“Bestie, are you awake yet?" Aurora's response came quick.

“Why the early rise on a weekend? Something's wrong with you!"

Claudia, feeling a pang of guilt, responded, "No. I just went to bed early last night."

... darling, you're not trying to showing it off to me, are you?" “What are you talking about? I didn't say anything..."

“No need for words. I understand!"

Claudia, upon hearing that, felt a wave of panic, suddenly remembering she had something crucial to discuss with Aurora. She promptly shifted gears. "So, didn't you mention that I have a tendency to cuddle others when I'm tipsy? Can you be more specific?"

Her memories of the prior night were hazy.

She had no clue how Bennett ended up with that scratch on his neck. But they were the only two people in the villa. If she wasn't responsible, could it be that Bennett was really scratched by a cat? But they didn't even have a cat!

"Did you have one too many last night?"

"Maybe... a bit."

“No wonder you're texting me this early. Did you pull a move on Bennett while you were drunk?"

“No, not at all!"

“Quit pretending! Something's definitely off."

With her cover blown by Aurora, Claudia decided to go all in. "I did have drinks last night, and my memories are now fuzzy. I need your help to piece together my typical drunk behavior."

“It's not all bad.

You're usually a bit more touchy-feely, that's all."

Claudia felt as if she'd been electrocuted.

As Claudia scanned the message, her hand shook, causing her phone to tumble onto the floor.

Just then, the doorbell chimed. Claudia swiftly picked up her phone, sent an emoji to Aurora, and then hurried to the door.

The person on the doorstep was the servant Bennett had mentioned. She was a middle-aged woman, dressed in modest but tidy attire. As soon as Claudia opened the door, she introduced herself, beaming, "Good day, Mrs. Dreskin. I am Marcia Ramos, Mr. Ellis appointed me to serve you and Mr. Dreskin."

Claudia acknowledged her with a friendly nod.

“Great to meet you."