Acting swiftly, Holden ordered, “Stand down. Allow us to depart, and we'll release Bennett unharmed. I give you my word."

Despite Holden's firm stance, Bennett's men were still itching to do something.

A bold member of Bennett's crew attempted a covert move, drawing a backup firearm to shoot Holden. Fortunately, Holden remained alert and evaded the incoming bullet just in time.

Witnessing this, Adrian snapped. He seized Bennett, pressing a knife against his throat with enough force to draw blood, his voice filled with anger. "No more games, Bennett. If your men attempt anything foolish again, I won't go easy this time."

However, Bennett dismissed his threat.

He sneered, "Go ahead; end my life. But don't delude yourselves into thinking you can escape Conata if you do that."

Bennett wasn't bluffing; he genuinely believed his words. He knew Holden and Adrian couldn't kill him.

Almost half of Conata's influential figures were connected to his family; they wouldn't want him to die.

Besides, killing him would only create more problems for Holden and his people to escape. If they killed him, they would face severe repercussions.

"You think I'm bluffing?" Adrian intensified the pressure of the knife, and his expression contorted in fury. "I've faced adversaries far more formidable than you. You're merely an arms dealer; don't test my limits."

"Then go ahead and kill me," Bennett challenged with a smirk. “It's been a while since anyone threatened my life. I'm starting to miss the excitement."

Adrian was at a loss for words. In fact, he didn't dare to kill Bennett.

It wasn't the right place. If they were in Eleymond, he would have killed Bennett countless times to vent his frustrations.

Realizing Bennett wasn't falling for it, Adrian redirected his rage and plunged the knife into Bennett's arm, resulting in a spray of blood.

Adrian had experienced Bennett's brutality firsthand, and he understood the agony he was inflicting now surpassed what he had endured.

Yet, Bennett endured the agony in silence, his gaze ablaze with hatred.

“Don't underestimate me," Adrian growled. “I may not be able to kill you, but I can ensure your existence becomes a living nightmare."

Although Bennett's penetrating stare unnerved Adrian, he continued his menacing taunts, twisting the knife further. Seeing Bennett wince, Adrian added, “If this isn't sufficient, I can discover more agonizing points. Alternatively, I could cut off your penis, rendering you impotent towards women. You'll never be able to have children anymore."

Adrian's brutal words caught Bennett off guard. He was really threatened by this.

Despite his fury, Bennett had to order his men, “Cease all action, everyone! Do not interfere!"