With those words, Aurora gave a casual wave and strolled through the exit.

Claudia watched her leave, her lips tightly pressed, and then made her way to the elevator.

She descended to the basement parking to find her car and set off for home.

All the way home, Claudia pondered over how to explain the situation to Bennett. At the moment she told Aurora she'd discuss it with Bennett, it seemed straightforward.

But as she drove out of the parking area, she realized the awkwardness of the conversation ahead.

As her car rolled through the upscale neighborhood, her heart started racing faster with each block.

Ten minutes later, she pulled into their villa. Parking the car, she stepped out, walking past the garden towards the main entrance.

Peeking from the dining room, Marcia greeted her with a smile, "Good to see you, Mrs. Dreskin."

Acknowledging her with a nod, Claudia poured herself some water and ascended the stairs, sipping it slowly.

It was still quite early before dinner. She returned to her room for a change of attire, and not finding Bennett there, she decided to spend some time in the piano room to practice.

An hour and a half later, Bennett appeared, reminding her that it was dinner time.

After pressing the keyboard, Claudia picked up the phone and closed the piano. Then she looked up at him and asked, "Have you gone out?"

"I've been in the study," he replied, his smile subtle, and his eyes looked gentle.

Hesitantly, Claudia got up and approached him. After a brief pause, she wrapped her arms around Bennett's neck, embracing him. Gazing into his eyes, she said, "I assumed you weren't home."

Bennett wrapped his arms around her waist, and as he gazed into her eyes, he asked, “What brings you home so early today?"

Embarrassed, Claudia admitted, “Aurora insisted I come back to have dinner with you."

"So you actually don't want to come back to have dinner with me?"

When did she say that?

“Absolutely not!"

His faint smile held a message that was loud and clear.

Whenever he looked at her that way, it felt as though he could see right into her soul, a feeling Claudia found utterly unbearable.

Within two seconds, she couldn't take it anymore, shifting her gaze to dodge the probing depth in his eyes.

Her eyes fell on his thin Lips. An impulsive thought struck her-if she kissed him, maybe he'd drop the topic.

And with that, she did it.