Sadieâs gaze followed Holden as he retreated.
Triumph bubbled up inside her, mixed with a sizzling anticipation.
The drug would take thirty minutes to work its magic, so she didnât feel rushed.
Before anything else, she needed to check on Adele.
She wanted assurance that the bodyguards were doing their job, God forbid anything should happen, because Holden would surely pin the blame on her.
With determination, she began scouring the banquet for Adele.
But, frustratingly, Adele was nowhere in sight.
Neither were the bodyguards.
Impatience began to sear through Sadie.
The clock was ticking, and she was eager to be back by Holdenâs side when the drug set in.
Yet, here she was, stuck playing babysitter, trying to find a little girl to dodge potential blame.
Her feet moved with a frantic energy, her mind awhirl.
Sheâd deal with Adeleâs mischief later.
Moving beyond the banquet, Sadie found herself on the shipâs deck.
And there, to her shock, was Adele, chatting with another child.
Still, no sign of the bodyguards.
Blazing with indignation, Sadie stormed over, grabbing Adeleâs arm in a vice grip.
âWhat do you think youâre doing out here? Come on
Melon, the other child, stumbled backward, eyes wide with recognition.
It was that fierce woman from earlier, Without a second thought, he darted forward, shielding Adele from Sadieâs wrath, âYou! Why are you everywhere? Leave her alone!â he spat.
Sadie, already peeved, shot back, âLook whoâs talking.
Iâm her mother.
â
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She tried to yank Adele to her side again, but little Melon was quick.
However, Sadieâs pull was stronger, and Adele was dragged away from his protection.
Nelon paused when he heard Sadieâs claim.
But seeing Adeleâs reddened arm and her clear reluctance to go with Sadie, his resolve hardened.
Adele clung to him, signaling she didnât want to leave,
With fire in his eyes, Melon lunged, trying to wrench Adele free.
âShe doesnât want you! Let her be!â
He tugged fiercely at Sadieâs hand, desperate to free Adele.
Sadie, however, was livid.
This kid was botching her evening, and she was fast running out of patience.
Soon enough, her patience ran out like a dying light.
âWho raised you to be this nosy?â she snapped.