Moss glanced impassively at Bennett's wound and gestured for him to enter the room.

"Thank you," Bennett said. Then, he turned to Holden and instructed, “Follow me."

Unexpectedly, as Holden walked pass Moss, Moss suddenly lunged at Holden.

Holden felt the rush of air and swiftly dodged the attack, instinctively countering in response.

At first, he chose a defensive strategy, wary of escalating the situation, but Moss' every move was aggressively fierce. After a few exchanges, Holden contemplated shifting to offense, but he then noticed Bennett's warning gaze, urging him not to do that.

Holden pressed his lips together, feigning being overpowered to prevent arousing Moss' suspicion.

Upon Moss' blow landing, he staggered back against the door, groaning in pain. Moss ceased his attacks and took a step back.

He glared at Holden and sneered at Bennett, "What a weakling. Can he truly protect you when he even can't defeat me?"

Standing beside Bennett, Holden clutched his chest and gazed calmly at Moss.

Though Moss' words were cutting, it was clear he was no longer as suspicious of Holden as before.

Holden remained calm, yet inwardly, he smirked, confident that his strategy had proven effective.

Moss continued to sneer at Holden, heedless of Holden's dignity.

“Everyone desires a fierce eagle as a guardian, but I prefer a loyal watchdog that barks when needed." After Moss saw Holden's expression change, his face betrayed an intensifying sense of contempt. “An eagle might one day turn its sharp beak against its master, but no matter how fierce a dog, it cannot leap as high.”

Holden bowed his head, appearing docile like a submissive dog obeying its master's commands. Yet behind his back, he clenched his fists tightly.

He understood he must endure this humiliation until he found Ariana.

As Moss concluded his scathing remarks, Holden caught Bennett's chuckle. Bennett's expression was soft, looking harmless.

Holden had anticipated Bennett mocking him, but he was surprised when Bennett came to his defense.

“Uncle Moss, Colt is actually quite capable and one of my most trusted assistants. Perhaps he recognizes your seniority and chooses not to show aggression," Bennett said gently, adding a few more words to ease the tension.

"You are too kind to him!" Moss snorted but said nothing further.

Once inside the room, Moss began issuing orders to Holden.