Unfazed, Ariana's red eyes met Bennett's gaze head-on, challenging him. "So, are you going to kill me or what?"

Ariana maintained a steadfast gaze. Both she and Bennett refused to back down.

Following a tense pause, Bennett placed the steak on Ariana's plate with his fork, his tone chilling as he ordered, "Eat."

He resumed cutting his steak, not bothering to glance up as he added, "If you refuse to eat, I won't hesitate to feed you forcefully.”

Ariana recognized Bennett's icy demeanor as his ultimate warning. She understood that Bennett was capable of extreme measures.

In truth, Ariana had feigned heartbreak to deceive Bennett into believing she had given up.

However, her feigned tears had transformed into genuine sorrow as she contemplated her predicament, missing her children and Holden deeply.

She had wept until there were no tears remaining.

Now, her appetite had vanished entirely. Her stomach churned with unease, making it impossible for her to consume anything.

But Bennett forced her to eat. His persistence and menacing threats reignited her desire to weep. She yearned for Holden, wanting to distance herself from Bennett's madness.

Struggling to hold back tears, Ariana reluctantly began cutting the steak. She managed to swallow a few bites but soon felt nauseous, leading to vomiting.

Eventually, she grew pale and slouched on the couch, appearing fragile.

Bennett watched her, his brows furrowing slightly, deciding not to press her further. Her evident distress had convinced him that she was genuinely too upset to eat.

Sitting beside her, he attempted to rationalize the situation. "Being so despondent won't benefit you. You're confined here, and this emotional turmoil will only harm your body."

Ariana pressed her lips together and remained silent as Bennett continued, “If you choose to stay here, I'll ensure your well-being. Stay by my side, and you'll have access to anything you desire, whenever you desire it, as long as you comply. I can provide money, authority, everything. I don't usually care about a woman like this, and I'd even allow you to bear my children. You could begin anew. Forget about the past. After all, your boyfriend isn't coming for you. With me, you can still lead a comfortable life."

His words only annoyed Ariana, causing her discomfort. She tilted her head slightly and shut her eyes, silently thinking of Holden.

Seeing her like this, Bennett grasped her chin, compelling her to meet his gaze, and demanded, “Are you paying attention? Did you hear what I just said?"

Ariana felt a sudden jolt of pain in her jaw, a harsh reminder of just how messed up Bennett was. Even though his words made her sick, she forced herself to meet his gaze and said, “I'm listening.”

Bennett didn't seem convinced. His face darkened as he said, “Then tell me what I just said. Miss a word, and I'll break your jaw."

Ariana repeated his words. "You said if I choose to stay here, you'll ensure my well-being. Stay by your side, and I'll have access to anything I desire. You said that Holden's not coming for me. With you, I can still lead a comfortable life."