“Please proceed!"

Zaria's purpose for coming here was Claudia. She clasped Claudia's hand and inquired, "Cece, can I accompany you backstage?"

“Oh, do take her with you. She hasn't stopped talking about you the whole evening,“ Aurora advocated for Zaria. Claudia was unsure when they had developed such a strong rapport.

Claudia had no alternative but to acquiesce.

"Alright."

She dreaded that Zaria might discuss her with Aurora incessantly, which could be unfavorable if Mathews’ fans overheard them.

Both of them exited the VIP area and traversed backstage.

As they walked, the number of individuals dwindled and all were staff members.

Surveying Claudia, Zaria posed the question.

“Cece, were you seeking Bennett just now?"

Upon hearing her statement, Claudia nearly stepped on a staff member's attire and responded, “I wasn't. I was merely looking around."

“But you kept gazing in our direction on stage for quite a while.” Zaria had keenly observed Claudia.

Claudia wished to change the subject but, before she could interject, Zaria pursued, "Did he agree to meet you here but then bail on you?"

An unoccupied seat was adjacent to them, but following the commencement of the event, a staff member escorted someone to that seat.

Now that Zaria recollected, she speculated that the seat was intended for Bennett.

Apprehensive of misconceptions, Claudia rapidly clarified, "No, he didn't commit to attending the concert."

She had merely assumed he might come.

However, it was purely conjecture. She hadn't anticipated Bennett's appearance at the charity event the last time, so his presence had pleasantly surprised her.

This time, Bennett hadn't made any assurances, yet she obstinately held onto the belief that he would come.

Now, his absence left her feeling inexplicably disheartened and wounded.

Yet, it wasn't Bennett fault, for he hadn't really acted improperly. He had never guaranteed his presence to begin with.

Claudia slightly Lowered her head. The subdued lighting accentuated the disappointment etched on her face.

Sympathy welled up in Zaria as she regarded this. Through clenched teeth, she commented, “What a jerk Bennett is! He better pray hard not to run into me again, or I'll surely give him a piece of my mind!"

Flustered, Claudia responded, "It's nothing. I'm fine, really!"