Devin arrived at work with the scheduled agenda and a fresh coffee in his hand, looking as efficient as ever. Seeing Holden's uncharacteristically gloomy and preoccupied mood, he feigned ignorance before asking him in a light tone, "You seem to have a great deal on your mind, sir. Did something happen that I ought to be aware of?"

Holden opened his mouth but paused, tempted at first to ask Devin directly for the full truth of what had transpired five years ago.

But he thought better of it and stopped himself at the last moment.

Glancing down at the detailed itinerary in front of him, he considered for a few seconds before addressing Devin, "I remember we had an energy development project with Ariana that was approved for further growth. Please arrange a face-to-face meeting with her for me over the next few days to discuss the next steps."

"Of course, sir. I'll take care of it straight away," Devin readily agreed with an amused glint dancing in his eyes. “It's been nearly five years since you and Ms. Edwards last met in person. I can only imagine that even old friends can grow apart after so much time being apart."

Holden paused, lifting his gaze to meet Devin's. "Old friends? Did I... meet Ariana before?"

Devin nodded affirmatively. "Yes, indeed. You had a_ brief collaboration with her on a project in the past. Currently, the BRD Group enjoys a long-term partnership with a prominent director named Jayson, introduced originally by Ariana. Additionally, the BRD Group and the Anderson family had some collaborative ventures in the past, even a near acquisition of the Anderson Group's business. You and Ariana crossed paths a few times."

Devin's words furrowed Holden's brow, deepening his confusion.

Continuing, Devin elaborated, “Afterward, Ariana settled in Melcorn and hasn't returned for five years. There has been no sight of her since."

Perplexed, Holden inquired, "Have I met Ariana's husband?"

Devin's smile remained fixed as he replied, "At that time, Theodore held significant influence in the Anderson family. When you sought to acquire the Anderson Group, it was natural to negotiate cooperation with Theodore."

Holden felt increasingly uncomfortable as he tried to take in the information. If he had encountered Ariana and Theodore five years ago, he couldn't possibly be Theodore.

This realization left Holden deeply unsettled.

Reclining in his chair, Holden drew a deep breath, signaling for Devin to leave. He wrestled internally, unwilling to readily accept the idea that he held no connection to Ariana. He felt there had to be an overlooked detail, a missing link yet to be uncovered.

Devin acknowledged Holden's gesture and quietly exited the room.

However, as he turned away, worry etched across his face, replacing the earlier smile. Devin had a foreboding sense that concealing this matter might soon become untenable. Holden persistently sought a connection between himself and Theodore.

Filled with uncertainty, Devin was worried. If the truth were to surface, Holden might bring Ariana back to the Fredrick family. But what fate awaited Adele then?

Although Adele cherished Ariana, Sadie remained Adele's biological mother. The revelation of this truth might cause deep psychological trauma to Adele once exposed. Devin believed Aldus would also oppose such a distressing outcome.

Yet, if Ariana remained unacknowledged, what about Melon? He was undoubtedly Holden's biological child, an integral part of the Fredrick family lineage.

Eventually, a choice would have to be made between Sadie and Ariana, leading to potential hurt for either Adele or Melon.