She felt the urge to do something, anything.

“Thank you."

Gratefully, Claudia stood and made her way behind the sofa, gently massaging Bennett's head.

The atmosphere relaxed, and Claudia let out a relieved sigh.

Her words had angered Benico earlier, and she had feared Bennett might retaliate.

Now she pondered her recent behavior, regretting the rash comments that had escaped her Lips. They were out now, and she couldn't take them back.

Claudia remained deep in thought, and Bennett joined her in silence. The living room was very quiet.

Unexpectedly, a sudden noise shattered the stillness, startling both Claudia and Bennett.

From the front door, Zaria carefully peeked inside, and then entered the villa.

Upon seeing Claudia and Bennett together on the sofa, her face shifted subtly.

Claudia's embarrassment made her pull her hands away quickly.

Bennett's moment of comfort was rudely interrupted. He looked at Zaria with a chilly expression and questioned, “What brings you here, Miss Santiago?"

Claudia too, was intrigued. "Have you come to urge me to leave my husband?"

The words “my husband" caught Bennett's attention, and he turned to look up at Claudia, who stood behind him.

Initially, Claudia didn't think much of calling Bennett her husband; it wasn't the first time she'd done it for show. But the way he looked at her made her feel a pang of guilt, and her cheeks turned pink.

Zaria quickly shook her head. "No, Miss Marshall, you're terribly mistaken."

Bennett was not satisfied with the way Zaria called Claudia.

“It's Mrs. Dreskin, Miss Santiago."

Zaria's brows furrowed, but she corrected herself. "Mrs. Dreskin, I wish to invite you to my birthday celebration this week."

Claudia regarded Zaria warily, asking, “Are you inviting me to your party to make a fool of me?"

Things like that often happened in the movies.

Bennett seemed to share her suspicion. "Miss Santiago, with all the friends you have, why invite my wife? Especially since she's had such a packed schedule Lately."

Though she wasn't busy in the slightest, Claudia chimed in, "Yes, I've been swamped recently.”

Recognizing their misunderstanding, Zaria quickly clarified, “That's not it at all, Mrs. Dreskin. You saved my life once, and I've never forgotten it. I want you to share my birthday by cutting the cake with met"