The response came immediately.

"As a token of gratitude."

Moments later, she added, “Thank you for calling Melon."

Holden's initial reaction wasn't joy, but an inexplicable sense of anxiety. He clenched his phone, fearing Ariana might be distancing herself from him, possibly ending their connection.

For some reason, he began to panic. No, this can't happen.

Holden stared at his phone screen, his mind drifting to the man from the previous night.

Did she find someone new, making him unneeded in her Life?

Suddenly, Holden was consumed by anger, uncertain whether it was aimed at himself or the mysterious man.

His expression darkened, and without delay, he sent the money back.

"Who once said repaying a favor with money is crass?"

Seeing his reply, Ariana recollected her words. He was using her words against her.

A wave of embarrassment washed over her, and she tried to downplay it with a playful emoticon.

He quickly sent another message.

“I'd prefer anything other than money as compensation, please."

Ariana remembered saying something similar while talking about payment, so she was left with no choice but to send an emoticon to show she understood.

Their chat went on, and soon, Holden found a reason to ask, “What have you been doing today?"

Ariana read his message and couldn't resist a chuckle. She mused to herself that he was rather adept at feigning ignorance regarding her activities, even though he sent Shawn to her.

Amused, Ariana responded with a whimsical exaggeration, “Oh, I engaged in bungee jumping in the Arctic."

The Arctic? Bungee jumping? Holden saw these two unrelated words and was somewhat bewildered. Grasping it to be a quip, he replied, “Well, take it easy then."

Ariana responded with a grinning emoji, and they talked about different subjects.