Not a habitual drinker, he made an exception this time, downing a glass of hard alcohol in one go. Witnessing this, Claudia wished he hadn't gone to such lengths.

But she decided it was not her place to intervene further. She nudged Bennett, her voice barely a whisper, "Mathews is a friend. He didn't intend any harm. Could you please let it slide this time?"

As Claudia leaned in and whispered to Bennett, the room played blind.

Bennett also leaned towards her, Listening intently. He then looked up and glanced at Mathews, who was seated across from him.

Unexpectedly, Mathews was also gazing at Bennett, and their eyes met in the air. One gave a faint smile, while the other remained somewhat cold. No words were exchanged, yet the atmosphere suddenly became tense.