“Stop spouting nonsense. How can that be?"

“How is that impossible? With your beauty and good heart, you'd sway any man. Plus, Xavier, known for his flirtatious ways, recently returned from overseas. Perhaps he's unaware of your marriage status."

As Aurora continued, her theory seemed increasingly plausible to her.

Claudia, however, found each additional point more ridiculous.

At that moment, the waiter who had previously left returned to their table. “Ladies, the bill has indeed been settled by someone. It's a gentleman by the surname of Hinchcliffe."

Aurora clicked her tongue and raised her chin at Claudia.

With a slight bite of her lip, Claudia acknowledged with a nod.

“Alright, thanks."

With the bill already paid, she had no choice but to accept the gesture.

She speculated that Xavier, aware she wouldn't accept him paying, had secretly settled the bill and left without a fuss.

Claudia wasn't pleased with Xavier's actions. Despite having encountered him a few times, their relationship, in her eyes, was only slightly closer than that of strangers.

Their relationship wasn't the sort to make him pay the bill for her.

Once the waiter left, Aurora's smile faded. “What's the plan?"

While she had playfully teased Claudia earlier, the fact remained that Xavier had indeed paid for the meal, and Aurora couldn't help but find it a bit inappropriate.

Claudia was already a married woman. Bennett finding out about Xavier's act might lead to friction between them.

Claudia glanced at her and said, “I'll go back and ask Bennett about ..."

While she had dealt with admirers in the past, having one after tying the knot was a different kind of trouble.

Aurora was initially reluctant, believing discussing Xavier with Bennett might not be wise.

However, after a moment's thought, she felt discussing it with Bennett was the right move.

Claudia was a genuinely honest and kind person, and she felt it was important to be upfront about things. She thought it best to clarify the situation promptly to avoid any potential misunderstandings that could strain her marriage.

The two of them came out of the restaurant and went to see a movie.

When the movie ended at four in the afternoon, Aurora teased, "Time to head back for dinner with your husband!"

Feeling a bit shy, Claudia said, "I can drop you off at your place."

"No need to. Traffic's a mess around here. It'd take an hour just to get me home. I'll hail a cab instead. You should head back!"