Ariana smiled affectionately, steadying the boy while patting his head. Taking his small hand in hers, she cautioned, "Remember not to run off later. Stay right by me."

Melon obediently nodded as they entered the sleek lobby.

The familiar space stirred memories of Ariana's first anxious interview here years ago, though it now felt like a lifetime away.

As they ventured further inside, her thoughts meandered to Holden.

Recent unpleasant events had entirely soured Ariana's opinion of Sadie, dragging her view of Holden along with it.