After uttering those words, she hastily stood and made her way to the bathroom.

Earlier in the evening, when they'd arrived at the apartment, Aurora had been insistent on having bubble tea.

Claudia was never one for bubble tea, but when she noticed the popularity of Nayuki's new peach-flavored option, she had given in and placed an order.

The sheer volume of 34 ounces had taken her by surprise, as had its delightful taste. While gaming and chatting with Aurora, she found herself sipping it unconsciously, until the cup was empty.

Now, it seemed, she was paying the price.

When Claudia emerged from the bathroom, Bennett remained in the room. His eyes narrowing, he asked, "Are you still planning to have a midnight snack with me?"

Blushing, Claudia ventured, "Should I make some noodles for you?"

“Okay,”

Bennett agreed, casually undoing a button on his shirt.

It had been nearly a week since Claudia last witnessed such an action from him, and she found herself Looking away instinctively. She scolded herself internally.

What was the point in stealing a glance? With newfound resolve, she averted her eyes. "I'm going downstairs to cook the noodles."

Having worn sandals all day, her feet were weary, even though the heels were low.

Upon reaching the first floor, Claudia slipped into her slippers, and then went to the kitchen and began to gather the ingredients for the noodles.

Initially, she had assumed that Bennett's claim of having no appetite at night was merely an excuse. But when she spotted the discarded food in the kitchen trash, she realized he had been truthful.

The fridge was stocked with favorites for both her and Bennett, courtesy of someone arranged by Jackson. The delivery of ingredients arrived every Monday and Thursday, and Claudia would usually have Marcia take some home on weekends.

Since she hadn't been home that day, the housekeeper hadn‘t dared to take anything without permission. The abundance of remaining food gave Claudia ample options, and she settled on making two bowls of beef noodles.

Just as the noodles were ready, Bennett appeared in the doorway. "Let me," he said.

She glanced at him and noticed even more buttons of his shirt than ever before were now undone.

What was he trying to imply?

Was this some kind of peace offering?

With a huff, she thought, Who cares to look at his body!

She had no interest in seeing it, anyway.

Claudia maneuvered past him to retrieve a fork, and then left the kitchen and took her usual seat at the dining table.

Soon, Bennett emerged with the noodles. Two bowls of steaming beef noodles, too hot to eat for the moment, sat between them as they faced each other.