The study was orderly, equipped with a desk and shelves stocked with ordinary books, but nothing stood out as unusual.

After a thorough search yielded no results, she moved on to the bedroom.

The bedroom was even more minimalistic, furnished only with a bed and a wardrobe. Despite checking every drawer, Ariana found nothing of significance.

She then proceeded to the nursery, which was filled with typical baby gear. Her attention was drawn to a photograph on the wall, showing a woman holding a baby.

The baby slept soundly on the woman's shoulder, but it was the woman's flawless, striking beauty that halted Ariana.

The longer Ariana gazed at the photograph, the more the woman's face resonated with familiarity, evoking a peculiar sense of intimacy as though they had shared a pivotal moment together.

She contemplated for a while, wondering whether this woman might be the spouse of the man she had seen earlier.

Considering his striking appearance, they would indeed make a fitting couple.

Ariana dismissed these thoughts, reminding herself that escaping was her priority now.

With nothing of note found on this floor, she proceeded to the second basement level, where she was confronted by two robust metal doors.

Despite her adventures before, the prospect of what lay behind these enigmatic doors unnerved her. Since she was in the house of a mad scientist, anything horrifying could be waiting.

However, after only a moment's pause, she grasped the doorknob firmly.

Confronting her fears was essential for escape.

Although the mad scientist had not detained her today, there was no assurance of his leniency tomorrow. She should escape as soon as possible, especially since Holden was still somewhere out there, waiting to reunite with her.

With a firm grip, Ariana turned the knob, half expecting resistance.

To her astonishment, the doorknob turned smoothly.

The doorknob turned smoothly, yet the metal door presented a formidable challenge; it was incredibly heavy.

Ariana strained to pry it open, and upon succeeding, she found herself facing a maze of thick, heavy chains dangling from the ceiling.

In the heart of the room, a figure was suspended from the chains, and as Ariana drew nearer, the silhouette grew distressingly familiar.

A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach upon realizing it was Adrian.