Claudia managed a forced smile. "Yes, please go back to your work." Relieved, Jackson climbed into the car and sped back to the company to update Bennett.

In the chief executive officer's office, Bennett was engrossed in his documents.

Jackson knocked and entered. "Mr. Dreskin, I've informed Mrs. Dreskin about the chickenpox you contracted Last week."

Bennett's eyes flicked up.

“How did my wife respond?"

A hint of embarrassment colored Jackson's face. "She seemed quite alarmed when she heard.”

Bennett's brows furrowed in displeasure.

“Why was she scared?"

Feeling the rising tension in the room, Jackson quickly explained, "It must have been because I told her about the three-day fever you suffered.”

Had that truly frightened her?

Yes, it had!

And with good reason!

Sure enough, Bennett's expression transformed from calm discontent to satisfaction.

“Well, you can return to your work."

“Okay, Mr. Dreskin."

Jackson exhaled in relief, quickly turning and making his way to the door.

But before he'd taken more than a few steps, Bennett's voice stopped him again.

“You can delegate another manager for tonight's dinner party."

“Okay, Mr. Dreskin.“ You are the boss; your word is final. He thought. Bennett dismissed him with a wave, and Jackson left the office, his heart still pounding. He had been genuinely fearful of losing his job.

Once he'd gathered his composure, he set to work making the necessary arrangements.

After Jackson left, Claudia returned to the villa and picked up Bennett's schedule for the next week. However, she wasn't in the mood to read it.

ALL that occupied her mind were Jackson's words.

“Mr. Dreskin contracted chickenpox Last week and had a fever for three consecutive days. He was afraid you would worry, so he instructed us not to mention it to you."

So, had Bennett been keeping his distance from her last week because he was down with chickenpox and fever?