His anxiety mounting, he attempted to call her, only to hear the phone ringing without an answer.

After several unsuccessful attempts, Holden rose from the couch and started pacing restlessly in front of the window.

He then dialed Devin's number, and Devin promptly answered. "I've been trying to get ahold of Ariana, but she didn't answer her phone. Where are you?"

Devin was alarmed as he replied, "We encountered a problem with a shipment at one of our branches today. It was flagged for inspection, and there were allegations of illegal arms smuggling. I had to rush to the office to handle it, which was why I couldn't accompany Miss Edwards to the banquet. I arranged for our driver to take her instead."

Holden replied and ended the call, attempting to ease his worry by considering the possibility that Ariana was so engrossed in conversation with Mitchel and the others that she didn't use her phone.