"As intensely as this," he replied as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly for about two seconds before loosening his grip on it and gently laying it back down.

Claudia was stunned for a moment, unable to say anything.

Claudia's hand recoiled as if it had brushed against a hot stove, the sting of Bennett's unexpected move lingering. Her ears blazed crimson, the embarrassment radiating down her neck like wildfire.

“What are you doing?" she questioned, teeth gritted, utterly taken aback by Bennett's audacious behavior.

Leaning against the bed, Bennett raised his eyes slightly, meeting her gaze with a faint smile. “Didn't you ask me?" he responded, the smirk on his face suggesting an unspoken challenge.

Claudia found herself at a loss for words. His brazen demeanor left her grappling for a response. "Won't you say it to me?" she finally managed, her frustration evident.

"I don't think expressing my feelings for you is enough." His tone implied a deeper meaning that eluded her.

Claudia felt the futility of arguing with him. “Aren't you going to shower?" she redirected, attempting to shift the focus. "I'm a Little hungry. I'll go downstairs and find something to eat."

She swiftly got up from him, turned around, and hastened out of the room, extracting herself from the situation.

As Claudia escaped the master bedroom, Bennett observed her departure with a silent smile, leaning back on the bed. Watching her vanish, he directed his gaze to the ceiling, an enigmatic smile on his Lips.

After a thoughtful pause, he rose slowly and went to the bathroom.

Fleeing from the master bedroom, Claudia was eager to check the guest room and ensure her surprise was intact.

However, standing outside the guest room door, Claudia decided against it.

"Forget it," she murmured, opting to trust her preparations.

She acknowledged Bennett's sharp instincts. He would have guessed if she came out and met him later.

It should be fine. She had already checked it many times over.

Turning away, Claudia went down the stairs to pour herself a glass of water.

Her mind wandered as she descended the stairs and recalled Bennett's impulsive move. When he took her hand to touch his private parts, subconsciously, she looked down at her right hand.

Several minutes had slipped away, yet the warmth of Bennett's touch lingered on Claudia's palm.

The flush on her face, which had just begun to fade, resurfaced as she swiftly withdrew her right hand.

She stopped herself from thinking about it anymore.

Dwelling on it would only steep her mind into impure thoughts.

Her instincts proved correct. Knowing that Bennett had returned ahead of schedule, Marcia had finished cooking dinner earlier.

Around six o'clock, Marcia informed Claudia that dinner was ready.