Bennett placed the order for the set menu on the Tablet PC and handed it to Xavier.

Xavier didn't respond immediately. He casually leaned against the back of his chair, glancing at Claudia. "The dishes Claudia ordered are enough. I'm not a picky eater.”

Bennett retrieved the Tablet PC, confirming the order.

No one spoke, and the private room was engulfed in a_ thick, suffocating silence that hung heavily in the air, creating an atmosphere of palpable discomfort and tension.

Nervously clenching her fists under the table, Claudia glanced at Bennett and noticed his intense gaze on Xavier.

It seemed like a confrontation was brewing.

Attempting to break the tension, Claudia pursed her lips and thought of saying something, but Xavier initiated the conversation. "Mr. Dreskin, have you been busy lately?"

“Not really."

"Alright."

Xavier nodded and looked at Claudia meaningfully.

“Mr. Hinchcliffe, you've just returned home. You must be quite busy,”

Bennett remarked.

“I'm not very busy," Xavier replied casually.

When Claudia heard their pitiful attempt at small talk, she was so embarrassed that her toes curled in her shoes.

Clearing her throat, she wished the waiter would hurry with their food.

Fortunately, it didn't take long before there was a light knock on the door to the private room.

The waiter wheeled the trolley in with a pot of soup.

He served the soup, placing it on Xavier's side of the table, given that he was the only one seated there.

Taking the soup spoon in one hand, Xavier extended his other hand to Claudia.

Claudia held the bowl in her hand, frozen, unsure what to do.

Bennett, seated beside her, quickly intervened. "Thank you, Mr. Hinchcliffe. She's a bit particular about soup. I'll take care of it."

Arching his eyebrows, Xavier ladled himself a bowl of soup and then passed the spoon to Bennett.

As soon as Bennett gestured to her, Claudia handed her bowl to him without hesitation.

Xavier's smile grew wider as he observed the exchange.