Knowing Bennett had people watching her, she acted convincingly, aware that they would follow her.

As expected, Bennett's people were on her tail when she left the banquet hall. Not knowing the area well, she navigated the maze-Like corridors, finally losing them and slipping into the bathroom.

Fraser's "109" clearly meant it was a room number. Situated in the same corridor as the bathroom, the room was the first room around the corner.

But getting to that room directly wasn't an option. The first floor was bustling with people, making it hard for her to move around without being noticed. So, she needed to plan while staying hidden in the bathroom.

Her gaze landed on the bathroom window. An idea sparked-maybe she could reach room 109 through the window.

Feeling hopeful again, Ariana hopped onto the sink to check the window. But her hopes sank when she saw it was barred with sturdy iron, blocking any chance of escape. She realized she had to find another way.

Just then, Bennett's people knocked on the bathroom door, asking, “Miss Edwards, are you alright?"

Realizing she had been in the bathroom for too long and worried someone might barge in, Ariana hurriedly responded, "Yes, I'm okay. I'll be out soon."

She stepped down from the sink, flushed the toilet several times to simulate the sound of using the bathroom, washed her hands, and exited, pretending to be in discomfort.

"I'm sorry," she said. “I have a stomachache."

“No worries, Miss Edwards," one of the men replied. “If you need the restroom, just let us know. You don't have to sneak around." The man eyed her suspiciously as she walked out.

"I wasn't sneaking out," Ariana clarified. "I just really needed to go. I was feeling very anxious and lost my way earlier."

After that, Ariana walked with them back to the banquet hall.

But shortly after, Ariana feigned another stomachache and rushed to the bathroom again.

Her pale appearance led Bennett's people to believe she was genuinely sick, and they didn't question her further, though they kept a close eye on her.

“Miss Edwards, go ahead," said one of the men. “I'll wait for you nearby."

After a few more bathroom breaks, Bennett's people started to relax.

They let Ariana come and go from the bathroom freely, not following her to the door anymore.

Ariana felt a rush of urgency. She realized she needed to get to Room 109 quickly before Bennett returned. He was much sharper than his people.

When she dashed into the bathroom again, she noticed a janitor getting ready to clean up, pushing a large cleaning cart.