With clenched teeth, Ariana mentally tallied up Holden's misdeeds.

The more she dwelled on it, the angrier she became.

She was on the verge of stepping out when she paused, retracting her foot.

She figured it might be less awkward to stay hidden and become a meal for mosquitoes than to confront Holden.

So, she decided to embrace her situation, all the while hoping Holden would make his exit soon.

Eventually, she watched Randell leave in his car.

Ariana checked the time and eyed the villa's windows, which were still glowing with light. She grew restless, wondering why Holden wouldn't leave. Was he considering spending the night at her place?

Ariana grunted in frustration, eyeing her phone's dwindling battery.

She shook her head, pondering if Holden would continue to stay in her home. If so, she would have to crash at Sonia's place tonight.

While Ariana was weighing her next move, she secretly wished for Holden to leave immediately.

Right then, her phone buzzed with a new message, and it was from Holden.

“Where are you?"

Ariana pondered for a beat before deciding not to reply to Holden's text.

Yet, Holden's messages kept flooding in, one after another. They numbered more than ten in total.

“Have you had dinner? Should I send over some food?"

“The night's turned chilly. Did you remember to grab a jacket?"

“That wound on your forehead hasn't healed yet. You really ought to take it easy and rest."

Each message dripped with his concern for her. Ariana watched as her screen continued to illuminate with his words, unable to suppress a smile.

Though she had intended to keep up the silent treatment, Holden's messages were hard to ignore. So, she finally typed a response. “I'm burning the midnight oil. What's up?"

As her message got sent, she swatted away a pesky mosquito on her leg. Almost instantly, Holden replied, “It's getting late. You should head home now."