Bennett also stood and looked at Claudia. “Have you got your phone?

Claudia caught his eye and flushed, feeling embarrassed about the unopened messages on her phone. “I got it."

"Shall we leave now, then?"

With a nod, Claudia turned to Jace and said, "We're going now, Dad."

"Okay. Be careful on your way home. Come and have dinner with me whenever you have free time."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Dad."

Bennett grabbed Claudia's hand, and together, they made their way out of the villa.

Jace saw them off to the villa's entrance, where Bennett's driver was waiting in the car.

The driver immediately stepped out of the car when he saw Bennett and Claudia approach and opened the door for them.

Bennett had been drinking earlier and was unable to drive, so he had to be taken there by the driver.

Claudia turned to Jace and said, “Dad, we're going now. You can go back inside."

She waved at her father before getting into the car.

Bennett gave Jace a nod and climbed into the vehicle as well.

Jace watched the car drive away until it disappeared from his sight.

Once it did, he retreated to the villa.

Inside the car, Claudia glanced nervously at Bennett, who was already looking at her.

The moment her eyes met his, her ears turned red instantly.

They were sitting close to each other inside the car, making it easy for her to detect the scent of alcohol on him.

“Did you drink?" Claudia asked, hoping it would get rid of the tension in the atmosphere.

"A Little."

Claudia nodded, unsure of how to continue the conversation.

She did not have the nerve to tell him the real reason why she went to visit her father.

Seeing the shift in her expression, Bennett pressed his fist to his lips to prevent a smile and questioned, “Have you seen my messages?"

The question stunned Claudia into a brief silence.