Only when the fading footsteps in the hallway became apparent did Sadie signal the nanny to quiet her sobbing. Stepping delicately to the door, she cautiously peered out until the towering figure of Holden vanished from her line of sight. Finally, a sigh of relief escaped her Lips.

Summoning the nanny closer, Sadie withdrew a check from her handbag, placing it firmly in the woman's trembling hand. Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper as she commanded, “Accept this and vanish from this place forever. Do not return even for your belongings. This secret must remain Locked within you, or the consequences will be dire.”

The nanny quivered slightly, then nodded in acquiescence, scurrying away clutching the check.

Alone now, Sadie Let out a long exhale, feeling the tension drain from her body. A smug smile curled on her lips.

Fortunately, she had remembered Adele's mango allergy just in time, strategically sabotaging the meeting between Holden and Ariana. Her performance had been nothing short of Oscar-worthy.