Claudia was confused during the first half of Bennett's statement. But at the mention of the check, she nodded with understanding.

“Can you return it for me?"

She wasn't familiar with Zaria.

More so, she didn't want to hold on to the check for Longer considering the outrageous assumption made recently.

“Okay.”

After Bennett readily agreed, Claudia went to her bedside and returned with the check.

She shoved it into Bennett's hand as if she was discarding a scalding hot potato. "Thank you."

Her fingertips touched the back of his hand. A clear wooden fragrance wafted into her nose. Only then did Claudia realize that her movements were somewhat intimate.

She took a step back in a hurry and glanced at him. When she saw that he looked calm, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Bennett Looked down at the check. The next second, he held it up with both hands and tore it in two.

Claudia's mouth took the shape of an 0. She was shocked and enlightened at the same time. It dawned on her that she could have just torn the check.

Why didn't she think of that before? Alas! Her mind had been such a mess.

After tearing the check into more pieces, Bennett walked to the trash can and dumped the shreds into it.

Thereafter, he reverted his gaze to Claudia and said seriously, "From now on, don't accept any gifts from others."

It didn't sound that much of a bad idea to Claudia. She didn't like handouts in the first place.

With a shrug, she replied simply, "Okay." At her obedience, Bennett restrained himself from reaching out to pat her on the head. He resorted to saying, "Not to worry. I'll buy you whatever you want."

“There will be no need for that. I can do that myself," she declined, shaking her head hard.

Bennett's smile faded a little. He wasn't used to being turned down repeatedly, but he muttered, "Okay."

He did a 36@ and was about to walk away. Suddenly, Claudia remembered the necklace. She wanted to hand it back to him once and for all.

Bennett spun around with a questioning Look.

“Ermm... I just wanted to say that I can't accept that necklace after all," said Claudia solemnly while maintaining eye contact.

Bennett was silent for two seconds. "Oh, I see."

Without another word, he left her room.

Looking at his back, Claudia blinked severally.