Her face flushed, Claudia asserted, "I won't keep you waiting!"

How could she dare to keep Mr. Dreskin, whose time was so precious, waiting for her again?

“Actually, I don't mind."

“But I do!" She was genuinely concerned about it.

Bennett's smile was gentle, his words teasing. "Next time, don't make an appointment with Miss Haywood so early, Mrs. Dreskin. If you continue to leave early in the morning, and I don't see you when I wake up, I might think that you ran away because you were angry with me." She found herself at a loss for words at hearing this.

In truth, she was angry.

But, of course, she couldn't bring herself to admit that.

Claudia felt a pang of fear that if she continued, her lie would be exposed.

She Looked at Bennett and feigned a yawn.

“I'ma little sleepy. I think I'll take a shower and head to bed. Good night, Mr. Dreskin."

“Good night."

Bennett stood and followed her upstairs, his pace unhurried.

Claudia's instinct was to flee, but realizing Bennett was behind her, she forced herself to walk upstairs calmly.

The stairs seemed mercifully short.

Once back in her room, she breathed a deep sigh of relief. Only then did she dare to check the flood of messages from Aurora.

“I think there must be some misunderstanding between you two, right? Bennett waited for you for an hour and a half

“Honey, have you cooled down?" Two minutes passed.

Aurora's next message was frantic.

“Why are you not responding? Are you really back together with him?! Are you making out right now or something? Damn it! Ugh, the public display of affection again!"

Claudia's brow furrowed in confusion. She replied, “Why are you calling it a public display of affection?"

Aurora's response came quickly. "Haven't you reconciled with him? Just thinking about the sight of you two Leaving hand in hand makes me feel foolish!"

Claudia didn't know how to respond. After a moment's hesitation, she wrote back, "It's not what you think. Let me explain."

Aurora was having none of it. "No, I won't Listen to it. You can't flaunt your relationship like this!"

Claudia was left speechless.