As he spoke, Holden edged closer to Bennett, gun in hand. Despite multiple guns pointed at him, Holden showed no fear. He was confident about his speed, ready to shoot Bennett before anyone could shoot him.

“Don't worry, I'm not here to harm you. I don't intend to meet my end in this place," Holden explained calmly.

“So, what do you want?" Bennett asked warily, unable to decipher Holden's intentions.

"How about striking a deal?" Holden saw Bennett take the bait and changed his approach. "You've been eyeing Eleymond for your arms business, haven't you? What if I told you I could help you with that?"

"Is that all?" Bennett scoffed, unimpressed. "Zayden mentioned something similar. No wonder you two are family, spouting the same nonsense! But let me make it clear; Eleymond isn't my top priority. Don't think you can use that as leverage."

Holden chuckled. "Why pretend to be tough? If it truly didn't matter, why would you host such a grand banquet today to impress Fraser?"

Stung by the truth, Bennett said sarcastically, “Looks like you're well-informed..."

He stopped mid-sentence when he suddenly realized that Holden was dressed exactly like Fraser had been earlier.

That was when it hit Bennett. "Were you impersonating Fraser earlier?" he asked.

Before Holden could reply, Bennett continued, “That explains it. No wonder you strolled into the estate without any trouble. It seems I indeed overlooked something this time."

“Your greed left a gap for me to exploit," Holden admitted openly, seizing the moment. “I can't control everything in Conata, but being a political figure in Eleymond opens doors. You see, I wasn't just bluffing. If you agree to my terms, you'll get what you desire"

“Dream on!" Bennett interjected, his chilling laughter echoing. “I detest threats the most! It appears you don't plan on leaving here alive. That's perfect! I wonder if Ariana would still want to Live knowing you're dead!"

With that, Bennett signaled one of his men.

The man instantly understood the message, drawing his gun and aiming it at Adrian.

"Mr. Fredrick, how about I make a deal with you?" Bennett said, glancing at Adrian. “Your friend or your woman, choose one!"

Holden detested making this kind of choice. In his eyes, Ariana and Adrian held equal importance; he wouldn't abandon either of them, not in a million years!

However, he understood that avoiding making a decision wouldn't sit well with Bennett.

He realized he had to turn the tables on his own.

Checking his watch, Holden realized Ariana should have been safely escorted by the driver by now.

Experiencing a hint of relief, he met Bennett's icy stare with a smirk and stated, "Sorry, I refuse to choose. Be it my friend or my woman, I'm not leaving anyone behind."