The possibility that Ariana wasnât even imprisoned here crossed his mind.
The Ariana he knew would try her best to find a way to escape.
Thinking of this, Holden snapped back to reality.
He composed himself and started searching the surroundings again.
As he moved forward, a red light flashed in the darkness.
Holdenâs eyes widened, and he froze almost immediately.
As he turned to look at Bennett, who was also poking around, he asked in a hushed voice, âBennett, wonât Moss find out that weâre searching for her?â
âYeah.
Heâs probably watching us right now,â Bennett replied casually, nodding toward the surveillance camera with the glowing red light.
At that moment, a small screen popped right next to the camera, showing Mossâ face.
It just confirmed Bennettâs words.
âAre you two done fooling around?â Mossâ voice was chilling despite his attempt to coat it with false sweetness as he spoke through the monitor.
âJust call it a day if youâve had your fill.
â
Bennett was starting to feel angry now.
âI came here for Ariana.
Sheâs not your experimental subject.
Iâm taking her away with me.
Sheâs my fiancée, and weâre getting married soon!â he said.
âI knew you wouldnât be here without a reason,â Moss said as he sneered at Bennett.
His eyes narrowed at Holden standing beside Bennett.
A sinister grin danced on his lips.
âIs Ariana your fiancée or Coltâs?â
Mossâ words clamped down on the atmosphere.
Holden dropped his gaze and clenched his fists, remaining silent.
He knew better than to react or betray any flicker of emotion right now.
Diving headlong into a confrontation without grasping Mossâ underlying motives could be disastrous.
While he wasnât particularly fearful that Moss would seek retribution against Bennett or himself, he was petrified at the thought of Moss exploiting their vulnerability by unleashing his wrath upon Ariana.
The mere idea sent tremors through Holdenâs fists, threatening to fracture his composure.
Meanwhile, Bennett faced Moss with a calm demeanor and declared.
âMoss, donât you trust me at all? Of course, Ariana is my fiancée.
â
Hearing Bennett claim Ariana as his own ignited a fury in Holden; he ached to throw a punch and denounce Bennett for his words.
Ariana was his wife!
Yet, all he could do now was to close his eyes, grit his teeth, and remind himself to remain poised.
This was merely part of the elaborate chess match with Moss.
But Bennettâs assertion seemed to do little to sway Moss, who let out a derisive snort and retorted with a dripping sarcasm, âYou like men, donât you?â
âWhat? Me? Since when did I ever fall for a guy?â Bennett exclaimed, his confusion genuine.
âReally?â Moss said, his tone dripping with insinuation.
âYouâve barely been seen with any women since your promotion.
Youâve been surrounded by men all day.
I figured you might have different preferences.
â
Bennett offered Moss a sarcastic smile, retorting, âI just havenât found the right one before.
But now that I have, are you saying you wonât support me?â
âNo,â Moss replied without hesitation.
âUncle Moss, youâre crossing a line.
Iâm your nephew, and Ariana is going to be my wife.
Why would you dismiss this without a second thought?â Bennettâs voice was a mix of incredulity and frustration as he furrowed his brow.