Once again, Bennett found himself taken aback.

He remembered how Ariana had dealt with him, just as forthright and resolute as Holden, all for the sake of someone they cared about.

Indeed, the two were perfect for each other.

Bennett was irked by his own realization. But now, he and Holden formed a brief alliance.

Meanwhile, Ariana was gradually regaining consciousness in the metallic house, surprisingly unrestrained.

She promptly examined herself meticulously.

Fortunately, she was unharmed, not even a scratch. It appeared the mad scientist hadn't yet conducted experiments on her, likely waiting for laboratory results to determine her suitability for his studies.

Despite this, Ariana sighed in relief, climbed out of bed, and walked into the main area of the metal house.

The room was windowless, with only one exit secured by a digital lock.

Ariana attempted several times to unlock it without success, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt.

While she was temporarily safe, the uncertainty of what lay ahead gnawed at her.

Ariana knew she needed to escape, but with no visible way out and the man who had brought her here absent, she didn't know what to do.

Ariana felt somewhat down but quickly recovered, turning her attention to exploring the metal house.

She diligently searched and eventually discovered an elevator cleverly hidden behind several containers.

The elevator showed signs of extensive use, its button labels worn and faded.

Ariana pressed a button, prompting the slow opening of the doors. She stepped inside, hopeful for an escape route, yet was surprised to find the elevator could only go down.

Could the exit be underground?

Driven by curiosity, she pressed the button for the basement.

When the elevator reached its destination, the doors parted to reveal an area resembling a well-kept apartment, complete with three bedrooms, a study, and a nursery. The kitchen's open-plan Layout was impeccably tidy, suggesting its owner was meticulous.

Feeling momentarily overwhelmed about where to begin her search, Ariana decided to start with the study, considering it as a likely place for crucial information.