“That won't happen. The police are the good guys; they protect us,"

Melon assured, making a silly face and sticking out his tongue before bounding off to explore the realms of a picture book, content in his own world.

Ariana, left helplessly shaking her head, turned her attention to her computer, ready to immerse herself in work.

During the period of Ariana's convalescence, the kindergarten had also announced a delay in the commencement of classes. However, time raced by swiftly, and it was now the eve of Melon's inaugural day at kindergarten, with Ariana's injuries well on their way to healing.

Ariana decided to celebrate Melon's impending kindergarten journey.

She extended invitations to a gathering of friends at their villa, Sonia and Sarah among them. As the day unfolded, they congregated, enveloping Melon in a shower of affection.

Melon, overflowing with delight, frolicked with Sonia and their companions, his arms cradling a bounty of gifts.

The joy radiating from these cherished friends filled him with profound happiness. Surrounded by people who adored him, Melon basked in contentment, yet a subtle sense of longing lingered.

After a while of playing, while the adults engaged in conversation downstairs, Melon seized a moment to sneak upstairs in search of his smartwatch.

Today was a day of unbridled joy, and he yearned to share it with his dad.

With nimble fingers, Melon dialed his father's number, yet the call remained unanswered, concluding with an automatic disconnect.

Perplexed, he couldn't help but wonder.

His father had always been prompt in answering his calls before; why this silence now? Was he busy?

Following a period of internal deliberation and hesitation, Melon decided to make one more attempt.

Holden, deeply engrossed in his video conference, failed to notice his phone lighting up repeatedly.

Entering the room with a glass of juice in hand, Sadie paused, her gaze shifting between the drink and Holden. Her heart raced, and a nervous sweat tingled her palms.

Zayden had given her the contents mixed in the juice. Even though he had sworn it would be undetectable in any liquid, a nagging doubt kept Sadie on edge; what if Holden sensed something off?

Taking a steadying breath, she set the glass down next to Holden, her movements deliberate and gentle.

Walking over, Sadie spotted the incessant blinking of Holden's phone.

She noticed that Holden remained completely unaware.