Claudia discreetly rolled her eyes, under the impression that nobody noticed. On Looking up, however, she found the elegant woman on the stairs Looking at her.

Women understood women best. Claudia didn't need more than a glance to recognize the hostility in the woman's eyes.

Obviously, the source of hostility was Bennett. Had they been elsewhere, Claudia would have released Bennett and clarified.

But today, a stunning young lady graced the scene. Listening to Bennett's stepmother, Claudia sensed the woman hailed from a prosperous family.

It was crystal clear that Jolie aimed to unite Bennett with this captivating beauty.

Claudia had benefited from Bennett's assistance in dealing with the Nixon family. She felt obligated to reciprocate.

Rather than releasing Bennett's hand, Claudia held it tighter and moved closer to him.

Their bodies, initially a Little distance apart, were now flush against each other, Bennett's woody cologne more pronounced.

Claudia's heart pounded in her chest.

Reminding herself this was all a performance, Claudia took a deep, calming breath.

When Bennett glanced her way, his obsidian eyes danced with warmth. However, when his gaze met Benico's, they frosted over. "Actually, I am indeed concerned she might get lost.”

"You-="

Benico's teeth ground together as he fought to suppress his seething rage.

The opulence of the Dreskin family was evident in every detail, including the lavish dinner table.

Even though the Marshall family couldn't match the wealth of the Dreskin family, Claudia had encountered many affluent individuals through her teacher and could recognize that a single vase in the Dreskin household could be worth more than a million dollars.

The richer the family, the stricter the rules. Though conversation was permitted at the dining table, Claudia couldn't help but be mindful of her manners and comport herself with utmost grace.

Feeling the pressure, Claudia was largely silent once they were seated.

“Our two families have been friends for a long time. Both Zaria's father and I hope to strengthen the bond between our families."

With Zaria in the room, Benico chose to hold his tongue and refrained from using harsh words towards Bennett.

As he casually peeled a shrimp, Bennett replied, “That's a nice sentiment, but you should discuss it with Darnley. It's pointless to tell me."

“Bennett!”

Benico's voice rose, straining to keep his anger in check.

Ignoring him, Bennett dropped the peeled shrimp into Claudia's plate, asking, “Did I say something inappropriate? I am married. If you want Zaria to marry into the Dreskin family, there's really nothing I can help with."

He paused, glancing at Zaria, before continuing, "Miss Santiago, surely you wouldn't want to interfere with someone else's marriage, would you?"