In the dense woods, a missing person often meant only one grim outcome: death at the hands of the wilderness.

Bennett was responsible for this.

Holden's fury was reaching a boiling point.

He released one hand that had been holding Bennett down and reached for Bennett's throat, squeezing tightly.

Bennett's face turned crimson, his breathing became strained, and his brain was deprived of oxygen.

"Holden..." Fear of death filled Bennett's eyes. After a desperate struggle, he grasped Holden's hand with all his remaining strength, gasping, “If you kill me, you'll never find Ariana. I'm the only one who knows where she is."

When Bennett brought up Ariana's name, Holden involuntarily loosened his grip. He furrowed his brow and shot Bennett a piercing glare.

"I've already sent Ariana away. You can't deceive me.”

Bennett, having narrowly escaped a grim fate, took several deep breaths before answering with a touch of sarcasm, “You really have no clue about your girlfriend, or about me, do you?"

He wore a smirk. "Do you believe she's safe now?"

A wave of dread washed over Holden. Was it possible that Bennett had lured Ariana back into danger?

Fury built up inside him, and he could no longer restrain himself.

He seized Bennett by the collar and asked, “Where is Ariana? What have you done to her?"

"What do you think?" Bennett taunted with a sneer. "The poor woman was too trusting. She came back searching for you, still foolishly thinking you were unbeatable. She climbed off a cliff in her search and was kidnapped again..."

He paused, his smile broadening. "But don't blame this on me. I was just about to ensure her safety when she decided to distract the wolves to rescue me and ended up captured."

Bennett stressed “to rescue me" deliberately, eager to gauge Holden's response, possibly looking for a spark of jealousy.

However, Holden did not respond as expected; he calmed down and released Bennett. "So, you're aware of who has taken Ariana?"

Holden seemed to disregard the fact that Ariana had been taken while attempting to save Bennett, his adversary.

A pang of discomfort struck Bennett, but he quickly composed himself, straightened his attire, and adjusted the makeshift splint on his injured left foot. "Naturally, I'm aware. I oversee this place. How could I not know the people here? But remember, I don't engage in deals that don't benefit me. I'll guide you to her, but in return, you owe me a favor-one that I'll collect later. No backing down."

Bennett assumed Holden would reject such demanding terms, but Holden agreed without a moment's hesitation. “Deal. Show me the way."