She understood that his tolerance for her stemmed from his interest in her. If his interest waned, her life could be at risk.

As Ariana struggled to consume her meal, her worry for Holden grew more intense. Bennett's unpredictability added to her concern, especially since this place was under his control.

She pondered the safety of Holden and Adrian's hiding place, worried about them.

Concerned, she feigned interest and inquired, “Regarding the arena, aren't those beast slaves kept illegally? That is against the law, right? Aren't you concerned about getting reported and arrested?"

Bennett paused momentarily upon hearing Ariana's words, then erupted into laughter as if her words were the most amusing he had ever heard.

"You're hilarious," he managed to say between fits of laughter, doubling over and pounding the table.

As Ariana watched him laugh, a chill ran down her spine; the scene felt unsettling and ominous.

While she had long been aware of Bennett's cold and callous nature, she suddenly realized that his lack of empathy ran deeper; he seemed utterly disconnected from humanity's essence.

To Bennett, treating people like mere commodities seemed entirely acceptable.

Ariana believed she and Bennett inhabited different realities.

Bennett was a complete Lunatic.

After his outburst of laughter, Bennett composed himself, wiping away tears before turning to look at Ariana. “Honestly, I can't decide if you're genuinely naive or just playing a game. You don't think I'm a novice at this, do you? Don't you wonder why no one has ever blown the whistle on me after all these years?"

Ariana remained silent.

Bennett, swelling with arrogance, declared, "I'm the kingpin of the underground scene here in Conata. Reporting me would be Like signing a death warrant.”

Ariana maintained her composure, taking a deliberate sip of her soup before speaking. “Ah, so we're in Conata? That sheds some Light. I've heard whispers about the pervasive human trafficking here."

Bennett's smile took on a sly edge as he replied, "You have a knack for uncovering information. But let me be blunt; you're indeed within Conata's boundaries. And trust me, even if you sprouted wings, you couldn't escape."

Silently, Ariana lowered her gaze and continued eating.

Undeterred, Bennett continued, "I have a grip on everything here, from the skies to the streets. Think you can simply run away?"

He continued his monologue, outlining Ariana's apparent lack of escape routes. But instead of engaging, Ariana simply ate in silence.

Yet, beneath her calm surface, Ariana was sneering, already envisioning what would happen if this clandestine network was exposed.