Devin nodded in agreement. But then, he asked, “What if they're not targeting Miss Edwards but rather you, sir?"

Holden smiled subtly and responded, “If I'm their target, they won't succeed. Our priority is Ariana's safety."

“Yes, sir," Devin replied.

Upstairs, following Melon's bath and Ariana's own relaxing bath, Melon eagerly brought his phone over to Ariana, exclaiming, "Mommy, Rodney's on the line."

Ariana promptly answered the call. After initial greetings, Rodney asked, "Are you and Melon available the day after tomorrow? We're organizing a farm dinner. It's harvest season, and I've invited many guests for a celebration."

“Sure, we'll attend," Ariana replied before passing the phone to Melon.

Melon was ecstatic, conversing joyfully with Rodney about recent kindergarten activities. Rodney was pleased with the update. After a while, the call ended.

Just then, Holden entered the room and inquired, "Who was Melon talking to? He sounded quite cheerful.”

Ariana said, “Rodney invited us to a farm dinner the day after tomorrow. Would you like to accompany us?”

“The day after tomorrow?" Holden muttered as he sat down next to Ariana. He took a moment to think, then shook his head. "I can't. I've got to go to Mistlyn to deal with some tasks."

"Okay," Ariana replied, drying her wet hair with a towel. She hadn't expected him to be free anyway.

Holden took the towel from her and started drying her hair for her.

He suggested, "Maybe you should let Devin drive you around from now on."

“Why? I can drive myself," Ariana said, confused.

"It's safer with Devin," Holden said in a way that didn't leave room for debate.

"No, thanks," Ariana said, even though she sensed his insistence.

"Isn't the bodyguards enough? We don't need Devin to do the extra work here.”

"That's not enough," Holden replied firmly. "You almost got hit by a car today. I won't feel relieved unless Devin's with you."

Ariana sighed, nudged her nose against Holden's, and said, "I'm fine."

But the worry in his eyes made her reconsider. “Okay, okay. We'll do it your way," she conceded.