Sadie also rose from her seat and gazed at him with a concerned expression, "You seem quite fatigued. Have you not been resting well? Why not take a break in the lounge?"

Holden frowned and replied in a cold tone, "It's not necessary. I'm going to find Adele."

As he made his way to leave, Sadie reached out and held his arm.

“I'LL go." Softening her expression, she said gently, "Let me handle it. You should rest. You're on the verge of catching a cold, and I fear you might pass it on to our daughter."

Holden had recently taken cold medicine and its effects had made him slightly unwell. After Sadie's reminder, he grew concerned about Adele's well-being. So he nodded in agreement, took his laptop, and headed to the third floor to get some rest.

Sadie's 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 didn't 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 Holden's 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. She'd deal with Adele's mischief later.

Moving beyond the banquet, Sadie found herself on the ship's 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 Adele's arm in a vice grip.

"What do you think you're 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 Sadie's wrath, "You! Why are you everywhere? Leave her alone!" he spat.

Sadie, already peeved, shot back, "Look who's talking. I'm her mother."

She tried to yank Adele to her side again, but little Melon was quick. However, Sadie's pull was stronger, and Adele was dragged away from his protection.

Nelon paused when he heard Sadie's claim. But seeing Adele's reddened arm and her clear reluctance to go with Sadie, his resolve hardened. Adele clung to him, signaling she didn't want to leave,

With fire in his eyes, Melon lunged, trying to wrench Adele free.