Given the scorching weather, Claudia worried that sweat would ruin the foundation and concealer. To counteract this, she intended to apply some Loose powder on Bennett.

However, upon hearing Bennett's question, Claudia's hand trembled uncontrollably, causing the loose powder to accidentally spill directly onto his lips.

The atmosphere hung suspended for an instant. Claudia's heart missed a beat before reclaiming the powder puff with a shaky grip. "My... my apologies. It's just loose powder, not harmful. I... I'll clean it off you

She didn't intend for this to happen! Searching the table diligently, Claudia was unable to find a tissue.

Spotting Bennett's dark gaze, she abandoned her search for a tissue, opting instead to brush the powder from his lips using her hand.

Claudia couldn't help but notice the softness of Bennett's lips, and she imagined they would make for a delightful kiss.

Aware of her runaway thoughts, her ears grew hot and her cheeks flushed.

Her fingers felt Like they were aflame all at once, and she yearned to retract her hand.

Bennett's situation wasn't much better than Claudia's. As her tender fingertips swept his lips, her serious gaze and warm breath hitting his face made him uneasy.

He caught a glimpse of her reddened Lips. Bennett found himself, for a brief moment, longing to kiss her.

Yet, he managed to rein in his desires. He lifted his hand, lightly pushing hers away.

“There's no need to fuss. I can just rinse my face.”

Standing, he went to the restroom.

Looking in the mirror, he found the scratch on his neck successfully hidden.

Bennett gently ran his fingers over the concealed mark. Claudia had done well.

Claudia realized she had made a mistake. After Bennett went into the bathroom, she sat on the sofa, feeling guilty and hugging her knees. She lowered her head, appearing downcast.

Upon returning to the living area, Bennett raised an eyebrow at the sight of Claudia on the sofa. He commented, “You've done well. The scratch is entirely hidden."

At his words of approval, Claudia's stress seemed to dissolve. As she prepared to respond with a grin, his stern warning followed, “But never repeat such an action."

She found herself without a reply.

Her smile, stuck midway, looked even worse than when she had been crying.

"I need to go.”

He gave Claudia a fleeting look before exiting the villa.

Shortly after, she heard the familiar hum of a car engine outside.

Had he been upset?