Acknowledging this, Shawn voiced his main apprehension.

"But there's Miss Pierre. Their previous encounters were far from amicable.

Another confrontation could distress Adele."

Mulling over Sadie's potential to cause upheaval, Holden rubbed his temples. He looked at Adele's peaceful countenance and softly brushed her hair back.

Turning to Shawn, determination clear in his eyes, he said, “Adele's well-being is paramount. Ensure Ariana and Sadie don't cross paths.

During my absence, extend full cooperation to Ariana concerning therapy."

Holden meticulously listed out instructions, emphasizing Adele's daily habits and routines. His care for every nuance regarding Adele was evident.

After passing on his directives to Shawn, he departed with Devin.

Shawn stayed behind, vigilantly watching over Adele and anticipating Ariana's return to consciousness. In between, he mulled over the responsibilities Holden entrusted to him.

As he paced the room, a particular challenge preoccupied his thoughts:

Miss Pierre's frequent visits. Even in Mr. Fredrick's absence, she seemed to always be around. With Ariana in the picture, the likelihood of their paths crossing was high.

An inspired solution suddenly dawned on Shawn.

Knowing Miss Pierre's penchant for basking in the limelight, he realized that even as Mr. Fredrick's fiancée, she wouldn't pass up opportunities to stay in the public eye.

Why not immerse her in engagements, ensuring she remained too preoccupied to visit Holden's residence?

Confident in this approach, Shawn quickly set his plan into motion.

Some hours later, Ariana began to stir.

The room's brightness momentarily blinded her as she blinked awake.

She squinted, trying to adjust to the light, making out the silhouette of a suited man beside her.

The fragments of her earlier vision flashed through her mind, sending her heart racing.

With heightened alertness, she strained her eyes to identify the figure.