“Okay, I'll bring Adele with me for tonight.

Please reach out when it's time to return her."

Shawn gave a nod of affirmation. Ariana leaned down to scoop Adele into her embrace, and the child snuggled contentedly against her.

Upon arriving at Ariana's residence, before Ariana could even announce her arrival, she heard the familiar voice of her son.

"Mommy, is that you?"

The door swung open to unveil Melon's radiant face. His eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of Adele, whom Ariana gently set down.

Eagerly, Melon took Adele's hand, thrilled about his new companion.

Curious about the noise, Sonia emerged from the kitchen, her eyes widening in surprise upon seeing Adele in the living room.

“My word, how did she end up here? Has something happened with Sadie?"

Ariana chuckled softly as she closed the door behind her, watching Melon excitedly introduce Adele to his favorite toys.

"No, Sadie didn't abandon her," she began, gently guiding Sonia away from the children's excited chatter.

"Remember the child therapy client I mentioned? That's her. Adele didn't want to leave after our session today, so it was decided she'd stay with us temporarily."

As Ariana relayed the day's events, Sonia's face softened with compassion.

“Such a young child, surrounded by luxury, yet facing so much." She moved closer to the couch, lightly patting Adele's head, feeling an unexpected surge of warmth towards the girl.

Suddenly, the aroma of something burning wafted into the room.

“Sonia, did you forget something on the stove?"

Sonia gasped, smacking her forehead in realization.

“Oh no, my stew!"

She dashed back into the hazy kitchen.

With a playful roll of her eyes, Ariana removed her jacket, teasing, “Trust the Culinary Catastrophe to torch my supplies.”