Bennett led Holden to the metal house.
The unfamiliar surroundings made Holden frown.
He questioned Bennett cautiously, âWhere are we?â
âNone of your concern.
Just know itâs not a place where I intend to harm you,â Bennett replied.
He deftly activated the hidden intercom in a tree hollow.
A symphony then emanated from the metal house.
It was a doorbell.
This was how people who were familiar with Moss came to find him.
But of course, this forest was a restricted area known only to Bennett, his assistant, and Moss himself.
As Bennett rang the doorbell, Holden, positioned behind him, maintained a vigilant watch over the surroundings, scrutinizing the paths and terrain.
He faintly saw cement and a road leading through the forest behind the metal house.
Holden narrowed his eyes, pondering whether this might be the exit from the dense forest.
After a brief pause, the door of the metal house groaned open, revealing Moss standing in the doorway.
Holdenâs gaze narrowed as he scrutinized the unfamiliar figure.
Who was this man?
Why had Bennett brought him to see this man?
What was this manâs connection to Bennett?
As Holden pondered these questions, Bennett gently nudged him and whispered, âFollow me, keep your head down, and donât talk unless necessary.
â
Holdenâs jaw clenched in irritation.
He despised being ordered, especially by someone like Bennett.
But he knew he needed Bennettâs assistance to find Ariana.
So, for that, he suppressed his anger and nodded in acknowledgment.
Not hearing Holdenâs response, Bennett turned sharply and asked in a commanding tone, âDid you catch that?â
Holden nodded indifferently.
Bennett then strode towards Moss, and Holden followed, keeping his head lowered.
Soon, Holden found the answer to one of his questions.
When Holden stood before Moss alongside Bennett, he overheard Bennett addressing Moss as âUncle Mossâ.
Moss scrutinized Bennett from head to toe, his displeasure subtly concealed.
âWhat happened? What brings you here so suddenly?â Moss asked.
His gaze then fell on Holden for the first time.
His eyes bore into Holden with a sharp intensity as if he were ready to strike.
He demanded, âWho is this? And why did you bring an outsider here?â
Bennett cleared his throat and explained, âUncle Moss, thereâs been trouble at the estate.
Our familyâs rival has caused considerable disruptions.
Weâve been locked in a longstanding battle for control of the arms trade, and theyâve frequently dispatched assassins to target us.
â
Mossâ countenance darkened, his tone hardening.
âI care little for these matters.
I need a straightforward answer.
â
Undeterred by Mossâ skepticism, Bennett introduced Holden calmly, âThis is Colt, my trusted aide.
Heâs been handling external affairs, hence his absence before.
Given the recent unfortunate incident involving the procurement officer, Iâve assigned Colt temporarily to manage your daily affairs.
This should make things more convenient for you.
â