When she awoke, it was 5 p.m. and still raining.

When she glanced at her phone, she noticed several missed calls, one from Jace and two from unfamiliar numbers.

As Claudia was about to call Jace back, a message from Xavier popped up.

"We've taken your car in for repairs. It'll be ready in three working days."

Claudia immediately replied, “Okay, thank you."

Xavier responded with another message.

“My secretary called to let you know. There's no need to call back."

“Okay, thanks for letting me know," she replied.

Xavier didn't send her any more messages after that. He must have been busy.

Checking her watch, she decided to practice piano for half an hour before heading downstairs for dinner.

Without Bennett being home, she didn't have an appetite to eat alone, though.

Marcia prepared a small meal, but she didn't finish that either.

Bennett was on a business trip, tied up in a meeting to discuss the plans. The meeting stretched late into the night.

Mindful of not disturbing him, Claudia took a shower and sent a “good night" message before retiring.

They scheduled Jace's surgery for 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

The next evening, Claudia called Bennett.

“You don't have to hurry back. The doctor said it's only minor surgery."

“Okay, that's good to know. How do you feel? Did your period give you much discomfort?"

Claudia blushed with embarrassment.

"No, I'm fine. Just a little tired."

Given her consistent year-round exercise and good physical condition, abdominal pain during her menstrual period was a rarity.

The initial discomfort in the first few months stemmed from her weakened state after the car accident, and she hadn't fully recovered.

Their conversation drifted to other topics. But since it was getting late, Claudia took the initiative to end the call.

Claudia had no idea that something significant had happened to Segarine Group. It wasn't until she read about it in the news that morning that she learned of it. So she didn't want to take up any more of Bennett's time.