She swallowed hard, feeling an unexpected warmth flood her face. Once he set her down on the sofa, Bennett shot her a look. Claudia, feeling somewhat guilty, muttered, "Thank you."

Bennett seemed oblivious to her inner turmoil. "What can I get you to drink?"

“Water.”

A thirst had taken hold of her.

Worried that she hadn't been clear enough, she added, "Warm water, please."

Bennett crossed over to the kitchen island and fetched her a glass of warm water.

It was then that Claudia noticed... this was a different villa-not that one she visited before with only one bedroom.

A sense of relief washed over her as she realized this.

She assumed there would at least be a guest room this time around.

Returning with the water, Bennett took a seat next to her. He noticed her drinking and examining her surroundings, deducing what she was thinking, and offered a smile.

Once she had quenched her thirst, Claudia turned to Bennett and inquired, “How many bedrooms are there?"

“How many do you need?"

“I'm not sure. As Long as we aren't sharing a room."

She felt her request was reasonable.

After drinking half a bottle of soda, Bennett regarded her impassively and remarked, "Then you're in luck. The villa isn't short on bedrooms."

The assurance completely set Claudia at ease. Just as she was about to inquire about her room, the man abruptly rose from his seat, announcing, "The bedrooms are primarily on the second floor. Feel free to choose whichever one you like. I have some work in the study. Call me if you need anything.”

With that, he ascended the stairs.

Claudia, watching his retreating figure, felt a pang of bewilderment. She hadn't said anything wrong!

Why was he upset? ®

Unable to discern the cause, Claudia chose to dismiss it.

She decided to make amends with Bennett Later.

She discovered that placating Bennett wasn't challenging, though his temper was somewhat volatile.