Still, she couldn't resist glaring at Bennett with intense fury. "The only reward I want is for you to let me leave."

Bennett sighed, stood up, and began to walk toward Ariana slowly with his hands in his pockets. His smiling eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

Ariana instinctively moved back as Bennett approached unhurriedly.

She kept retreating until her back pressed against the cold marble wall. She was cornered.

Quietly, she balled her fists, her hand slipping into her bag behind her, preparing for a fight.

Bennett continued to smile, his eyes Locked onto her, as he said, "Slaves don't bargain. They accept what their master offers."

Slave?

Upon hearing that word, anger surged within Ariana. Why would there be any slaves in this century?

Ariana fought to keep her anger in check as she glared at the man before her.

He might appear decent, but his heart was rotten.

Ariana reminded herself to remain composed. Then, she suddenly asked, “What's your name?"

Bennett was taken aback. It had been years since someone had boldly asked for his name.

Concealing the coldness in his eyes, Bennett stepped closer and whispered in Ariana's ear, "Bennett Olson."

Ariana took a deep breath, her agitation subsiding as she let out a light chuckle. She said, "Bennett, huh? That's quite a name. It sounds like the kind of name that belongs to a natural-born leader. But you know what they say-never get too close to women who are easy on the eyes!"

In a sudden swift motion, she pulled out the flashlight from behind her back and swung it with force toward Bennett's head.

Having stumbled upon the solid-gold flashlight while rummaging for candles earlier, she had discovered its weight made it a formidable weapon.

The idea of using it had crossed her mind before, but she had hesitated, wanting to preserve its value even in the absence of candles.

But Bennett reacted swiftly, tilting his head just in the nick of time to dodge the blow. With remarkable agility, he grabbed Ariana's wrists and pinned them against the door, causing a resounding thud.

The impact sent a sharp pang of pain through Ariana, forcing her to drop the flashlight as her face contorted in agony.

Remaining composed, Bennett remarked slowly, "Impressive reflexes, but a tad sluggish."