Before leaving, his gaze swept over the hickey on the back of her neck, and his eyes darkened.

Strengthening his resolve, he took one last look at Claudia and walked out of the piano room.

After Bennett left, Claudia found herself raising her hand, her fingers tracing her warm Lips.

When she thought of the kiss, her face turned hot, and she struggled to regain her composure from the lingering excitement.

It took Claudia a long time to calm down, and she attempted to distract herself by playing a casual song.

Three hours passed quickly.

Claudia's phone alarm rang, but she didn't hear it over the music and her own concentration. She only saw the phone vibrating when she finished playing the piano.

She recalled she had an appointment with Xavier at noon. Her fingers brushing the ivory keys one last time, she took a sip of water, grabbed her phone, and left the piano room.

It was eleven o'clock, nearing the time of their arrangement.

Bennett was in the study. Not wanting to disturb him, Claudia decided to change her clothes first and then join him. She knocked on the study door.

“It's not locked."

Hearing his response, Claudia pushed the door open and walked in.

Rather than working, Bennett was immersed in a book.

As she entered the room, Claudia's eyes trailed to the cover of the book he was holding and caught a glimpse of the word "Noise."

Seeing her come in, Bennett closed the book he had been reading and turned his attention to her.

“Have you finished playing the piano?"

Claudia nodded, checking the time. "It's 11.15. Shall we leave now?"

"Is this invitation that important to you?"

Sensing the hint of danger in his voice, she answered simply, “It's polite to be on time."

Wearing a faint smile, Bennett acknowledged her concern. "You're right."

"Isn't it true?" Claudia asked nervously. She became antsy when he stared at her like that.

“Of course."

Despite his initial resistance, his answer was swift and affirmative.

Then, Bennett set his book aside, rose from the sofa, and said, "I'm going to change my clothes."