Mitchel looked in their direction. He smiled at Ariana and asked, “Are you leaving now?"

Ariana nodded. "Yes. It's already late, so I should take Melon back home."

Mitchel nodded in understanding. They chatted for a while before he said, "It's already late. I'll drive you home."

After saying that, he was about to walk out. But Ariana quickly said, "Thank you, but you don't need to do that. There's someone waiting for us outside."

Actually, Ariana didn't want to say Holden was waiting. She felt a bit awkward.

When Mitchel saw Ariana like this, he already guessed who was waiting for them outside. So, he nodded and said, “Okay. But I didn't see his car outside the gate."

“I asked him to park the car near the banyan tree," Ariana explained.

"Okay, I'll walk you there. That part of the road is dark," Mitchel said.

Ariana glanced outside. Indeed, it was dark. So she didn't refuse.

“Thank you."

She held Melon's little hand and walked towards the banyan tree while chatting with Mitchel. Before they knew it, they were already in front of the tree.

Ariana raised her head and saw Holden leaning against the car door.

He played with the lighter, making slight clicking sounds from time to time.

He had quit smoking recently, but he still habitually played with his lighter.

Holden heard voices, so he raised his head. And when he saw Ariana and Mitchel walking toward him together, a trace of displeasure flashed through his eyes. But it was only fleeting. He quickly adjusted his expression, walked up to them, and gently pulled Ariana to his side. He looked at Mitchel, smiled politely, and said, “Thank you, Dr. Chadwick."

As he spoke, he held Ariana's hand and looked at her affectionately.

It was as if he was telling Mitchel that Ariana was his.

Mitchel remained calm. “It's okay. I just did what I should do."

Then, he looked at Ariana and said, “Be careful on your way back."

He was about to turn around when he suddenly remembered something.