Joann responded with a head shake, her gaze clouded with concern. "Are you alright, Claudia? I called you three times just now, but you didn't seem to hear me..."

Caught off guard, Claudia could only blush and admit, "I was just Lost in my thoughts for a moment.”

She had had a peculiar dream last night, a result of Aurora's interpretation.

The first part of her dream seemed normal enough. Following her piano rendition of Traumerei for Bennett the previous night, he had extended his gratitude.

However, the latter part had been downright absurd. Bennett had proclaimed he wanted to thank her properly. Then, somehow, he had swept her into his arms and kissed her.

She could still taste the lingering flavor of mango from the dreamt kiss.

Damn it! While lost in her reverie, the car had arrived at the venue for the charity performance.

Rousing herself, Claudia followed Joann into the venue, her mind now focused on the task at hand.

The charity event was dedicated to raising funds for cochlear prostheses for hearing-impaired children.

Receiving the invitation had surprised Claudia, considering the grandeur of the event. Despite being an artist, she shied away from self-promotion and wasn't particularly well-known, making her an unlikely invitee to such an event.

Nonetheless, the noble cause had prompted Claudia to accept the invitation.

Claudia and Joann had steeled themselves to be overlooked by the organizers, yet when it actually happened, Claudia found it a blow to her pride.

Joann was not unhappy. She had been Claudia's assistant for five years and had never been treated so coldly. How could a casual staff member be so condescending and order them around?

Only Claudia’s fans’ presence had prevented Joann from storming off with her boss.

They shouldn't be treated like this.

Although annoyed, Claudia maintained a calm demeanor. She attempted to soothe Joann, stating, “Remember, we're here for a good cause, not a popularity contest."

Just as she finished her sentence, she was abruptly shoved aside by a staff member.

“Move it! Make way for Miss Rivera. Why are you blocking the path?"

Taken aback, Claudia lost her balance and tumbled to the ground.

Recovering from a recent leg injury, Claudia had just regained her mobility. This unexpected fall caused a sharp pain to shoot through her right calf.

Joann rushed to Claudia's aid, helping her up. "Oh my God! Are you hurt?"

Claudia reassured her, "I'm fine."

Enraged, Joann confronted the staff member. "Why did you push her?"

The staff member glanced at Claudia dismissively and scoffed, "She just tripped. Don't make it seem more dramatic. Now step aside. You're blocking Miss Rivera's path.”