Meanwhile, Sadie observed this exchange, her face turning pale.

She had resided in the bosom of the Fredrick family for over a year yet had not met Zayden. His existence was familiar to her, for he was none other than Holden's kin, and his face was on photographs she had seen on occasion.

Yet, the outside world harbored whispers of a strained rapport between Zayden and Holden, leaving Sadie uncertain.

She remained unsure about the extent of Zayden's knowledge regarding the events of five years past.

As Zayden exchanged pleasantries with Ariana, his gaze drifted toward Sadie, and with a friendly demeanor, he uttered, “Hello, Sadie."

Sadie swiftly snapped back to reality, hiding her disquietude as she reciprocated with a smile.

"It's been quite a minute, Zayden."

Zayden's smile took on an enigmatic quality as he responded, "I believe this marks our first encounter."

Sadie responded with a nervous chuckle but listened intently as Zayden continued, "Nevertheless, I sense an immediate connection."

Those words momentarily quickened Sadie's heartbeat, but she swiftly regained her composure, steering the conversation toward safer shores.

They exchanged pleasantries before proceeding with the film's inaugural ceremony.

Following the ceremony's conclusion, Zayden invited Sadie to accompany him to a nearby cafe, which she accepted readily.

On the way there, unease gnawed at Sadie, but she maintained her poise and tact. She endeavored to gauge Zayden's attitude regarding Holden while asking, “It's been quite a while since you've graced Eleymond with your presence, cousin. What has brought you here so abruptly? Has Holden been apprised of your arrival?"

Zayden's smile retained a hint of enigma as he responded, "I've been gone for a while, so I deemed it appropriate to catch up with Holden over a meal."

Sadie's disquiet persisted, and she continued to employ subtle probes to glean more information from Zayden. However, he remained evasive, upholding a courteous yet distant facade.

Reaching the cafe, they engaged in casual conversation, but Sadie sensed that she was not extracting any substantive information from him. She contemplated relinquishing her inquiries but opted to broach a different subject, smiling as she broached the topic of her impending wedding.

"By the way, Holden and I are set to exchange vows next month. You must come!"

Upon hearing this, Zayden regarded her with a knowing smile and replied cryptically, "I shall certainly be in attendance. Fortunately, your wedding is drawing quite near. Otherwise, the wedding's leading roles may have to be changed."

Those words caused Sadie's heart to skip a beat, but she forced a smile and inquired, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Zayden abandoned the art of subtlety and stripped away the masquerade.