Then, Sarah clung onto Ariana's arm and implored, “Don't you know anyone powerful who can help us? We need their assistance."

Sarah's make-up was smudged and she was no longer the glamorous star, but a desperate mother who was longing to find her daughter.

Ariana let out a sigh and gently tried to soothe Sarah.

“Just take it easy. I'll find a solution, don't worry."

Tearfully, Sarah thanked Ariana.

Betsy embraced Sarah, offering comfort through silent pats on the shoulder.

“I'LL be making a call outside. Betsy, keep an eye on her,"Ariana said, locking eyes with Betsy before departing.

She found a quiet corner where she could be alone and, after a brief moment of hesitation, Ariana dialed the number she had memorized by heart.

The phone was finally answered after a few rings.

Theodore's voice came through, a little low and tired.

“what's going on?"

Ariana hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.

“I'm sorry, am I disturbing you?"

There was a brief silence on the other end before Theodore asked in a patient tone, “No, what happened?"

“It's about Sarah, her daughter..." Ariana started to explain but was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a vague female voice from Theodore's side.

“Oh, you're still busy. I thought your assistant would have informed you..." the woman said on the other end, with a hint of surprise in her voice.

Ariana couldn't hear the rest of the sentence clearly, but she was able to distinguish who the woman was speaking.

The distinct, raspy tone could only belong to Jennifer.

Ariana remembered their conversation from earlier in the day Jennifer, who never smoked, had a naturally hoarse voice that was often mistaken for that of a heavy smoker. As a child, Jennifer was teased for her deep voice, but she fought back and eventually became the most powerful student in her school.

With a note of surprise in her voice, Ariana asked Theodore, “Do you know Miss Austin?"