She shot back a response, trying to downplay the situation.

“Bennett didn't gift me the necklace. I was just wearing it for the evening. As for Zaria... I'm as clueless as you are about what she's up to.”

Aurora responded quickly, "So, he didn't gift you the necklace? But the Internet is abuzz with talk of the Unparalleled being a wedding gift for you..."

Claudia shrugged it off

“Even if he had given it to me, I wouldn't dare accept it!"

Aurora concurred, "You're absolutely right! As for Zaria, I can't fathom what she's up to. She's a complex character!"

Before Claudia could respond, a knock echoed through the room.

With only Bennett and her present in the villa, she knew who it had to be.

Flustered, she hastily placed her phone aside and opened the door.

The moment the door swung open, the man's scent engulfed her.

Bennett stood there, fresh out of the shower. His usually neat hair was now wet and tousled, lending him a rugged appeal.

A droplet of water trickled down from his hair onto Claudia's face, chilling her yet setting her cheeks aflame.

Flustered, she stepped back and mumbled, “How may I help you?" Bennett held out the necklace to her.

Claudia looked down to see the Unparalleled in his hand.

Baffled, she asked, “Is there a party tomorrow?”

“No.”

“Then I have no need for this necklace..."

“You don't like it?" Bennett asked.

“Are you... are you gifting it to me?" Claudia questioned, pointing at herself in disbelief, her eyes widening in surprise.

"I can't possibly wear this necklace myself, can I?" Bennett asked.

With a slight furrow of his brow, he surveyed her and a subtle Look of distaste crossed his face.

“But... it's not really suited to me either, is it?"

How dare she just casually walk around with a necklace worth more than fifty million dollars?

“You did look captivating with the necklace on tonight."