Bennett clasped her hand in his and gently rubbed her fingers.

Claudia found it comfortable and didn't refuse.

After a while, Marcia emerged from the kitchen, her presence signaling that it was time for dinner.

When Bennett had departed in the morning, he had requested that they have an early dinner that day.

Bennett stopped massaging Claudia's hands and said, “Let's eat."

"Okay."

Claudia moved her fingers, feeling the lingering warmth of Bennett's touch.

She looked down at her hands and couldn't help but smile.

After an enjoyable dinner, Claudia excused herself from the table and made her way back to her room to put on her makeup.

The evening's party was not a formal affair. The dress Bennett had selected for her was on the bed.

The white knitting material hugged her curves gently, accentuating her figure in a way that felt both sophisticated and subtly seductive.

Claudia slipped on a pair of white sheepskin boots that perfectly complemented the texture and color of her dress. The boots not only provided comfort but also added a touch of casual charm to her ensemble.

As Claudia emerged from the cloakroom, Bennett's eyes immediately fixed upon her.

Claudia felt a warmth spreading across her cheeks. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"You look incredible, Claudia."

As he spoke, Bennett's voice trembled with a restrained vulnerability, his swallow betraying the depth of his emotions. There was a delicate, abstinent gentleness in his words, hinting at unspoken desires yet to be revealed.

Claudia held his hand tightly. "Shall we go there now?"

"Okay."

A sudden wave of reluctance washed over him.

He didn't want to attend the party, not because he didn't enjoy social gatherings, but because he wanted to keep Claudia all to himself.

At the stroke of seven, an inky shroud blanketed the surroundings.

The villa's departure was marked by the awakening glow of street lamps, already burning brightly as the car navigated into the night.

Bennett and Claudia got to the hotel thirty minutes later.

The parking space brimmed with cars. Bennett strode out of the car and walked to the door. He tossed the car keys to the doorman, nodding towards his car.