But every time she wanted to do so, an inner voice reminded her, "Melon said that Holden has a striking resemblance to Theodore. And there is an uncanny similarity in their voices. Does it suggest that Theodore might still be alive? Isn't the idea of meeting this look-alike worth considering, even if only as a substitute?"

Ariana grappled with a dual tug within her, one fueled by moral condemnation, urging her to distance herself from Holden, and the other, driven by her personal desires, tempting her to remain close to him.

Ariana had wrestled with her thoughts for a long time, but it appeared she had finally made a decision.

Although she found her own thoughts somewhat absurd, she was resolute about meeting Holden. She believed seeing him would bring her peace of mind.

In her determination, Ariana reached out to Shawn directly, asking about the partnership proposal and when she could arrange to meet Holden.