"Yes."

A sober Bennett would never have kissed her!

She recalled that night when she attempted to touch him under the influence of the spiked drink she accidentally consumed, and he had simply stopped her, sternly warning her not to tempt him.

If Bennett were truly a frivolous man, he would have had numerous opportunities to manipulate the situations for his own gain. There was no necessity for him to delay until today.

This realization brought some relief to Claudia. Yet, for some reason, she also felt a twinge of disappointment.

Ah, Claudia, you are in trouble! She thought.

After a while of sitting on the floor, Claudia's thoughts turned to the passage of time since they had come downstairs here in the basement. The realization that Marcia might begin to worry if they didn't return to the upper floor crossed her mind.

But there was Bennett, drunk and unpredictable.

With the wine cabinet supporting her, Claudia managed to stand up. She gazed at Bennett, who was still seated, and said, "Mr. Dreskin, we should head upstairs."

He slowly raised his head, his intense eyes fixing on her.

“Why should I go upstairs?"

That made Claudia pause.

Was this a query that a sober Bennett would make? Hell no!

"Dinner is ready," she explained, reaching to pull him to his feet.

With her assistance, he stood, mumbling, "I don't have much of an appetite."

Of course he didn't, he was drunk!

“How about going upstairs for some rest, then?"

He pondered her offer, his brow furrowed in concentration.

After five seconds or so, he nodded in agreement.

Fearing Bennett might stumble on the stairs, Claudia guided him to the elevator.

Drunken as he was, Bennett complied without resistance.

Claudia felt an unexplainable joy as she Looked at their intertwined hands.

Upon reaching the second floor, Claudia escorted him to his room before returning downstairs to the dining room.

Marcia had the dinner all set and ready. She chimed in, “Mrs. Dreskin, dinner is ready."