Ariana harbored no favorable sentiments toward her. So, without a flicker of emotion, she averted her gaze and turned her attention to Adele, who was standing next to Sadie.

Then, Adele's large eyes were affixed on her, unblinking.

Ariana's recollections darted to the scene Sonia had described earlier - Adele squatted under the blazing sun, engaged in her counting. A pang of empathy gripped her heart.

Just as Ariana prepared to say something, Sadie subtly shifted her stance, obstructing Ariana's view while casting a hostile glare at her.

Her voice dripped with acrimony as she asked, “What's caught your attention? I found your behavior strange yesterday, and now fate has us cross paths again! Could it be that you have your eye on my child?"

Ariana regarded Sadie's remarks as baseless and irrational, prompting her to offer a sarcastic smile while avoiding confrontation.

To her astonishment, Sadie's resolve didn't waver. On the contrary, her aggression intensified, her finger pointing directly at Ariana.

“Why are you here? You must have an ulterior motive. Are you a child trafficker?"

Before Ariana could respond, Sadie persisted, “Where are the security personnel?! Remove this suspicious woman at once!"

The security guards were about to step forward, but Mandy intervened, perceiving the lack of foundation for Sadie's accusations. She positioned herself before Ariana and said, “We are here for a pre-arranged business meeting."

She then presented the appointment details as proof.

Sadie scanned the proof, realizing that Shawn had set the meeting. Her composure nearly faltered, anxiety and apprehension washing over her.

Shawn was Holden's assistant, signifying that Holden must have given the go-ahead for this meeting.

Implicitly, this meant Ariana was about to meet Holden!

Sadie felt a rush of panic as her heart raced frantically. She dug her nails into her palms, desperately attempting to soothe herself. She was determined to prevent Ariana from encountering Holden at any cost.

With her teeth gritted, Sadie quivered as she gestured towards Ariana and exclaimed, "You expect to cooperate with the Fredrick Group? That's ‘laughable. You have the morals of an alley cat. You attempted to snatch my child at the mall. The Fredrick Group won't be doing business with someone like you.”

Ariana's eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, though she held her silence.

The connection between this energy company and Fredrick Group explained their tight grip on the global market. It also clarified why her background check had yielded Limited information about them.

Ariana was unconcerned with Sadie's accusations. But Mandy's anger flared.

"It is for Mr. Fredrick to decide whether the Fredrick Group will work with her, not you!" she yelled, her face growing red.