“Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?”

“What?

Claudia's eyes widened, confused by the sudden shift in conversation.

“We haven't dined out together in a long time," Bennett explained, a hint of distraction in his voice as he tried to steer Claudia's thoughts away from Zaria.

Claudia gestured awkwardly towards the kitchen.

“But Marcia is already preparing dinner."

At this, she suddenly recalled Bennett's absence at lunch. "Marcia prepared your favorite dishes at noon, but you said you wouldn't return. She planned to keep them until tonight to cook."

Despite her best efforts, a note of reproach crept into her voice. Claudia caught herself, the blame in her tone making her uncomfortable.

She opened her mouth to say something else but was interrupted by Bennett, who glanced at her and smiled reassuringly. "I won't do it again."

"What?"

“I won't break my promise next time."

Claudia's face went blank for a moment, but as his words sank in, she flushed deeply.

Why did Bennett seem so gentle just now?

Dinner plans were abandoned when an urgent document required Bennett's immediate attention.

Claudia watched his retreating back, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

She lifted a hand to her face, fingers brushing a flushed cheek. The warmth lingered for a moment before she turned to head upstairs, seeking her phone.

Upon powering it on, a deluge of messages from Aurora filled the screen.

“What did he say? How did Mr. Dreskin explain himself? Did he claim the woman was merely a good friend, like Anthony did?"

“Public opinion seems to be shifting. Kayla's studio has issued a statement!"

“Even your husband's company's official Twitter account has sent out a lawyer's letter! How can I still witness PDA in such a situation?"

Aurora's messages were accompanied by a flurry of screenshots.

Zaria had been sending messages as well, and in the midst of her conversation with Aurora, Claudia suddenly remembered her friend waiting outside the villa.

Embarrassed, she ignored Aurora's messages for now and hurried downstairs again.

She found Zaria waiting, seated in her sleek sports car, the bouquet of flowers still clutched in her embrace.