"I only told her the light was broken, but she insisted on going in. I promise I don't know who locked the door!"

Shawn, having already seen the evidence on security footage, remained stoic, waiting for Holden's verdict.

The maid's eyes darted around nervously, regretful of her oversight.

She had mistakenly assumed Holden, often absent from the estate, wouldn't get involved.

Previous psychologists had been short-term visitors, and she had believed Ariana would follow suit, hence her harmless trick to deter Ariana.

She hadn't imagined the severe consequences of her prank. She regretfully looked at Ariana's still form on the bed.

At the time, she thought the worst-case scenario would be a slight penalty on her paycheck, especially given the rewards she hoped to receive from Sadie.

However, Holden's chilling stare silenced her explanations.

"Effective immediately, you are dismissed. You have one hour to leave."

Begging desperately, she cried, "Please, I meant no harm!" But the bodyguards swiftly ushered her out.

With her departure, Holden pressed his fingers to his temples, taking a deep breath to steady himself amidst the emotional tumult.

Suddenly, Shawn's voice broke the silence.

"Adele?"

Holden looked up to see Adele hesitantly standing at the doorway. His countenance warmed immediately.

"Did the commotion bother you?" he inquired gently.

However, Adele's attention was solely on Ariana. Without a word, she climbed the bed, snuggling close to Ariana, seeking solace in her presence.

Holden observed Adele with puzzlement, perplexed by her sudden attachment to Ariana.

Approaching her, he tried to lift Adele gently, but the child clung fiercely to Ariana. Each time he reached out, Adele evaded him, clearly not wanting to be parted from Ariana.

Silently, Adele nestled her head against Ariana's side, wrapping herself up close to the unconscious woman.

Such behavior was unprecedented for Adele. During his time with her, Holden had never seen her form such an immediate bond.