“Let's go. Our car is just outside," Mathews said, masking his face again.

Claudia's refusal came too late.

“Alright. A taxi would be hard to find tonight."

They exited the bar and climbed into Mathews' SUV.

Wesley smartly remembered, “Miss Haywood, you live in the Prima

Community, right?"

About to take the back seat, Aurora switched to the front, responding, "Yes, you remember well."

“Not bad at all."

Claudia settled in the back, beside Mathews.

Though a half-meter gap separated them, she couldn't shake her discomfort.

Pulling out her phone, she prepared to discreetly message Aurora, when Mathews, having removed his mask, inquired, “Miss Marshall, how is your leg now?"

Glancing at her right calf, Claudia replied, “The doctor assures me it's healed."

“Will you compete in the Meine Competition this year?”

Caught off guard, Claudia stammered, "I... I haven't made up my mind.” here's plenty of time. It only begins in December."

“You're right," she agreed, returning her gaze to her phone.

It was nearing ten o'clock.

Why hadn't Bennett messaged her?

It was late!

Didn't he worry about her safety?

The car reached near Aurora's apartment first. After alighting from the car, Aurora summoned the courage and asked Mathews for a photo taken together.

Upon Aurora's exit, Claudia's embarrassment grew.

They remained silent the entire trip. Claudia kept her eyes shut, feigning sleep, only opening them when the car entered the villa area.

Mathews raised an eyebrow at her and stated, “We've arrived, Miss Marshall."

"Ah, have we? I apologize. I'm somewhat weary. It appears I fell asleep.”