Holden's mind ventured elsewhere, prompting him to ask, "Aside from the two of you, has Adele had any recent interactions with anyone else?"

Sadie had just managed to soothe her frayed nerves when a fresh wave of panic surged within her. The annoying face of Ariana floated into her thoughts.

The mere thought of Ariana sharing even a fleeting moment with Adele ignited a wildfire of anxiety within her. A deluge of conjectures filled her thoughts.

Could it be that Holden had unearthed and remembered a revelation from his past?

Or had that wily woman purposefully Left a trace on the child to get Holden's attention?

As these myriad possibilities swirled within her mind, Sadie consumed herself with profound hatred. But she forced herself to exude an air of composure. She first thought before slowly shaking her head and saying, “Nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Adele and I have been inseparable, and her interactions with others have been scarce."

In a tone of apprehension, she asked, “What prompts this sudden question? Has something transpired?"

Holden responded calmly, "The physician has noted a recent improvement in Adele's condition, and she has exhibited perceptible responses to the external world. Hence, I wonder if she might have had a brush with an unfamiliar experience or encountered someone of significance."

Internally, alarm bells clanged insistently for Sadie. She simmered with resentment toward that young girl and silently cursed her. She had diligently watched over Adele daily, yet the child hadn't shown the slightest improvement. Then, after a mere fleeting interaction with Ariana, there was a discernible shift?

Verily, this child displayed a most ungracious disposition.

In the recesses of her heart, Sadie stewed in anger, inadvertently crumpling the fabric in her grip. However, she outwardly maintained a veneer of serenity and feigned elation as she remarked, “This news is heartening. It's plausible that the preceding treatments are beginning to yield fruit, and the time I've dedicated to her recently might be fostering her recovery."

Holden nodded in approval.

"Indeed, suspending your professional commitments appears to have been a prudent choice. You needn't exert yourself unduly. Please accept this card, and use it to acquire whatever is needed. Adele's condition could transform; thus, focus your efforts on her well-being."

He handed her a card as he spoke. He then stood, preparing to depart. Clutching the card, Sadie's fingertips drained of color from her fervent grip. She trailed her gaze after Holden, unable to contain herself from calling out, “Holden, are you leaving now? Can you not spare a fraction more of your time to direct it toward me?"

Emotion Laced her voice, and before Holden could respond, she pressed on, “Why do you display such remarkable patience for the child but can't give me a fleeting surplus of your attention? Have you been divested of your memory, along with the innate inclination to cherish your partner?"

Holden stopped, though he didn't turn. He lowered his gaze slightly, releasing a sigh.

Undeterred, Sadie persisted, “Once, we reveled in love so sweet, our days and nights intermingling endlessly.. I, too, Lament Adele's plight, but I assure you, my actions were unwitting. The culpability lies with the nanny."

Holden turned to face her, his face calm.

"Don't be so speculative. Go and rest now."

Her words felt like they Landed on cotton, and Sadie's eyes welled with tears, her voice choked with the ache of injustice. She articulated amidst her tears, “You are resolved to wed me, yet a year has elapsed, and you've never touched me! What is the rationale?"