He gazed at her red lips and smiled. “Two lovers having a passionate moment on the stairs isn't going to end the world. Even if she saw us, what's wrong with that?"

Claudia blushed deeply at his words.

She tried to control herself not to blush so easily, but it was a futile try. She wasn't as emotionally tough as Bennett was.

Still nervous that Marcia had caught sight of them, Claudia decided to change the topic. "I like the clothes that came here today."

“That's good. I'm glad you like them." A thought suddenly planted itself in his mind. “Speaking of clothes, a dinner party will be held this Friday. Would you like to attend it?"

Claudia looked up at him and asked, "A dinner party?"

"I got the invitation from a partner, but it isn't that important. If you want to go, I'll accept the invitation. If not, I can simply refuse it."

Claudia said, "We ought to be there. You should accept the invitation."

Since the invitation came from a partner, the appropriate thing to do was to honor it. Not doing so seemed to be nothing short of uncivil.

“Your wish is my command."

“Should I wear a gown or do you have something else in mind?"

Claudia asked as she went to the worktop and poured him a glass of water.

"I'll ask someone to prepare your dress. It will be ready in due time."

"Oh, that's nice."

There would be no need for her to worry about what to wear.

After a while, Marcia came to meet them at the worktop to remind them about dinner.

Claudia blushed deeply. She faced Bennett and said, “We should go and eat."

"Alright."

Claudia's cheeks were bright red as she saw Marcia walk out of the kitchen with the dishes.

However, Marcia acted as though she hadn't witnessed anything. For this, Claudia was grateful.

It wasn't like she regretted the intimate moment with Bennett-it just felt embarrassing to have been seen by Marcia.

After dinner, Claudia withdrew to her room.

Except for the Friday dinner party, her schedule was empty for the rest of the week. Bennett was going on a business trip to Erivale on Tuesday and Wednesday.

By chance, his birthday happened to fall on Thursday.