Could she allow Bennett to see this?

Of course, she couldn't let him see.

Never in her life had Claudia felt so flustered. Short of breath, she stammered, "I... I can explain things to her!"

Quickly, she sent a message to Aurora, reassuring her that Bennett had clarified things and asking her to hold off on messaging for a while.

Please, Aurora, don't send another message, or we'll both be in trouble! She thought.

After sending the message, Claudia turned off her phone, feigning calm.

“Mr. Dreskin, my phone is out of power."

She tossed the phone onto the bed, her heart pounding.

Was she safe now?

Bennett's gaze was unwavering, but he didn't challenge her lie.

“Invite your friend to join us for dinner another day. I should explain things to her myself.”

Claudia was speechless.

“0-okay!"

Sorry, Aurora. You're on your own now. She thought.

Eager to shift the conversation, Claudia quickly asked, "Mr. Dreskin, what do you want to ask me?"

"Well," he said, fixing her with his black eyes, “is Mathews pursuing you?"

“How could it be? I'm married!" she protested, incredulous at the notion.

Had Mathews gone mad to pursue her?

How could Bennett harbor such an illusion?

“No?"

“Is he?" Claudia asked, now doubting her own judgment.

But then, she realized her relationship with Mathews was entirely professional.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm just curious," she added, her cheeks turning a shade pinker.

“Do you like Mathews?”