As her words lingered in the air, a familiar voice echoed from behind.

"Mother."

Catalina's gaze shifted to her son, whom she hadn't set eyes on in months. By his side stood an elegantly beautiful woman.

Initially, Catalina felt a surge of relief, thinking her son might have finally decided to settle down.

But upon closer inspection, recognition dawned.

The woman was none other than the very patient who had crossed paths with Mitchel five years earlier during his medical practice.

A torrent of mixed emotions coursed through Catalina.

She was no stranger to the tumultuous past between Ariana and the Anderson Lineage. Though she had remained silent about it all these years, deep inside, she had wished that Mitchel would distance himself from Ariana.

However, she didn't let her personal sentiments overshadow her etiquette.

“Mrs. Chadwick, it's a pleasure," Ariana greeted warmly.

Catalina managed a subdued smile, her tone noticeably cool.

“Hello.”

It was then that Melon piped up, “Hello, Mrs. Chadwick."

His voice was endearingly sweet, and he even complimented Catalina on her elegant dress, his words dripping with genuine admiration.

It wasn't until this moment that Catalina noticed the young boy by Ariana's side. His charming aura immediately endeared him to her.

The longing to embrace a grandchild of her own intensified at the sight of Melon. But she held back, choosing to remain poised. She nodded in acknowledgment to Melon and refocused on Mitchel.

Feeling the undercurrents of the impending family dialogue, Ariana discreetly excused herself, claiming she'd take Melon for a walk, and drifted away.

With Ariana gone, Catalina's countenance turned more stern.

“What's this all about? Are you looking to be a stepfather now?"

Mitchel, unfazed, replied, "Isn't Melon a delight?"