"Mrs. Santiago."

Bennett's mom and Clara shared a close bond, and Bennett held her in high regard.

Acknowledging him, Clara teased, “Had you chosen another bride, my husband and I wouldn't have spared you!"

Bennett, wearing a faint smile, approached Claudia and gently held her hand. He responded calmly to Clara's jest, "Miss Santiago is indeed wonderful, but when it comes to marriage, the heart's choice matters most."

Clara smiled and said, “You're absolutely right."

She then sighed and added, "I often wonder when Zaria will find that special someone."

Zaria was dissatisfied with her words.

"What do you mean? My special someone is Cece!"

"Oh, come on! I didn't mean that kind of feelings."

Amidst the banter between the two women, Claudia felt a blush creeping onto her face because of Zaria's bold declaration.

The moment Claudia touched her own ear, she felt a warm breath, followed by Bennett's earnest voice.

"She is my special someone, too."

Claudia's cheeks blossomed with a rosy hue.

Even with her growing resilience, public confessions from Bennett still left her flustered.

Not far away, Benico was already on the stage.

Though Claudia looked his way, her mind was elsewhere.

Bennett leaned in closer, his breath tickling her neck. Overwhelmed, she could only focus on the affectionate words he had whispered.

Due to Bennett's comment, she couldn't hear Zaria's words clearly.

It wasn't until Zaria left with her mother to join Hans that Claudia snapped back to reality, offering her a gentle wave.

The big cake on stage had been sliced, and pieces were now being distributed by Darnley and Jolie.

As Claudia noticed Darnley approaching with two cake slices, her gaze instinctively darted to Bennett.

“What are you staring at? Can't manage a piece of cake on your own?"

With a hint of disdain, Darnley handed Claudia her piece and gave the other to Bennett. Bennett's eyes quickly scanned the cake.

He felt nervous and said, "Dad wishes for you to come home tonight."