"You-" Jolie began, wanting to caution against calling Bennett, fearing it might escalate into an argument and worsen the situation.

But seeing Benico so agitated, she hesitated. If he didn't make this call now, in his heated state, he might end up back in the hospital.

Handing him his blood pressure medication, Jolie urged, "Take this first."

Valuing his health, Benico complied, swallowing the medication before dialing Bennett's number.

Meanwhile, Claudia poured two glasses of water and handed one to Bennett when his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID, took a sip of water, then sat on the stool and answered, "Dad."

His tone was cold and lacking the emotional depth he reserved for Jace.

Noticing the change in his demeanor, Claudia took the glass and moved to the sofa, where she sat down and occupied herself with her phone.

As soon as Bennett answered the phone, Benico exploded.

“Dad? Do you even acknowledge me as your father? I've been in the hospital for two days, and you didn't bother making a single phone call to see if I was alright. Is this any way to treat your father?"

"You have another son. You don't need me," said Bennett.

That was the last straw for Benico.

“Bennett, from this day on, I am severing our father-son relationship," he roared into the phone. With that, he slammed the phone down.

Bennett sat holding the phone in silence as the dial tone buzzed in his ear. He stared blankly at the wall, lost in thought.

After a few moments of silence, Claudia glanced at Bennett and noticed him sitting there with a glass of water in his hand. His expression was obscure.

It was rare to see Bennett like this, and Claudia felt a pang of concern.

She walked up to him and hugged him from behind.

“Bennett.”

Her familiar scent of fresh orange blossoms was comforting. Bennett glanced down at her hands wrapped around his waist. The coldness in his eyes softened a bit.

"Hmm?"

"Don't be sad."

"I'm not sad."

He held her hands and turned to face her.

"I was just thinking about something."