said to Holden in a serious tone, “Mr.

Fredrick, there’s a call for you from Conata.

”

As soon as the sound reached his ears, Holden whipped around and locked eyes with the phone being extended towards him.

He instantly knew the caller’s identity.

Seizing the phone, he moved into the adjacent lounge to take the call.

It was indeed Bennett on the other end.

“Merry Christmas, Mr.

Fredrick.

” Bennett’s voice carried a casual air.

“Do you Like the gift I sent over?”

Holden wasn’t fooled.

He scoffed, “Enough with the games.

I know what you’re up to.

Just so we’re clear, she’s my wife, so back off.

”

Wife?

Bennett laughed.

“Calling her your wife already? Seems a bit early, don’t you think? You two are not legally married,” Bennett said, his tone light.

“It’s only a matter of time,” Holden responded calmly.

“I’ll be sure to send you an invite to the wedding.

”

Bennett had planned to shake Holden up, but now, he found himself on the defensive.

He scoffed, drumming his fingers on the table.

“We’ll see if you can hold your wedding successfully.

”

“No need for you to worry about that,” Holden replied.

“Maybe you should worry about yourself.

No one seems to want to stick around you.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up alone.

”

For a moment, the tension was palpable.

After what felt like an eternity, Bennett finally remembered why he had called Holden.

He exhaled deeply and said earnestly, “Moss is still alive.

He has returned to Eleymond, and I bet he’s targeting Ariana.

Protect her well this time.

Make sure he doesn’t reach her this time.

”

Holden’s face hardened at the mention of Moss.

“I’ve guessed it.

Back then, someone anonymously sent a letter along with a syringe of a drug that helped Ariana when she was in a bind.

”

Holden paused before continuing, “I thought the person was either you or Moss.

Now that you’ve brought it up, I’ve realized that the person was Moss.

”

Moss must have been keeping a vigilant watch over the activities at Mercy Hospital.

Otherwise, how could he have been so accurately informed about Ariana’s condition? He had even managed to send the antidote just as they were desperate, informing them that Ariana wasn’t truly dead.

Thinking of this, Holden gripped the phone tightly, his knuckles whitening, his eyes darkening.