A mix of emotions washed over him: happiness at the possibility that Ariana might be instrumental in helping Adele, and curiosity about what drew the child to Ariana so intensely.

Recollection struck. Ariana was a child psychologist. However, he hadn't been made aware of this earlier. He turned to Shawn, seeking answers.

"Didn't the background check reveal Ariana's occupation as a psychologist?"

Shawn responded promptly, "She used an alias during her tenure at the institution. Our probe emphasized the institute and her professional history, not her personal details."

Nodding, Holden absorbed this information silently.