With Bennett's remark about going to bed earlier, Claudia slowed her eating pace. Usually, she would only take twenty minutes. However, it took half an hour for her to finish her meal tonight.

“Are you full?" Bennett glanced at her when she put her cutlery down.

Claudia couldn't hide her nervousness. She reached for a glass of water, her hand trembling as she brought it to her lips. Without uttering a word, she lowered her head and took a sip.

Bennett's gaze locked on her as he held the glass in his right hand, tapping it with his crossed index and middle fingers.

The sound reverberated through the quiet dining room, capturing Claudia's attention. She stole a glance at him from beneath her lowered eyelashes. Her apprehension grew, and she felt like a vulnerable lamb on the way to the slaughterhouse.