"Who we have here!"

Seeing Melon, Adele came to a sudden halt, standing utterly still.

Her head tilted slightly to the side as she looked at him.

Adele's unexpected presence in the room sent a wave of astonishment and elation through Melon.

His grin stretched from ear to ear as he eagerly moved toward her.

Going into his pocket, he produced a piece of candy Ariana gave him earlier.

"You want candy?" he asked, extending it to her invitingly.

Adele didn't move, her eyes locked on the offered candy.

With his unwavering patience, Melon remained still, his arm extended with the candy.

After a while, Adele's hand finally reached out, plucking the candy from Melon.

She held it delicately in her hand, her eyes affixed on this.

Having silently witnessed the entire exchange, Holden found himself pleasantly surprised.

Previously, Adele had shown minimal response to their actions.

Eliciting any sort of reaction from her had required a slow, gentle coaxing.

Holden's heart swelled with an infectious excitement.

His instincts had proved right.

Melon had an inexplicable influence over Adele, though its rationale remained enigmatic.

Regaining his composure, Holden sauntered over and crouched down before the children.

"Hey, kids, how did you two come to know each other?" he asked.

Melon was quite forthcoming.