These behaviors were merely the tip of the iceberg, concealing deeper and more unpredictable emotions beneath like a submerged iceberg lurking beneath the ocean's surface.

It was a far graver situation than Ariana had ever envisaged.

She couldn't help but sympathize with the young girl before her.

Moreover, her pathological deductions led her to conclude that Adele's condition was not congenital autism but rather an acquired affliction.

Ariana clutched Adele's artwork, feeling an inexplicable surge of anger.

She had always abided by the ethical tenets of a physician, ensuring that her emotions did not taint her treatment or judgment of a patient's family. Nevertheless, Adele's plight stirred an indescribable fury within her.

She struggled to imagine what traumatic ordeal had befallen such a tender soul to bring about this state.

Ariana inhaled deeply to quell her emotions.

From what Jessie had shared, it was evident that Holden had gone to great lengths to seek treatment for Adele, trying myriad methods. He apparently cared deeply for her and would never harm her intentionally.

Ariana tentatively initiated contact with Adele. Noticing Adele's lack of resistance, she gently caressed her head and commenced interactive games and storytelling to exercise basic reasoning.

After about half an hour, Ariana paused to allow Adele a respite.

The household staff also brought some refreshments.

Adele's eyes locked onto the snacks the moment they came. Her full attention was now drawn to the delectables, and she eagerly seized them, launching into a spirited feast.

Ariana silently handed her a cup of tea and wiped her mouth, sitting beside her while drifting into contemplation.

She couldn't help but recall the voice she had overheard near the study earlier.

The voice felt eerily familiar, and there couldn't be so many strikingly similar voices around, could there? If the person in that room turned out not to be Holden but the affluent online admirer, did it imply that this online admirer had some connection to the Fredrick family?

Ariana was speculating but couldn't assert with certainty, so she resolved to inquire directly. She got her phone and went to the social media account of that online friend, opening the chat window.

However, a sense of unease crept over her as she did so.

The profile picture of this wealthy friend's account was a young girl who, strangely enough, bore a striking resemblance to Adele!

Ariana found it hard to believe, but she zoomed in on the profile picture for a closer look.