It was truly puzzling. Ariana wondered why she needed to meet Holden before commencing the
diagnosis. Did she have to see him first to treat Adele’s ailment?
At this point, Devin realized that he had spoken too hastily and was anxious about the possibility of an
encounter between Holden and Ariana. However, he swiftly regained his composure and explained,
“It’s just that previous therapists who came here were accompanied by Mr. Fredrick.”
“But didn’t we schedule a specific time?” Ariana furrowed her brows subtly. At this juncture, sending her
away would mean that her trip had been in vain.
Devin knew that insisting on her departure at this moment would only raise suspicion, so he didn’t
press the matter further. Instead, he expressed a mild apology.
“Yes, the diagnosis can commence at any time. My previous suggestion was merely a personal
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtopinion. Miss Edwards, please accept my apologies.”
Ariana didn’t pursue the matter further and turned her attention back to Adele.
Devin breathed a sigh of relief, hoping fervently that Holden would be too preoccupied to meet her
today.
After offering a brief word of comfort to Adele, Ariana turned to Devin and stated, “We can proceed
now.”
Devin nodded and arranged for paper and pens. Ariana placed a pen in Adele’s hand and smiled
warmly.
“Adele, let’s start drawing something.”
Adele obediently began doodling on the paper while Devin lingered nearby, his anxiety mounting.
Just then, his phone rang, and Devin answered it. He listened for a moment before his expression
shifted slightly. He asked sternly, “You couldn’t handle it?”
Unaware of the other person’s response, Devin glanced at the two figures engrossed in their drawings
and added, “I’m occupied at the moment and can’t leave.”
The urgent voice on the other end persisted, and Devin let out a quiet sigh before saying, “I
understand.”
He then hung up the phone.
He adjusted his demeanor briefly, exchanged a few words with Ariana, and then left.
In the living room, only Adele and Ariana remained. Suddenly, Adele set down her pen and hurriedly
dashed upstairs.
“Adele?” Ariana called out, but Adele didn’t turn back. Her tiny legs propelled her rapidly up the stairs,
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmand Ariana followed closely.
They reached the third floor, passing by a partially open door, and Ariana caught the sound of voices
emanating from inside.
Among them, one voice struck her as strangely familiar, a voice she had heard frequently in phone
calls over the past few days.
Ariana was taken aback. She could discern that this voice was distinct from the others, neither distorted
nor artificial. Yet, this was the Fredrick’s residence, and there should be no one else present.
Could it be.. Holden?
However, it didn’t add up. Ariana recollected that Holden’s voice from five years ago didn’t sound like
this.
She believed she might have misheard, so she moved closer and strained her ears to listen attentively.