Dwelling on the past had to stop. After hastily finishing her shower, she adorned herself in a crisp suit, then departed with Melon
for the BRD Group’s building.
Upon parking, Melon eagerly hopped out and stared up at the towering skyscraper, his neck craning back excitedly until he
nearly lost balance.
“Wow, it’s so tall!”
Ariana smiled affectionately, steadying the boy while patting his head. Taking his small hand in hers, she cautioned, “Remember
not to run off later. Stay right by me.”
Melon obediently nodded as they entered the sleek lobby.
The familiar space stirred memories of Ariana’s first anxious interview here years ago, though it now felt like a lifetime away.
As they ventured further inside, her thoughts meandered to Holden.
Recent unpleasant events had entirely soured Ariana’s opinion of
Sadie, dragging her view of Holden along with it.
She hadn’t encountered Holden during her last visit, and she hoped to avoid him today as well. Facing him would be a challenge,
especially considering his fiancée’s hospitalization because of Sonia.
Since Ariana had no intention of apologizing to Sadie, the prospect of running into Holden now seemed terribly awkward. The
very thought tied knots in her stomach.
Just then, a small crew waving equipment flagged Ariana down as they hurried over.
“You must be Ms. Edwards! We’re your team for the interview today,” they chimed, a prearranged arrangement Sonia had
informed her of.
Ariana recognized the trio from her friend’s workplace and greeted them warmly, while Melon piped up, “Hello everyone!”
Instantly charmed by the boy’s manners, they responded, “What an absolutely adorable little darling!” They gathered around,
engaging in a lively chat with Melon as they all crowded into the elevator.
Upon reaching the bustling studio, Ariana spotted the celebrity she was set to interview, Simms Riley, already present and
undergoing makeup application.
Given Simms’ fame, Ariana approached him politely, attempting to make her introduction.
“Hello Mr. Riley, I’m Ariana, your interviewer for today.”
However, Simms remained engrossed in his phone, disregarding her presence.
“I have another event to get to after this, so let’s make it quick,” he muttered distractedly, not even bothering to glance up.