"Cece."

Her name left his lips with a certain carefulness.

Claudia, the called one in the crowd, was rendered speechless.

She found herself regretting that she had prevented Aurora from silencing Amya earlier.

Before Anthony could voice another word, Kristy feigned generosity and asked, "Claudia, would you like us to drive you home?"

“No thank you. Someone will be here to pick me up shortly," Claudia responded tersely.

As her words settled, the irritating Amya chimed in, “Why do you insist on being difficult? Didn't you just mention that Mr. Dreskin was tied up at a dinner party and wouldn't be able to pick you up in time?"

She drew out the words "in time" deliberately, lacing her sentence with blatant mockery.

Just as Claudia was preparing a retort, her phone chimed with an incoming call.

Caught off guard, she glanced at the caller ID, a competitive spark Lit within her. Answering the phone, she said, “Hello, honey?”

Her sudden endearment left Bennett unexpectedly flustered. Slowly unbuttoning his shirt, he asked, “Where are you?"

Claudia was prepared to coax Bennett into playing along with her charade, but his direct question left her momentarily speechless. Softly, she replied, “I'm at the Vanco Plaza."

“Understood.”

With that, Bennett ended the call.

He hadn't explicitly stated that he would pick her up, merely that he acknowledged her Location.

But it was just enough fuel for her theatrics! Claudia ended the call and flashed a smile at Anthony and Kristy. "My husband will be here any moment now. I won’t bother on you.”

Anthony's face blanched at the word “husband” and Claudia's use of “honey" for Bennett.

His gaze was riveted on Claudia, as though he had volumes left unspoken.

His attention hadn't wavered from Claudia since he had noticed her. The sight angered Kristy. "Well, that's sorted then. We should get going."

“Very well," Claudia replied curtly.

But Anthony was reluctant to leave. "It's alright. We are not in a hurry. We can wait until Mr. Dreskin arrives. What if he doesn't show up? We can always offer you a ride then."

Hearing Anthony's words, Aurora let out a derisive snort. "Do you believe everyone is as unreliable as you? Break their promises! If Mr. Dreskin stated he will pick up Claudia, then he will undoubtedly be here. You don't need to feign concern. Leave, before karma catches up to you. With your track record, a bolt of Lightning might just be your fate!

At Aurora's words, Anthony and Kristy were visibly discomforted. They didn't create a ruckus, but their voices weren't hushed either. Their exchange hadn't gone unnoticed, attracting an audience with the dramatic air around them.

People who might have left were now lingering around, anticipating a scene.