She thought of herself as a culprit, hindering Bennett's work.

Her guilt made her more sober. Claudia stood up, Looking at the small digital screen outside the consulting room. As her name was announced, she realized it was her turn to see the doctor.

“It's time for you to go in," Bennett said, unclenching his fist to take her hand.

Suddenly holding hands, Claudia was momentarily stunned. Looking at her hand gripped by Bennett, she opened her mouth but said nothing.

She was tipsy and needed to hold his hand so she wouldn't fall.

That was her justification.

Claudia followed Bennett into the consulting room. The woman who'd been staring earlier peeked inside, causing Claudia to frown. Bennett turned and shut the door.

Well done, Mr. Dreskin!

“Are you feeling unwell? What seems to be the matter?" the doctor inquired.

Bennett quickly responded as Claudia glanced his way. "She had some alcohol earlier, but we suspected the drink was spiked."

The doctor's eyebrows knit together as he pressed, "What symptoms do you have?"

Before Bennett could respond, the doctor spoke up ahead of him.

“Let her do the talk."

In haste, Claudia stammered, "I feel quite warm, and I have a constant thirst. Sleep eludes me."

“Anything else?" the doctor probed, checking her pulse.

Claudia, under the doctor's watchful eye, nervously toyed with her fingers, her voice quivering as she said, "There's a strange sensation within me. It's hard to explain, but something's not right..."

She silently prayed that he would understand her meaning.

“There doesn't seem to be any major issue. You'll need an ECG, blood pressure check, and a blood test. If everything is fine, you can go home," the doctor instructed, glancing at the report. He added somewhat cryptically, “You're a couple, right? This hardly seems something to rush to the hospital over."

Claudia caught his implication He was suggesting that if they had consumed an aphrodisiac, they could handle it by having sex rather than seeking medical help.

Mortified, Claudia hardly remembered leaving the doctor's office, feeling Like a Lost sheep, guided only by Bennett.

During the blood test, Claudia hesitated to extend her arm. "Frightened?"

She met his gaze, neither confirming nor denying, too ashamed to admit her fear.

The sight of the needle made her shudder, the alcohol's effects having worn off, Leaving her unusually clear-headed.

“Miss?” The nurse called her again. With trembling lips, Claudia reached out her hand.