After a tense pause, Moss finally nodded, motioning for Holden to sit and join them for the meal.
Bennettâs lips curled into a smile.
He knew Moss was always wary of outsiders.
For example, the subordinate he had sent to Moss before had fallen into Mossâ traps and passed his tests several times before Moss had finally trusted him.
As Holden settled into his seat, he started eating the delicious food before him.
After Holden took the first bite, his eyes widened, and his hands trembled.
The taste was too familiar-it was Arianaâs cooking.
Realizing Ariana had cooked the dishes, Holden felt a surge of melancholy he couldnât contain.
He had finally found Ariana.
She was still alive, and she was here.
As Bennett eyed the food on the table, a fleeting doubt crept into his mind.
The meat looked tender and perfectly cooked.
That was odd because Bennett had tried Mossâ cooking before, which was terrible.
Was it because he hadnât been here for too long and Mossâ cooking skills had improved?
Mossâ voice interrupted his thoughts.
âAre you eating with your eyes, Bennett? Why are you just staring at the food?â
Moss urged Bennett to sample the dish, emphasizing that its flavors were best enjoyed while still warm.
Bennett complied, picking up his fork and savoring a tender bite of mutton.
The flavors danced on his palate, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Regaining his composure, Bennett arched his eyebrows in pleasant surprise.
âWell, Iâll be damned.
Quite a culinary transformation youâve undergone.
â
Moss erupted into laughter, shaking his head.
âYou find it delicious, huh? But I canât take credit for this one; I didnât cook this.
â
Intrigued, Bennett leaned forward.
âThen whoâs the genius behind this feast?â He recalled the three place settings he had noticed upon arrival.
âI noticed three settings when I arrived.
Has the chef used one of them?â
Moss grinned mysteriously, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he avoided a direct answer.
Instead, he casually lifted his glass, taking a sip of his wine.
With a hint of mischief, he spoke.
âIâve found a perfect experimental subject.
My project will yield successful results soon.
â
Upon hearing this, both Bennett and Holden paused.
An uneasy feeling settled between them.
What had Moss meant about the experimental subject? Maybeâ¦