He leaned back, raised his hands, and said, "Ariana."

In an instant, Sadie got it. Indeed, Zayden knew a thing or two about events from half a decade ago!

Her heart danced a nervous jig, unconsciously squeezing her hands like a vice. But she maintained her facade of ignorance and asked, “What's the connection between Ariana and my union with Holden?"

However, Zayden's grin remained, his eyes fixed on her with an intelligent glint as he uttered slowly, "Your enchanting love story with Holden has become a fireside tale in the entire Fredrick clan.

After an odyssey of years fraught with twists and turns, they all claim that my cousin has at last chosen to wed the woman who held his heart five years ago."

He leaned forward slightly, his index finger doing a gentle tap-dance on the tabletop.

"But in the final analysis, you alone discern the cadence of your own heart."

Sadie's heart raced, and her palms got sweaty, Leaving their marks on her attire. She maintained her silence, her complexion betraying her inner turmoil.

What exactly did Zayden know? What were his intentions? Whose side was he on? Sadie's gut told her something for certain; this man was a ticking time bomb!

Her face grew pallid, and she abruptly rose from her seat, declaring, “I'm afraid I must attend to something urgent. I shall take my leave."

Before she could exit, Zayden's men blocked her path.

Zayden nonchalantly stood up, unhurried, and placed a reassuring hand on Sadie's shoulder, gently guiding her back into her seat. He wore a smile that held secrets, saying, "Why the rush, Sadie? My visits to Eleymond are rare, and this meeting ought to be a precious occasion. And since you aspire to be part of the Fredrick family, why don't we prolong our conversation?"

Unaware of when Zayden's accomplices had discreetly come, Sadie grew increasingly anxious and flustered.

Zayden patted her shoulder with a touch of tenderness, leaning in closer as he remarked, "Calm yourself. You're fortunate, you know.

Few are privy to the intricacies of Holden's past. Most have either been transferred or met their untimely demise."

With a teasing tone, he shifted the conversation, locking eyes with Sadie.

"But, my dear, your dreams could be in danger. After all, Ariana has made her return. Do you truly believe she'll never cross paths with Holden again in this lifetime?"

Sadie clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and summoned a forced smile.

"Even if she does, what of it? I'm the one who stands beside him now, and I've earned my place!"

"Your place?" Zayden sneered, arching an eyebrow.