She quickly read the details, shared them in the group chat for everyone's thoughts, and then called Holden.

"Holden, are you done with work?" Ariana asked, smiling.

"Yeah. What's up? Miss me?" Holden's grin was evident. Ariana could imagine his smug expression just from the tone of his voice.

"Yeah, I miss you." Ariana let out a resigned sigh before saying, "I'll pick up the kids for lunch."

"You'll have lunch only with the kids, not with me?" Holden inquired.

“Of course, you're included," Ariana replied. “Are you at the office now?"

Pleased with her response, Holden said, "The kids and I are at the dessert shop across from the office. You can come here."

"Okay." After hanging up, Ariana drove to the BRD Group's parking lot and parked her car. She needed to cross the street to go to the dessert shop.

Holden had been waiting for Ariana eagerly, looking through the dessert shop window. He saw her when she appeared across the street and quickly went out to pick her up.

However, as the green light signaled Ariana to cross, a black car suddenly veered towards her.

At the critical moment, just before Ariana could respond, Holden shoved her aside. The black car surged ahead, crashing into the telephone pole directly ahead of them.

Upon regaining his composure, Holden discovered his forehead soaked in cold sweat and his limbs tingling with numbness. He counted himself lucky to have gotten out to pick up Ariana, unable to fathom the potential consequences otherwise.

He then hurriedly checked on Ariana's well-being, momentarily faltering in his steps.

Assured of Ariana's safety, he embraced her for a while.

Shawn had rushed to the scene and pulled the driver out of the black car.

The driver trembled uncontrollably, his expression blank, and his body appeared emaciated. It was clear that he struggled with substance abuse, evident from his involuntary giggling.

With a determined look, Holden held Ariana protectively and directed Shawn to call the police without delay. He then guided Ariana to the children.

Ariana quipped with a wry smile, "Seems luck's not on my side lately. Maybe I should go back and read my horoscope."

Despite Ariana's casual demeanor, Holden remained deeply shaken.

Fear raced through his heart, and a profound unease settled upon him.