Bennett leisurely crossed his legs, poured a glass of wine, and extended it to Moss. He intended to speak more to soothe Moss, but Moss remained wary. He abruptly cut Bennett off, saying, "Cut the act. We're alone here. Just tell me what you want."

Before Bennett could respond, Moss continued, "Is it about that woman? I suggest you abandon the idea. I won't let her go. You'd do better finding another fiancée than trying to convince me. There are plenty of women in the world anyway."

Bennett lowered his gaze, inwardly sneering at Moss’ hypocrisy. Moss had fixated on just one woman for over two decades, yet he was now saying this to him.

Truthfully, he didn't want to meddle with Moss' unethical scientific research, but he couldn't bear the thought of Ariana being used as an experimental subject.

While Moss wanted Emilia revived, he couldn't fathom sacrificing Ariana's life for that purpose.

Furthermore, how could Moss rationalize sacrificing Ariana's life to save Emilia's?

Both Emilia and Ariana were people.

As he contemplated this, a glint of ruthlessness flickered across Bennett's eyes.

He raised his head calmly and sighed. “Uncle Moss, you've misunderstood me. I harbor no hidden agendas. I genuinely desired to share a drink and converse with you."

Moss regarded him skeptically. "You're really not doing this because of that woman?"

Bennett nodded. “Indeed, I value her, but I'm not in love with her. As you mentioned earlier, there are countless women in the world. I can marry someone else."

Moss' suspicions finally dissipated. He swirled his glass, smiled at Bennett, and remarked, "That's the spirit. You don't need to jeopardize our bond over an ordinary woman."

Bennett responded with a measured smile, his gaze lingering on the untouched wine glass in Moss’ hand.

He had given the glass of wine to Moss, but Moss hadn't drunk it.

At that moment, Moss caught Bennett's stare at his glass and asked, “What are you staring at? Did you drug my wine?"

Bennett chuckled softly, reassuring him, "Uncle Moss, your doubts are unfounded. How could I ever harm you?" As he spoke, he downed his glass. “Both our drinks came from the same decanter. Are you satisfied now?"

Bennett then turned to the bar counter, tweaking the music selection.

The room was soon filled with the thunderous chords of heavy metal, prompting Moss to furrow his brow in discomfort. Without a word, he turned and left the room.

Soon, Moss returned, having changed his coat, only to confront the rising crescendo of the music. He swiftly turned it off.

Bennett, lost in the music with closed eyes, was startled when the music abruptly ceased. Assuming a technical glitch, he opened his eyes to find that Moss had turned the music off.