“What did you just say?" In a rage, Bennett kicked the man in the chest and furiously cursed, “Losers! A bunch of losers! You can't even do your job right!"

Bennett kept kicking him until he spat out blood.

Bennett had believed that Ariana had come to accept her fate, but he hadn't expected her to attempt to escape under his watch.

Why? Why did she have to leave? Wouldn't it be better to stay with him? Did she really need to anger him and endure the consequences?

Bennett couldn't stop thinking about the man who had impersonated Kamdyn earlier. Why did it also happen today? He didn't believe it was a coincidence. Was there a link between these two matters?

Bennett's fists tightened as he vowed to himself that he would get Ariana back and make her regret ever crossing him. He envisioned her tamed and fully under his control, never thinking of leaving him again.

Drawing in a deep breath, he regained his composure.

"Send K out," he commanded. "Bring Ariana back alive. I need her to be alive."

Meanwhile, Ariana and the male bodyguard dodged the guards, slipping past them to the rear exit and finding the getaway car.

“Miss Edwards, get inside the car. That's our ride," the bodyguard said urgently.

Ariana dashed for the car and quickly climbed into the backseat.

Just as she closed the car door, she felt strong arms encircle her from behind.

The familiar scent filled her senses, and she was sure this was Holden's embrace, the one she had dreamed of for a long time.

But when she turned her head, her heart skipped a beat. Fraser's face stared back at her, and Ariana froze in shock, feeling an urgent need to break free from his grip.

“Fraser” quickly released her and tore off the mask covering his face.

It was actually Holden.

"Holden!" Ariana gasped, throwing herself into his arms. "Why did you pretend to be Fraser? You said you'd meet me at the banquet! I was searching everywhere for you and couldn't find you. I thought something bad happened! I've been worried sick for so long..."

Tears filled Ariana's eyes and soaked Holden's collar as she spoke.

“I know," Holden replied gently, wiping her tears and giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. “But I couldn't risk Bennett getting suspicious, so I didn't talk to you."

Ariana wrapped her arms around his neck, finding comfort.