Back in his car, Bennett, who'd been casually lounging against his seat, abruptly straightened up. His Lithe fingers toyed with his shirt collar's button, unfastening it to reveal his attractive collarbone.

It seemed he was feeling warm. He moved his hand downwards to undo the second button.

Confusion echoed in the man's voice over the phone, a low and mellow sound. Bennett's presence seemed to envelop Claudia, the warmth of his voice making her cheeks flush even from a distance.

In a soft tone, she replied, "Yes." Then, she lifted her gaze to meet Anthony's eyes and continued, "It's getting late. I have a hospital check-up appointment tomorrow. Please come and pick me up promptly.”

"Alright."

Satisfied with Bennett's response, Claudia ended the call.

After hanging up the phone, she threw Anthony an icy stare, and coldly remarked, “If you've got nothing better to do, feel free to wait for my husband to arrive, so you can say hello to him."

With that, she maneuvered her wheelchair back towards her home.

Jace rushed over upon witnessing the scene, but given Anthony's presence, he remained silent, signaling Elmo to close the door instead.

Comprehending his gesture, Elmo swiftly stepped up to close the door.

Outside the Marshall family residence, Anthony ruminated over the conversation he'd overheard between Claudia and Bennett.

She called Bennett honey.

Once back inside the house, Jace queried, "Sweetie, did you really request Bennett to come get you? Aren't you really moving out tonight?"

Claudia, still seething at Anthony, clarified her intentions, "Dad, it was purely a show for Anthony's sake. Once Bennett is here, I'll have him drive me around town before returning. I'm still spending the night here."

She knew Anthony too well. If Bennett didn't show up, Anthony could very well spend the entire night at their gate.

Her concern wasn't for Anthony, it was for the potential scandal that could arise from any photographs or curious neighbors.

If she didn't put her foot down with Anthony now, he'd be emboldened to show up more frequently.

Claudia wished for peace, for herself and Jace. She'd better have a closure with him.

Understanding his daughter's point of view, Jace looked at the determined woman before him, his eyes full of relief. "Regardless of the outcome, I trust you'll make the correct decision!"

His daughter had matured.

She was ready to confront Anthony and dash any lingering hopes he might harbor of a reconciliation.

At the same time, as Bennett issued a command, the black Bentley abruptly halted at the roadside.