Claudia and her friend had humiliated Kayla in public, and since then, she hadn't found an opportunity for payback.

Tonight seemed to be offering her the perfect chance, and she wasn't about to let it slip away.

Determined, Kayla cast a pointed look at Claudia after speaking.

Catching her eye, Claudia lowered her head.

For some reason, she had a hunch that Kayla did it on purpose.

She pressed her lips together, waiting for Bennett's response.

Clearly, invoking her mother's friendship with Bennett was a futile strategy.

"The necklace is intended for my wife. I can't give it away,"

Bennett declared, his voice icy and devoid of emotion, leaving no room for further discussion.

Kayla's confidence faltered, her smile disappearing.

"You should know that my mother rarely shows interest in jewelry, Townsend. She seldom requests that I bid on items. There are better options for you, and Mrs. Dreskin, I'm sure, deserves something more exquisite."

Turning her attention to Claudia, she continued, "Mrs. Dreskin, this is the first time my mother has asked me to purchase something for her. Are you truly unwilling to let go of it?"

She was clearly using filial piety as a threat.

However, why should Kayla's sense of filial duty concern her?

The idea was ludicrous.

And naturally, Claudia had no intention of acquiescing to her request.

Claudia bit her lower lip, pretending to be feeling troubled as she responded, “I'm sorry, Miss Bryant. This is the first time Bennett has taken me to an auction and bid for a gift for me. The necklace means a lot to me. So, I can't give it up. Besides, this isn't the best necklace out there. Your mom deserves something better, don't you think? Miss Bryant, how about you try for the ‘Bridge of Love’ necklace? I have a feeling she'd love that one even more."

She used the same excuse that Kayla had just used. Unable to retort, Kayla could only manage a strained smile and say, "I shouldn't have inconvenienced you. My apologies."

"Indeed, you shouldn't have started," Bennett grunted.

His words were a gut punch. Kayla's face, already flushed, turned a shade paler.

"Okay, I get it. My mistake," she said through gritted teeth before glancing at Bennett and Claudia.

With that, she went on her way.

Claudia watched her leave, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

She turned to Bennett and asked, "Is it all right that I didn't give up the necklace?"