Jace's face was lined with worry. He was loath to let Claudia engage with Anthony. His biggest fear was his daughter falling prey to Anthony's deceit once again.

Claudia was aware of her father's concerns.

"Dad, there's no need to worry. I'm now Bennett's wife. I'm Mrs. Dreskin."

Claudia had the housekeeper assist with the wheelchair, carefully maneuvering the stairs while gripping the railing for support.

Her leg braces were removable, though her doctor insisted that less activity would hasten her healing.

Once Claudia reached the bottom, she seated herself back in the wheelchair, Jace helping her to exit the villa.

Upon her appearance, Anthony's fervent shouts ceased.

He had been yelling outside the mansion for nearly ten minutes, his throat sore and voice raspy. “Claudie..."

Anthony moved to embrace Claudia, something he hadn't done since their wedding.

While they were a couple, he'd seldom shown physical affection. They had been together for over two years, and kisses were rare. Hugs were only exchanged after Long periods apart.

Back then, this Lack of intimacy didn't concern Anthony. But now, their relationship teetering, he realized how valuable a simple hug could be.

As he reached out, his hand was swatted away by Jace. Claudia subtly wheeled herself back.

“Mr. Marshall!"

Anthony looked at Jace, noticing the hostility in his gaze, he felt a wave of shame.

Jace stared back, warning, “Mind your manners. Keep your hands off Claudia."

With a menacing look cast Anthony's way, Jace returned to the villa to tend to the goldfish on the pond not too far away from them.

It had been a while since Anthony took a good look at Claudia. Under the soft light, he studied her sitting in the wheelchair. There were so many things he wanted to say, but he didn't know where to begin. "Is your leg still not healed?”

Claudia didn't have the interest to converse with him. “Why are you here?"

She slightly tilted her head, staring at him with a frosty look, her voice flat.

Anthony swallowed hard, tears welling in his eyes. "I understand my mistakes. I realize how wrong I've been. I will cut all ties with Delilah! Can we try again?"

At his words, Claudia scoffed, "Anthony, you've got a Lot of nerve.

Even if you were the Last man on Earth, I wouldn't choose you!”