But now, her expression was as calm as a serene Lake, making Anthony feel like a total stranger.

The elevator doors slid shut, leaving only Claudia, Bennett, and Jace in its small space.

Bennett took his position behind Claudia, guiding her wheelchair nonchalantly with one hand while resting the other on the handle. A fleeting contact between his fingers and Claudia's back provoked a tickling sensation, causing her to lean slightly forward.

Bennett, noticing this small shift, dropped his gaze to Claudia's hands.

Meanwhile, Jace's attention was on Bennett, not the slight shift of his daughter. Mulling over earlier events, he decided to clarify. "Please don't misunderstand Cece. Our purpose tonight was to finalize our disconnection from the Nixon family."

Claudia, upon hearing her father's words, instinctively sought Bennett's eyes behind her. She felt a little guilty since she just told him she was there for dinner and revealed no more details.

She swallowed, adding, “Anthony said he'd kneel and apologize to me."

“Really? So, did he kneel and apologize tonight?"

Bennett queried, a hint of amusement in his eyes. lo."

"Oh?"

Bennett responded, turning to Jace. "Mr. Marshall, rest assured. I trust Claudia."

Jace felt a wave of gratitude towards Bennett for his faith in Claudia.

He was superior to Anthony. At least he trusted Claudia wholeheartedly.

In no time, the elevator chimed at the ground floor. Bennett continued to guide Claudia's wheelchair towards the hotel's exit.

Upon spotting Claudia and Jace with his boss, Jackson seemed slightly startled for a second.

So, that was why Bennett had instructed him to leave first.

Bennett released his grip on the wheelchair, stepping forward to meet Claudia's gaze. "Remember to relay my message to your father."

After a short pause, he announced, "Good night, then."

With that, Bennett rose, nodded at Jace, and headed towards the parked car.

As Claudia watched his retreating form, the faint but invigorating scent of him still lingered in her nostrils.

Shaking herself out of her reverie, she turned to Jace. “Dad, let's head home."

Jace smiled without inquiring about Bennett's words, simply responding, "Alright."