Sadie's eyes widened. "Dead? He's really dead?"

That was when Holden's eyes locked onto hers. "I killed him," he said, with no hint of remorse. Sadie felt a chill creep up her spine.

Holden's intense gaze made her feel exposed.

Sadie forced a nervous smile. "I... I won't tell anyone," she stammered.

Holden's lip curled into a sneer. “Before he died, he told me something. That baby you're carrying? It's his."

Sadie was left speechless, her mind spinning.

Why would Zayden tell Holden that? She blamed Zayden in her heart.

She had always insisted the baby was Holden's, no matter how many lies it took.

Even when Holden had got hold of her phone conversation with Zayden, she had told Holden that she had said that because Zayden had forced her to.

But Zayden had confessed it before dying? This could ruin everything.

Panicking, Sadie blurted out, “He was lying! I just told him that to throw him off. He didn't really know who the father was. Holden, I've always been loyal to you."

Tears started welling up in her eyes as she continued, “How could it be Zayden's child? I know I messed up before, but it was because you were ignoring me and I was desperate for your attention, Holden. I..."

Holden cut her off, his voice icy and tired.

“Enough. He shook his head with disappointment. “Helen, it's been quite the performance these last five years."

Sadie was knocked sideways when she heard that name. It felt like a grenade had exploded in her mind, leaving her ears ringing from the impact.

How could this be happening?

Why would Holden say that name to her so firmly?

Sadie tried to fake a laugh, and her words stumbled out, "What's with the sudden mention of that name?"

Holden shot her a cold look, not saying a word, which only cranked up her anxiety. Sadie quickly added, “You can't just say that since Ariana's gone..."

She couldn't even finish her thought, her words turning into gibberish. "Holden, are you still okay? Look at me, it's Sadie. You're not mistaking me for someone else, are you?"