Sarah showed interest but declined due to her pregnancy.

The others felt they lacked the skills to participate.

They were now two players short of a complete team.

Ariana asked, “Does anyone have friends who might want to join?"

“Wait a minute, I'll ask my friend," Tyler responded. Shortly after, he added, "Cole's in."

They now needed just one more player. While they worked to fill the team, Holden called Ariana back via video, grinning. “What are you up to?" he asked.

Ariana glanced at Holden in the video, typing rapidly while scanning the group chat to find another member to join the team. She inquired casually, “Is everything alright on your side? What about Sadie?"

"I had to soothe Adele just now; she was crying. I managed to get her back to sleep," Holden explained, tactfully avoiding any reference to Sadie.

He sent Ariana a picture of Adele, peacefully asleep, with her eyelashes slightly damp and a chubby, soft cheek that seemed to beg for a kiss.

Instantly, the picture melted Ariana's heart and eased her annoyance.

Smiling at Adele's picture, Ariana noticed a message in the group chat and said, "Sorry, got to go; I'm really busy now."

Holden quickly asked, “What's keeping you occupied this late?"

Ariana responded nonchalantly, “Just work-related matters."

"Really? Mind if I take a peek at what you're doing?" Holden said.

Ariana glanced at him and brushed off the suggestion, remarking, "It's probably best if you don't know. It might just cause unnecessary concern."

Holden was briefly at a loss for words, but he persisted. “Come on, let me take a peek. Maybe I can be of assistance."

Eventually, Ariana relented and sent him the promotional page for the gaming event.

Confused, Holden questioned, "This is your ‘work'? Are you considering delving into esports?"

Ariana explained, "I'm just looking to unwind with some gaming, so I thought I'd give the preliminaries a shot."

"Count me in," Holden immediately replied.