The middle-aged man noticed their caution but said nothing further, continuing to enjoy his meal.

Watching the man devour the food with apparent delight, Adrian couldn't hold back his questions. "Where are we? Who are you? Can you let us leave?"

"My name is Moss Valdez," the man replied calmly as he stopped eating, his gaze shifting between Adrian and Ariana. "This is my laboratory base. And I can't let you leave."

"Why?" Adrian's voice grew louder, his frustration evident.

“Because you entered my property without permission; there must be consequences," Moss explained. He then pointed at Ariana and spoke with a tone that mixed gentleness with firm resolve. "Furthermore, you fit the criteria for my experiments, and I need you to stay here to participate."

When Ariana and Adrian heard Moss' words, they were taken aback, a shiver of cold fear running through them.

So were they the bad guys here?

Adrian's brow wrinkled in irritation.

Even if he had entered Moss’ territory without permission, was it really necessary for Moss to chain him up? Besides, he hadn't done that on purpose.

At that moment, Adrian was so overwhelmed with frustration that he fantasized about blasting this odd man away with the fiery anger simmering inside him.

“Look, I'm sorry, okay?" Adrian said, apologizing as he explained that his intrusion was accidental. He had found himself lost in the woods following a car accident during a brawl, certainly not by choice. He mentioned his notable status, too, hoping it would sway Moss' decision.

However, Moss didn't respond. He continued to gaze at his plate, seemingly unaffected by what Adrian had said.

Seeing this, Adrian introduced Ariana, highlighting her ties to the esteemed Fredrick family, hoping to spark some recognition.

This seemed to catch Moss' attention.

"The Fredrick family, you say?" Moss looked up with a hint of interest. "I met Aldus more than two decades ago. He must have passed away by now."

His words were not pleasant to hear.

“You knew Aldus Fredrick?" Ariana asked.

Moss chuckled softly and waved his hand dismissively. "Barely. Our paths crossed a few times."

Ariana remained skeptical.

If their acquaintance was merely fleeting, why did Moss‘ tone sound so unfriendly? It was clear there was more to the story.