“Were you out on a drinking spree last night? I called, and your voice seemed rather unusual."

On the opposite end, Holden anxiously awaited her response as he composed his message. He understood that divulging his identity could prompt Ariana to withdraw, especially given the link to Sadie.

Furthermore, based on her remarks from the night before, she likely harbored suspicions about his true identity.

Thus, in this tense moment, he stared at his phone screen, grappling with the hope that Ariana would not directly address his true self.

It was a somewhat duplicitous strategy, but it provided a modicum of relief.

Upon receiving the message, Ariana hesitated momentarily and then realized that he was still maintaining the facade of ignorance.

She responded, "Yes, I was out partying with friends last night. I imbibed quite a bit and inadvertently blocked you by mistake. I only noticed today. My apologies."

Both of them instinctively adhered to the unspoken pact. Holden heaved a sigh of relief and they engaged in casual conversation for a while. Soon Sonia finished cooking and called Ariana for lunch, so she terminated the conversation and went to eat.

On the uppermost floor of the BRD Group's headquarters, Holden set his phone aside and sighed with relief. He felt somewhat drained and reclined in his chair.

Devin, bringing coffee, noticed Holden's troubled expression.

Concerned, he inquired, “Is something bothering you, sir?"

Holden rubbed his temples and replied, "It's nothing, just a bit fatigued." He chatted amiably with Devin for a while, but Ariana's face continued to play in his thoughts.

Holden sighed in resignation and asked, puzzled, “Have you ever encountered someone with whom you feel an immediate, profound connection, as if you've known them for an eternity? Someone who can effortlessly sway your emotions and disposition?"

Hearing Holden's words, Devin understood him. His reference to Ariana was as clear as day, and it caused a quiet sigh to escape Devin's inner depths.

But Devin maintained an unwavering facade of composure, choosing his words with precision.

“One can never truly navigate the winding river of human connections." With a cautious demeanor, he ventured further, “Have you, perhaps, encountered a noteworthy individual recently who has stirred your thoughts on this matter?"

Holden didn't try to conceal, merely nodding in response.

"Indeed, I have," he admitted, keeping the enigmatic figure's name secret.

Swiftly shifting gears, Holden asked, "How versed are you in the chronicles of events that transpired half a decade ago?"

Devin's heart danced a hesitant waltz in his chest upon hearing this question.