Chapter 1775: Chapter 1788

The memory of Sadie’s attack flashed through Ariana’s mind, making her shudder.

“I’m okay now.

What about Adele? Where is she now?” Ariana asked, regaining her composure.

“She’s fine.

There was just a bit of water in her Lungs.

The doctor says she’ll recover after some rest.

” Holden gestured towards the bedside.

“She was here with you earlier.

She was so exhausted that I had someone take her to sleep.

”

Hearing this, Ariana breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, she asked, “What about Sadie?”

The mention of Sadie cast a shadow over Holden’s face, his mind flashing back to the harrowing scene at the lake.

He shuddered, realizing how close Ariana had come to having her face ruined by Sadie.

“What’s wrong?” Ariana squeezed Holden’s hand, noticing his prolonged silence.

Jolted back to the present, Holden enveloped Ariana in his arms and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, regret lacing his words.

“It’s my fault.

I failed to prevent Sadie’s escape.

”

“Is that what has been troubling you? I thought it might be something else.

” Ariana breathed a sigh of relief and then said, “Sadie has always been unpredictable, so her escape isn’t shocking.

But her appearance at Mercy Hospital? That I didn’t expect.

”

“I had her under heavy guard on B3F.

I kept it from you to spare you the worry.

” Holden’s voice dropped.

“I never imagined she’d break free.

If I’d told you earlier, you might have been spared this ordeal…”

The weight of his words deepened his regret.

Seeing the emotions etched on Holden’s face, Ariana touched his cheek.

“I’m alright now.

Don’t blame yourself for this.

This confrontation with Sadie was inevitable.

”

After a pause, she asked, “What do you want to do with her?”

Holden’s mind raced back to his stern warning to Sadie in the greenhouse.

He had meant every word.

While he might have tolerated Sadie before, her actions had now crossed an unforgivable Line.

Not wanting to burden Ariana with the full extent of his plans, Holden simply stated, “I’ll kick her out of Eleymond.

”

Ariana nodded, agreeing that Sadie deserved such punishment.

She studied Holden’s face, noting his bloodshot eyes and the weariness etched into his features.

It was clear he hadn’t slept in days.

Ariana said softly, “Lean closer.

”

Trusting Ariana completely, Holden complied without question.

The next second, Ariana’s lips met his in a tender kiss.

Holden’s eyes widened in surprise.

He threaded his fingers through her hair and deepened the kiss.

When they finally parted, both were breathless.