Returning to his grapefruit peeling, Jace noticed the silent phone. He asked, “Everything alright?"

“Nothing much, just a spam call."

Nonchalant, Jace moved the peeled fruit towards her. "Try this. Is it nice?"

Even though grapefruits weren't typically tasty in this season, Claudia was fond of them. A friend of Jace had sent him a crate of a new variety, so he had peeled one for her.

“Thanks, Dad."

Picking up a slice, Claudia tasted it. The sweetness was subtle, but the freshness delighted her. “This is delicious, Dad. You should try some too!"

As Jace reached for a slice, he couldn't resist bringing up, "Sweetie, Bennett mentioned that you have to move to his place next week..."

After nurturing his daughter for numerous years, Jace naturally found it difficult to let her go.

A blush of surprise crept up on Claudia's delicate ears as she contemplated the idea. "It's known to all that we're husband and wife.

Logically, I should be living at his place with him."

Their public display of affection on social platforms was a recent event. Any separate living arrangements would surely spur gossip among the netizens. Though the marriage had been a sham from the start, it was a secret shared only between the two of them.

And surely, there was some reasoning behind Bennett‘s invitation for her to move in.

He had been a great help to her, and she felt obliged to reciprocate his kindness.

Jace, on the other hand, didn't perceive this as an issue. "Even though you two have registered your marriage, the wedding ceremony hasn't taken place yet. It's not odd for you two to Live separately.”

Just as Claudia was about to voice her thoughts, Anthony's call rang out from beyond the villa gates. "Cece! Step outside! I'm here!"

He stood outside, hollering in the stillness of the night. Had he lost his mind?

Claudia's expression soured instantly, and the shout did not escape Jace's ears either. “Elmo!”

The butler, Elmo Lawson, was already aware of Anthony's ruckus. He intended to inform Jace, but apparently, the latter was already in the know.

Elmo rushed upstairs. "Sir."

“Notify the man outside that if he continues to yell, we will summon the police!"

"Understood, sir!"

Elmo had never seen Jace so incensed. With a pallid face, he sprinted downstairs without a second's delay.