The two friends engaged in light conversation as Ariana wrapped up the cooking.

With Sonia on vacation and the kids growing quite fond of her, she insisted on spending the night to help take care of them.

“You go ahead. You have plenty of work to do. I'll make sure the kids have a great time!" Sonia playfully winked and added, "You can shower me with gratitude for my generous offer later."

Ariana chuckled. She was fully aware that Sonia's true intention was to have fun with the children, but she graciously accepted.

"Sure, consider yourself greatly thanked in advance!"

After the meal, Ariana settled into her home office to tackle her work while Sonia engaged with the kids. She led them in imaginative games and goofy dances until Adele began to show signs of sleepiness.

Sonia checked the time and decided it was time for the children's baths.

Adele showed no resistance as Sonia bathed her, quietly following the bedtime routine.

As Sonia gently bathed her, she noticed a small red mark between Adele's shoulder blades. She worried that their play might have caused an injury. She softly prodded the spot and asked, “Does this hurt?"

Adele, captivated by her rubber duck, didn't reply. Sonia closely examined the mark and, finding no reaction, concluded it was likely a normal birthmark. Relieved, she left it alone and finished Adele's bath.

After their baths, the two children eagerly joined the adults for playtime on the bed. The games were uncomplicated, but Ariana and Sonia played with great excitement, bringing joy to Melon and occasionally making Adele smile. She appeared pleased.

Following the bedtime stories and lullabies, Sonia tucked the drowsy children into bed. However, Ariana lay awake for a while, staring at the ceiling as troubling thoughts kept her from sleeping.

What link could Holden have to that online wealthy friend? Could they be the same person? She mulled over the clues but couldn't quite piece them together.

Restless in bed, Ariana was hit by a thought. The video platform she used might be able to trace IP addresses.

Ariana instantly logged in to check the IP address of the account that had rewarded her.

As expected, the address was listed at the bottom of the homepage.

It was in Eleymond.

This discovery, along with recent events, led Ariana to believe that the online wealthy friend was indeed Holden. Still, she knew she needed to find a way to confirm it further.

Ariana set her phone aside, but her mind kept on racing.

She couldn't understand why Holden's voice now resembled Theodore's, even though it was entirely different just five years ago.