She hated Bennett. Without him, she wouldn't have endured this prolonged separation from Holden and her child. His interference had led to Holden and Adrian's perilous situation while trying to rescue her, causing suffering for everyone involved.

Every bit of this chaos was Bennett's doing.

“I detest Bennett to the core; I'd choose death over returning to him," Ariana declared firmly. “If you insist on taking me back, then take my dead body back and tell Bennett to fuck off!"

Ariana was seething with anger, her voice resonating through the silent woods.

Now, she felt trapped, like a cornered rabbit. She swore that if she ever ran into Bennett again, she would kill him.

K's face remained stoic, his indifference highlighting Ariana's intense fury. His cold gaze contrasted starkly with her fiery determination.

Feeling like a helpless shrimp about to be boiled alive, Ariana felt helpless.

This realization only made her sink into despair.

She hadn't found Holden yet and doubted he was still alive. Dying without a fight and handing victory to those jerks on a_ silver platter were something she couldn't stand.

If she died here today, she believed Sadie and Zayden would be more than happy.

Those monsters!

Just thinking about the pain they had caused her and Holden while facing no consequences made Ariana's blood boil. She wanted them to join her in the depths of despair.

But right now, she felt powerless, forced to think that her enemies must be enjoying their Lives without a care in the world.

Fury eclipsed her fear. She held back her tears and reignited her resolve.

She knew well that crying would not sway K nor help her situation.

It would only make him despise her further.

Now, she was determined to hold onto her dignity even if she would die.

“I'm not going back," Ariana said again with a cold gaze. “You've got two choices-either I shoot you, or you leave."

Her threat felt almost comically naive, like an ant trying to challenge a tiger, but she had to say that.

Considering the current situation, this was her only way to summon any bit of courage.