Holden wanted to ask about it, but he knew he couldnât do that.
He made a deliberate noise as he cut into his meat, trying to draw Bennettâs attention.
Holden and Bennett exchanged silent looks.
After a moment, Holden resumed eating, head bowed.
Bennett, always sharp-witted, picked up on Holdenâs thought.
After a momentâs contemplation, he turned to Moss and asked, âUncle Moss, did your experimental subject cook the meal?â
Upon hearing Bennettâs inquiry, Moss paused, a sly smile creeping across his face.
âYes, I stumbled upon the experimental subject by chance,â he admitted.
Bennett smiled back warmly.
âCongratulations, Uncle Moss.
Your dream of over two decades is finally within reach.
â
âYes, thereâs hope now.
â Moss sighed with evident relief.
âs
Bennett continued the polite conversation.
Meanwhile, Holden sat silently, his head lowered, his hand gripping the fork tightly as he mechanically stirred his food.
Rage burned within him.
He harbored an intense desire to exact vengeance upon Moss.
How dare Moss treat Ariana as a mere experimental subject! He wished he could kill Moss right now!
Yet, he knew that killing Moss now would only leave him clueless about Arianaâs whereabouts.
So, now was not the time for him to do that.
He had to suppress the urge to kill Moss for now.
Holden took a deep breath and resumed eating as if nothing had happened.
Across from him, Bennett continued chatting amiably with Moss.
Then, feigning nonchalance, he asked, âUncle Moss, could I possibly see the experimental subject?â
Moss glanced at Bennett, setting down his utensils, and smoothly changed the topic.
âYou seem exhausted.
Perhaps itâs best for you to retire for the night.
â
âIâm not tired,â Bennett replied.
âYouâve searched for years without success, and now, youâve found one.
Iâm eager to see the experimental subject for myself.
â
Moss remained indifferent.
He clearly valued the experimental subject and was reluctant to let Bennett see who they were.
Seeing Mossâ silence, Bennett pressed on, but Moss held firm.
After a brief pause, Moss rose, excusing himself to return to the laboratory for further experiments.
With Moss gone, only Bennett and Holden remained.
Bennett watched Moss leave, waiting until he was out of sight.
His cheerful demeanor faded, replaced by a cold intensity in his eyes.
âHe was talking about Ariana,â Bennett said to Holden.
âBut there was a third person here just now.
There were three plates on the table.
â
Despite their strained relationship, Holden and Bennett always understood each otherâs thoughts.
âIâve noticed it, too,â Holden replied, his eyes fixed on the meal Ariana had prepared.
His voice was firm and unwavering.
âIâm not concerned about the third person.
I only intend to find Ariana.
â
Bennett fell silent, lost in thought.