Witnessing Ariana's sudden quietness, Bennett felt an unexpected pang of discomfort. After a brief pause, he asked, “What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? You were quite vocal earlier, adamant about escaping, about your man coming for you. Now, nothing to say?"

Ariana sniffled softly and muttered, "Nothing."

Bennett arched an eyebrow, his smile tinged with mockery. "Ah, seems like you've lost faith in your man, huh? I've always said men are fickle, especially your Holden, living the high life in Eleymond. What reason does he have to drop everything he has for a woman and venture all the way here? But I must admit, I want to meet this Eleymond big shot."

Ariana shot Bennett a glance, her eyes brimming with tears, her once defiant expression clouded with sorrow. A tear escaped her eye as she cast her gaze downward.

Following a prolonged silence, she angrily shoved a piece of meat into her mouth, her frustration palpable. Then, she said, "It's been days... No word from him. You are right; I've lost hope."

Her voice caught in her throat, and she swallowed hard before meeting Bennett's gaze. "You win," she admitted. "I surrender."

Bennett watched Ariana with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He narrowed his gaze, trying to read her expression.

He knew she had a stubborn streak, so it was surprising she caved after just one trip to the beast den.

Even though she looked disheartened, Bennett suspected she was plotting something.

He wasn't in a hurry, though. Watching her squirm was fun for him.

He was curious to see what she would do next.

Bennett smirked and said, "Let's eat."

Ariana kept her head down during the meal. She barely touched her food and looked like she might be sick. Once she finished eating, she mumbled, "I'm going to bed."

"Okay, go ahead," Bennett replied, sipping his soup. As Ariana left the room, he signaled one of his men with a quick nod.

The man followed Ariana upstairs. It wasn't long before he heard soft sobbing from her room.

The crying then grew louder and more desperate.

The man listened at the door for a while, then went back to report to Bennett. "Mr. Olson, she's just crying in her room. That's all.”

Bennett was petting his Bengal cat.

He stroked the cat and asked, “Really? Just crying? Nothing else?"

The man nodded. "Yeah. She was bawling her eyes out. She sounded really upset."