Hearing the door open, Xavier, seated leisurely inside the room, looked up to see the couple in the doorway. The smile on his face faded in an instant.

“Thank you."

Bennett thanked the waiter. He then took Claudia's hand and led her into the private room.

Xavier shifted his gaze from the two of them to their intertwined hands.

After a couple of seconds, Xavier redirected his attention from their hands and greeted Bennett with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Dreskin."

Then, looking at Claudia, he said, “Hello, Claudia."

The atmosphere was a little weird, but Claudia didn't know how to respond when Xavier greeted her with a smile, so she had to smile politely and say, “Good afternoon."

Bennett pulled out a chair for Claudia and sat down beside her.

Xavier offered the menu to Claudia, but before she could take it, Bennett smoothly intercepted it and placed it in front of her. "Take a look and decide what you'd like to eat."

He looked up at Xavier and explained calmly, “Claudia mentioned that you've graciously paid for her and her friend's meals. She didn't know how to repay you, so we've come to invite you to lunch today.”

He conveyed the purpose of the Lunch.

Xavier understood that Bennett was subtly declaring his relationship with Claudia. Still, as a playboy, he didn't attach much importance to her having a boyfriend, knowing that such relationships often end sooner or later.

“Oh, I see. You're welcome. It was nothing," Xavier responded with a friendly smile.

Pretending to peruse the menu, Claudia raised her head and smiled when she heard Xavier speak to her. "You're too kind."

“Don't worry. I'm very generous with all my friends.”

Bennett poured Claudia a glass of water and placed it before her.

“Mr. Hinchcliffe, what would you like to order?"

"I'm not fussed. Ladies first."

Claudia felt embarrassed, unsure why Xavier kept mentioning her.

She stole a glance at Bennett, sitting next to her with a stoic expression. It was hard to tell whether he was pleased or upset, but she could tell there was tension in the air, and something was off.

Claudia pressed her lips and placed the menu between herself and Bennett. "Is this set menu enough for us?"

She hadn't dined at this restaurant before, so she didn't know if the portions were generous.

The atmosphere in the room was thick and charged with unease. Claudia was overwhelmed by the extensive menu and felt the trepidation between Xavier and Bennett. Eager to end the uncomfortable lunch, she hastily placed her order, hoping to bring the awkward meal to a swift conclusion.

“That's enough. Mr. Hinchcliffe, is there anything you want to add?"