"How do you make a cake?" he inquired.

As her eyes roved over the assortment of ingredients, Ariana found herself pondering his curious question.

"Don't you have chefs at home?

You want to bake it yourself?"

His explanation followed, “My daughter is sick. I want to try making something for her myself to cheer her up."

Filled with concern, Ariana asked, “Is she alright?" Temporarily exiting the chat, she scoured her collection for the uncomplicated cupcake recipe she had jotted down, believing it to be perfect for a novice baker.

However, by the time she located the recipe, his response remained pending. Yet, Ariana didn't let it occupy her thoughts, swiftly sharing the recipe.

Meanwhile, Holden earnestly attempted to adhere to Ariana's recipe, awkwardly measuring and mingling the ingredients. Soon, with flour and batter streaks adorning his shirt, he ascended the stairs, clutching the uneven cupcake adorned with pink frosting, his eagerness palpable.

In Adele's room, Devin and the doctor stood with a sense of helplessness beside the bed, coaxing the little girl to emerge from her hiding spot underneath.

“Adele, it's very safe out here. Can you come out, please?"

Witnessing this, Holden's heartstrings tightened. Ever since their return from the company event, Adele's emotions had been unpredictable, marked by sporadic outbursts of tears without apparent reasons. The doctor remained unable to pinpoint the cause, yet today,

Adele had retreated beneath the bed, adamantly refusing to reappear.

Recalling the doctor's advice suggesting that Holden's direct comfort might offer solace, he resolved to prepare something dear to her heart.

“Adele, look what Daddy made for you!" Holden's words caressed as he approached her bedside, cradling the slightly skewed pink cupcake adorned with a rabbit's face.

"I know you love bunnies the most."

Although the amateurishly decorated pink cupcake he held bore resemblance to a misshapen rabbit, its essence remained intact.

Adele lay silent and unmoving, ensconced in a fetal curl beneath the bed.

Disheartened, Holden set the small cake on the floor and retreated to the hallway for a consultation with the doctor.

“It appears that something or someone has greatly distressed Adele," the doctor illuminated.

"Her treatment plan needs adjustment, but medication is not the answer for someone so young," the doctor further explained. He then urged, "As I recommended before, the children's charity I suggested previously has achieved remarkable success with cases like this. I truly believe you should take Adele there."