Her heart fluttered with the possibility, but all he said was, "Okay." His response was simple, nothing more.

Confused about his intentions and fearing she might be reading too much into things, Claudia asked hesitantly, “Are you planning to come?"

She would need to arrange a ticket for him if he was. Bennett looked up at her, but just as he was about to speak, his phone began to vibrate on the table.

“I need to take this call," he said, glancing at the caller ID before picking up the phone.

As Bennett reached for the ringing device, Claudia silently inquired “Should I go away while you're on the call?" The incoming call seemed to originate from Bennett's father.

Without a doubt, he called to give Bennett a piece of his mind. As the perceived instigator, Claudia believed it was best to keep her distance from him for now.

Bennett shot her a glance. As she prepared to rise, he leaned over lightly, securing her wrist.

His large hand enfolded her wrist with mild pressure, yet Claudia perceived the warmth of his touch.

Automatically, she sought to withdraw her hand. However, the moment she shifted, the hand's pressure intensified.

Bennett rotated his gaze toward Claudia. Flushed with mortification, she froze.

The silent room amplified the tense atmosphere, with Claudia a mere arm's length away from Bennett. The distant roar of Benico's fury permeated the room, intensifying her discomfort.

"End your marriage with that woman within a month!"

“She is my wife."

“You never brought her back to see us before, and there was no ceremony. She isn't truly your wife. You went ahead and legalized it without our approval."

“So, what are you and Jolie?" At this, Bennett paused momentarily, and then countered scornfully, "A cheater and his mistress?"

Claudia inwardly marveled at Bennett's audacity, much braver than her own!

“You... You refuse to split with Claudia? Then vacate your position at the Segarine Group!"

“I ought to remind you that my mother holds thirty percent of the Segarine Group's shares, which is now in my possession."

"Then step aside as the chairman! You and Darnley, whoever marries Zaria, I will give him my shares of the Segarine Group!"

"Whatever."

‘Compose yourself, Benico. Be mindful of your elevated blood pressure. You "

Claudia lost track of Jolie's words as Bennett concluded the call. After the call, Bennett shifted his gaze to Claudia.

Feeling oddly culpable, Claudia hastily offered, “I didn't hear anything."

Immediately regretting her words, she recognized the unnecessary emphasis as potentially suspicious.