Claudia took a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm so angry!" she declared, biting her Lip to emphasize her pretend anger.

Bennett studied her, Lost in thought.

After a tense silence that lasted about five seconds, he finally said,

“Kayla is the daughter of my mother's friend."

"Oh, so you guys are childhood sweethearts," Claudia responded, a note of resignation in her voice. She was truly ready to relinquish her borrowed title of Mrs. Dreskin this time.

“I've only met her four times."

Seeing that she Looked on the verge of tears again, he softened.

Raising his hand, he gently wiped away the tears lingering on her cheeks, looking at her with calm assurance.

“I've asked Jackson to investigate this matter. Kayla's studio will also issue a statement."

Claudia looked at him, torn between fear that he might discover her true feelings and the fear that he never would.

"Then, what should I do?"

"You don't have to do anything. Just leave it to me," he replied, his voice full of conviction.

Embarrassed and still uncertain, Claudia could only respond, “It's not appropriate."

Indeed, she felt a sense of responsibility for the current situation. She bit her Lip and cast a quick glance at Bennett, a question escaping her before she could stop it.

“Didn't you come back last night?"

Immediately, regret washed over her. "I didn't mean anything else. I... I'm just, um, I'm curious!"

She didn't mean to intrude!

Bennett Looked at her with a gentle smile. "I did," he assured her. His answer brought a wave of relief to Claudia.

As Bennett's gaze lingered on her, she felt her cheeks turning pink. Summoning her courage, she said with righteous indignation, “Those Me Media have gone too far. They're talking nonsense!"

"Yes," Bennett agreed, his hand reaching up to casually loosen a button on his shirt.

“Are you feeling better?"

“Yeah, I feel better," she replied, a hand drifting to her face. Was her sadness so evident? "Is there anything else you want to ask me?"

Claudia looked up, her eyes meeting his. Her heart gave a sudden Lurch, and she felt her ears turning red. Quickly, she looked away, shaking her head, "Nothing. I have nothing else to ask."

She knew she had to be careful. Asking why he hadn't attended the concert last night would be impolite.