Feeling anxious, Claudia said, "Well, that's about it. It's nearly lunchtime. I'll go check what Marcia has prepared in the kitchen."

She felt a knot in her stomach

Having said that, Claudia threw a quick glance at Bennett.

He was staring at her but remained silent.

She could sense his anger, though she didn't know the reason.

She pursed her Lips and confessed, "I apologize. I was in the wrong."

Even though she was clueless about her mistake, making the first move to admit her fault seemed like a good idea.

“Why are you suddenly asking for forgiveness?" At Claudia's words, a frown crept onto Bennett's face as he retracted his stretched-out legs just a bit. Altering his position, he rested his elbows on his knees, Leaning forward ever so slightly. In an instant, the gap between the two had noticeably shrunk.

The familiar scent of wood enveloped Claudia, the man's imposing and powerful presence surrounding her completely. Subconsciously, she wanted to retreat, but she was already seated on the edge of the couch.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Collecting herself, Claudia responded, “The recent news has stirred quite the storm, and it seems to have cast you in a negative Light. I apologize."

It was the only plausible reason she could muster for Bennett's anger.

“Such incidents bear no impact on me."

Watching Claudia's discomfort, he found his mood lighten.

With a lowered gaze, he opened the box of mango candies she'd brought, selected one, and popped it into his mouth.

“Are you sure you don't need my help?"

Was he no longer angry with her? And why was he suddenly consuming the candy she'd offered?

Observing Bennett, Claudia couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Jackson.

Bennett's emotions were mercurial. Working under him must be a challenge.

Claudia shook her head, answering, "I don't require your aid at the moment. Joann is handling the situation."

As if on cue... Glancing at her phone, Claudia displayed the caller ID to Bennett before announcing, "I need to take this call."

As she made to answer her phone and leave the room, a nagging concern about Bennett's interest in how she planned to handle the Patty issue prompted her to reconsider her departure.

After a moment's hesitation, Claudia settled back into her seat and answered the call.

“Hello, Joann?"