Having been overlooked by Bennett the entire evening, Zaria was frustrated, but she held her temper in check.

When he finally addressed her, she shot a direct look at Claudia. "A strong marriage can't be easily shattered, but a weak one will crumble even without outside influence. Isn't that right?"

Claudia wasn't surprised when Zaria suddenly turned to her. Despite eating quietly, she remained focused on her purpose for being there.

When Zaria took the initiative to provoke her, Claudia felt a secret spark of excitement. "So, Miss Santiago, are you planning to become a home-wrecker?"

While her words might have been considered impolite, they were undeniably true.

Claudia's response caused a visible ripple of tension around the table, except for Bennett who remained unaffected.

Benico challenged, “Are you under the impression that marrying Bennett automatically makes you a part of the Dreskin family?"

Wiping her mouth, Claudia met his gaze, responding coolly, “Not at all. I married Bennett, not the Dreskin family. My intentions were never that grand.”

“And quite the silver-tongued one, aren't you? You only married Bennett for his wealth, right?"

“Bennett is my husband. His possessions became our shared assets once we were married. I'm fully entitled to them."

Benico's anger peaked, and he ordered Claudia to leave. Without missing a beat, Bennett stood, exiting the room with Claudia. This left a sour taste and frayed relationships in their wake.

Upon their departure, Zaria announced her leave. Concerned about Benico getting too worked up, Jolie sent the housekeeper to escort Zaria out while she stayed with her husband.

By the time Zaria reached the gate of the Dreskin residence, Bennett and Claudia had already departed in their car.

Clenching her teeth in frustration, Zaria dialed a number on her phone.

“I want information on Claudia Marshall!"

“What happened, Zaria?" came the concerned voice on the other end of the line. "I need to put her in her place!" Zaria growled.

Never before had she been so blatantly ignored and humiliated! Claudia was the root of this and she swore vengeance

Bennett grasped Claudia's wrist, guiding her into the car

Immediately, Claudia was washed over with regret. She had acted impulsively, and it had resulted in conflict.

Bennett's father appeared to be furious with her.

The thought stirred her to glance at Bennett.

He didn't seem as enraged as she had anticipated. He regarded her with a soft gaze and queried, “Are you scared?"

Claudia responded with a shake of her head, and then cautiously asked, “Are you upset with me?"

“Why would I be upset with you?"