Aurora had once cautioned her about her erratic behavior when inebriated. But Claudia had not anticipated the aftermath to be quite so dramatic.

“What do you think?"

With a snort, the man straightened and walked out of the room.

Only after the door closed did Claudia muster the courage to lift her face, which had turned as red as a tomato, betraying her embarrassment.

Bennett's intention was evident. It dawned on her that she must have been caught up in one of her wild episodes from the previous night.

But what exactly had happened remained a mystery...

Snapping back to reality, Claudia hastily inspected herself, looking for any signs of wrongness.

Apart from her last night's dress still gracing her body, nothing seemed amiss.

This discovery sparked a wave of relief, triggering happy tears.

At the very least, this confirmed that she hadn't slept with Bennett last night in her drunk state.

It was a good news.

Yet, Claudia's grin faltered quickly. After her refreshing shower, remnants of the previous night's escapades began to dawn upon her.

Aurora's words rang true. It became evident to her that she lacked control over herself when under the influence of alcohol.

Claudia cringed at the recollection of how she'd implored Bennett for an embrace, wrapping herself tightly in her quilt, too mortified to face Bennett.

Bennett, having changed, was lingering in the dining room longer than anticipated, with no sign of Claudia. He rose from his seat, strode towards her room and knocked.

There was no response from Claudia.

Claudia, at the sound of the knock, clasped her comforter tighter and sealed her eyes shut, feigning slumber.

After a brief wait, Bennett's hand hovered towards the doorknob.

The door was unlocked. A slight twist and it creaked open.

Bennett glanced inside and immediately noticed the distinct shape on the bed.

With a raised eyebrow, he walked over. "Claudia?"

Claudia had returned around nine the night before, feeling light-headed, and succumbed to sleep around ten. It had been over nine hours since then.