Ariana responded with a touch of pragmatism.

"Celebrities tweaking their features is nothing new. You know how the entertainment world works."

Sonia replied, “Then why can't I spot any signs of work on Sadie?

And for someone as big as her to sneak into that back-alley clinic?

It doesn't add up."

“She might've been after the secrecy," Ariana responded.

“Private places tend to be more tight-lipped."

Despite Ariana's reservations about Sadie, she wasn't keen on making a fuss about a seemingly trivial detail. So what if Sadie went to a discreet cosmetic surgeon?

The duo batted ideas back and forth but ended up at a dead end.

"There's something strange with Sadie," Sonia declared.

"I won't rest until I find out what's going on."

After telling Sonia to be careful with her investigation, Ariana turned her attention to dinner preparations.

She spent most of the day looking after the kids until Shawn dropped by in the evening to fetch Adele.

Adele, gripping Ariana's hand, looked like she was about to cry.

“No, no," she murmured.

The pang in Ariana's chest was palpable. She wished she could keep Adele longer, but it was important for Adele to go back before Sadie got suspicious.

With Sadie, there was no predicting her next move.

Even if it tore at her, Ariana knew she had to let Shawn take Adele away.

Melon hovered near Ariana, disappointment in his eyes as he watched Adele depart. He had quietly hoped that maybe Adele could be his little sister.

Ariana felt a pang in her heart as she watched Adele recede in the distance. The young girl stirred emotions within her, reminiscent of the daughter she had tragically lost too early.