"For two whole days and nights," Dr. Larson replied between mouthfuls.

"I got engrossed in challenging research. It's formidable, but once it's conquered, it'll be groundbreaking. I'm committed to mastering it."

Ariana listened to his ongoing talk, noticing that he appeared to be handling the project independently, without any support staff.

Puzzled, she felt he warranted assistance, considering his role as the director and the hospital's evident achievements.

Aware of his peculiar temperament, she cautiously inquired, “What about your son? Initially, he handled your accounts. Why not let him help you with this? Also, with the hospital's staff, you can find an assistant to take care of you."

Dr. Larson dismissed the idea, saying, "The staff here are on my payroll, but that doesn't include feeding me three times daily. As for assistants, I've found none suitable; I've even deterred several, and there have been no applicants Lately."

Openly discussing the matter with Ariana, he admitted, “My son and I had a disagreement over minor data, and he went abroad in a huff. Youngsters these days crave independence."

Upon hearing that, Ariana was momentarily at a loss for words.

After staying until he finished his meal, Ariana assisted with tidying up, took multiple trash bags out, and refrained from probing into any matters regarding Sadie.

While she was disposing of the garbage, her phone rang; it was Holden calling.

“Where are you now?" Holden asked.

“I'm at the cosmetic hospital. What's up?" Ariana replied.

“Do you have a moment? I'll come to get you, and we can go to Anderson Mansion together," Holden said.

“Anderson Mansion?" Ariana was surprised. "Wasn't it sold at an auction?"

Holden chuckled over the phone. "Yeah, but it was actually my grandfather who bought it. Devin held onto the keys for a while and then handed them over to me. I've got some spare time today, so I figured I would drop by to see if there's anything that could bring back my lost memories.”

Ariana paused, pondering over her mixed feelings about the Anderson mansion. She knew Holden's memories of the place were far from joyful.

Nevertheless, she quickly responded, “Alright, come pick me up. I'll send you the address."

It was ultimately Holden's decision. Ariana felt she shouldn't stop him from uncovering the truth like Aldus. Besides, Holden was eager to remember everything, and she felt it was her role to support him.

About twenty minutes after ending the call, Holden showed up.

He and Ariana went together to the Anderson mansion. As Ariana got out of the car and gazed at the worn-down building, she was swept by a wave of nostalgia associated with a hint of sorrow.