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.

Satisfaction radiated from Sadie. Regardless of Ariana‘s return, Holden belonged exclusively to her. The former lovers would never reunite, with her around to prevent it.

However, doubts still gnawed at her. Despite Holden showering her with extravagant gifts and granting her the title of fiancée, his true emotions remained a mystery to Sadie. Materially, he treated her impeccably, sparing no expense to elevate her status. Yet, the postponed wedding and his avoidance of intimacy wounded Sadie deeply.

Frustrated, she strode to the armoire, selecting a daring lace negligee. She intended to approach Holden, offering a meek apology, appealing to his sympathy. Perhaps this would finally lead them to consummate their relationship. Once she carried his heir, Adele would lose her influence.

Gazing at her alluring curves, Sadie spritzed on perfume and headed for Holden's room.

But as she exited her room and walked towards Holden's quarters, she spotted him sitting alone on the sofa, drinking in solitude, already showing signs of heavy intoxication.

Sadie's heart raced — this was the perfect opportunity to seduce him.

Sadie approached Holden with a gentleness that bespoke her concern, her arms enveloping him from behind. Her soft voice reached his ear.

"Why are you drinking alone?"

Holden's response was a silence that spoke volumes, his head unmoving, his brows furrowing ever so slightly. Yet, he didn't reject her touch, nor did he push her away.

In the wake of his reaction, Sadie blinked back tears, her voice taking on a pitiful tone.

“Are you mad at me?" After a pause, she continued, her words a mix of apology and yearning, “I‘m sorry, it's all my fault. Can you forgive me this time?"

But even as her words flowed, her hands continued to explore Holden's form, fingers intentionally brushing against his abdomen.

Observing Holden's unyielding silence, Sadie closed the distance between them. Her expression was a blend of vulnerability and allure as she squatted before him, her gaze Lifting to meet his.

Her eyes, still slightly reddened from tears, held a helpless plea as they locked onto Holden's.

Her hands found purchase on his knees, her posture revealing the graceful Line of her neck and shoulder.