“Of course, sir. I’ll take care of it straight away,” Devin readily agreed with an amused glint dancing in his eyes.
“It’s been nearly five years since you and Ms. Edwards last met in person. I can only imagine that even old friends can grow apart after so much time being apart.”
Holden paused, lifting his gaze to meet Devin’s.
“Old friends? Did I… meet Ariana before?”
Devin nodded affirmatively.
“Yes, indeed. You had a_ brief collaboration with her on a project in the past. Currently, the BRD Group enjoys a long-term partnership with a prominent director named Jayson, introduced originally by Ariana. Additionally, the BRD Group and the Anderson family had some collaborative ventures in the past, even a near acquisition of the Anderson Group’s business. You and Ariana crossed paths a few times.”
Devin’s words furrowed Holden’s brow, deepening his confusion.
Continuing, Devin elaborated, “Afterward, Ariana settled in Melcorn and hasn’t returned for five years. There has been no sight of her since.”
Perplexed, Holden inquired, “Have I met Ariana’s husband?”
Devin’s smile remained fixed as he replied, “At that time, Theodore held significant influence in the Anderson family. When you sought to acquire the Anderson Group, it was natural to negotiate cooperation with Theodore.”
Holden felt increasingly uncomfortable as he tried to take in the information. If he had encountered Ariana and Theodore five years ago, he couldn’t possibly be Theodore.
This realization left Holden deeply unsettled.
Reclining in his chair, Holden drew a deep breath, signaling for Devin to leave. He wrestled internally, unwilling to readily accept the idea that he held no connection to Ariana. He felt there had to be an overlooked detail, a missing link yet to be uncovered.
Devin acknowledged Holden’s gesture and quietly exited the room.
However, as he turned away, worry etched across his face, replacing the earlier smile. Devin had a foreboding sense that concealing this matter might soon become untenable. Holden persistently sought a connection between himself and Theodore.
Filled with uncertainty, Devin was worried. If the truth were to surface, Holden might bring Ariana back to the Fredrick family. But what fate awaited Adele then?
Although Adele cherished Ariana, Sadie remained Adele’s biological mother. The revelation of this truth might cause deep psychological trauma to Adele once exposed. Devin believed Aldus would also oppose such a distressing outcome.
Yet, if Ariana remained unacknowledged, what about Melon? He was undoubtedly Holden’s biological child, an integral part of the Fredrick family lineage.
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Eventually, a choice would have to be made between Sadie and Ariana, leading to potential hurt for either Adele or Melon.
Devin, grappling with his own inner conflict, sighed heavily, shook his head, and quietly closed the door.
Alone in the office, Holden sat for an extended period, staring at his phone. Opening and closing the screen repeatedly, he appeared outwardly composed, but inwardly, turmoil raged.
After a prolonged struggle, Holden felt compelled to call Ariana.
His desperation for answers consumed him, fearing eternal restlessness if clarity eluded him.
He drew a deep breath, sensing that this call would determine the final outcome.
An urgent need to meet Ariana in person drove him to make the call, seeking a proper conversation to resolve their intertwined history.
With a sinking feeling, Holden heard the automated voice prompt, reminding him to leave a voicemail.
Frustrated, he furrowed his brow and disconnected the call, attempting to redial, yet the call remained unanswered.