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.

At that moment, she waited for his next move with bated breath.

However, as she caught sight of his expression, she accidentally choked on her water. Gasping for air, she raised her head and Looked into Bennett's smiling eyes.

Claudia coughed even harder.

"Are you alright?" Bennett asked as he handed Claudia a napkin.

Feeling embarrassed, Claudia took the napkin and dabbed at the water in the corners of her mouth. "I'm fine. You know, I haven't practiced the piano today. I'm going up to practice now."

With that, she swiftly picked up her glass and hurried off to the piano room.

The smile in Bennett's eyes faded.

Remembering something, he stood up and walked to the French window in the living room. Taking out his phone, he made a call.

Seeing Bennett's name on the caller ID, Jackson was surprised and promptly answered, "Mr. Dreskin?"

It had been a while since he had received a call from Bennett after work hours.

"Jackson, could you arrange a lunch meeting for me and Xavier Hinchcliffe this Saturday?"

Jackson was somewhat puzzled by Bennett's request, but he didn't question him. "Yes, Mr. Dreskin.”

Since when did Bennett have a connection with Xavier?

Jackson was confused by the sudden request from Bennett.

By the time Xavier had returned home from spending the day with his mother, it was already past 9 p.m.

Alone in the expansive living room of over 10@ square meters, he gazed at the panoramic river view through the open French window. The memory of his sighting of Claudia in the afternoon resurfaced, causing him to raise an eyebrow in contemplation. As he pondered, his fingers idly toyed with his mobile phone, a subtle sign of his restlessness.

When he was about to send Claudia a message, his phone suddenly vibrated.

Checking the caller ID, Xavier furrowed his brow, thinking there might be an issue within the company. With a tinge of impatience, he asked, "What's the matter?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Hinchcliffe, but Mr. Dreskin's secretary from Segarine Group just called me and said that Mr. Dreskin wanted to invite you to Lunch on Saturday."