Just as Ariana began to retract her hand, thinking the child would ignore the gesture entirely, Adele unexpectedly reached out and placed a small wrapped candy in Ariana’s palm. Surprised, Ariana looked down at the candy in her hand, her heart melting.

Adele’s bright eyes, gazing up at her, conveyed that the little girl had recognized and accepted her presence.

Ariana longed to embrace Adele warmly, but she restrained herself, mindful of Devin’s watchful presence.

Devin, too, appeared pleasantly shocked by Adele’s swift and open response to Ariana. A swell of hope filled him, suggesting that this new psychologist could truly be a positive, nurturing influence on the reserved young Miss.

Noticing Ariana was perspiring lightly beneath her mask and hat, Devin freshly brewed some cooling chamomile tea and kindly offered it to her.

“Please, remove those stifling things, Miss Edwards. Here, have some chilled tea to refresh yourself.”

With Sadie now absent, Ariana gratefully removed her mask and hat, allowing her face to breathe freely.

there frozen, his normally steady demeanor

she returned

unexpected turn of events. He vaguely recalled that the doctor’s surname was Edwards, and he hadn’t thought much of it at the time. After all, it was a

only had she returned, but she had also appeared by Holden’s side so

have witnessed many grand occasions, so why was he so taken

asked directly, “Is something amiss? Is

flustered and couldn’t conceal

and

wouldn’t have

help but

for Ariana, which was why he had entrusted Devin with the solemn request

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