Sonia, always quick with a comeback, dominated the argument. Maxwell, recently returned from abroad and struggling with the local language, found himself at a loss for words, his face reddening with frustration.

Seeing his defeat, Sonia couldn't help but smirk with triumph. She raised her fist in a victorious gesture, grabbed her bag, and left work right on time, leaving Maxwell stewing in his annoyance.

On her way to pick up Melon from kindergarten, Sonia hummed cheerfully, amused by Maxwell's irritation.

After collecting Melon, she realized she needed some household items for Melon and decided to swing by Ariana's place.

But as she and Melon entered the villa, they stopped short. Someone was already there. It took Sonia a moment to recognize it was Holden.

Melon's face lit up at the sight of Holden. He rushed over to greet him.

“Why are you here?" Sonia asked.

As he rubbed Melon's head, Holden replied, "I couldn't reach Ariana, so I came here to find her. Where is she?"

Sonia realized Ariana hadn't mentioned to Holden that she had joined a love-variety show. She knew Ariana feared Holden might oppose the idea, but Ariana had promised her friend Marge that she would go.

Nervously, Sonia stammered, “Well, she's caught up with her work, I guess. She might be on a show or something. She won't be back until tomorrow afternoon. She's probably too busy to answer her phone now."

"On a show? But isn't she an agent? She doesn't need to stay on site all the time, right?" Holden asked.

Sonia flinched, unwilling to say more. "I'm not sure. Maybe you'll find out when she returns."

Meanwhile, Melon clung to Holden, wrapping his arms around Holden's thighs. "Did you come just for Mommy? Won't you play with me?"

Holden smiled and lifted Melon up.

Sonia watched them, their bond so natural and warm. She mused to herself that if she let Melon stay with Holden, she wouldn't have to take care of Melon.

Yet, understanding Ariana's concerns, Sonia never told Melon that Holden was his father. She caressed Melon's head and asked, "Who do you want to play with, Melon? Holden or me?"

Melon glanced at Sonia, then back at Holden, his face a picture of hesitation.

It was tough to choose. He wanted both of them. But he could see Sonia anytime, but not Holden.

After a brief pause, Melon nestled against Holden's chest and looked at Sonia. "I don't know when Mr. Fredrick will come see me again, so I want to play with him today."

Sonia thought it would be beneficial for them to strengthen their father-son relationship.