Claudia now likened Bennett to that dog, obviously wounded but unwilling to voice his grievances.

In that instant, she felt a profound sense of remorse.

If she were to return to her room and simply sleep, it would be an act of cruelty.

Claudia simply couldn't bear to witness him in such a state.

Summoning a deep breath, she approached him, endeavoring to relieve him of the wine glass.

To her surprise, he clutched the glass with such tenacity that her considerable strength couldn't wrest it from his grasp.

“Aren't you feeling tired? Now that you've retrieved your phone, why not return and get some rest?"

He raised his head, regarding her with an icy detachment that stood in stark contrast to the endearments he had bestowed just moments ago.

“Drinking isn't advisable," Claudia remarked, a sense of unease gnawing at her.

“You're not the one drinking and, in any case, no one seems to concern themselves with my well-being. So, what harm could one more glass do?" he retorted.

Claudia found herself outmatched when Bennett was trying to be mean. Unable to bear it any longer, she reluctantly loosened her grip on the wine glass.

As soon as she relinquished her hold, Bennett swiftly drained the remaining wine from the glass and poured himself another one.

Observing his intent to pour a third glass, Claudia hastily set her phone aside and implored, “Please don't drink anymore. I'll feel worried for you."

He halted, pivoting to meet her gaze. "Truly?" he inquired.

Her eyes mirrored disbelief.

Blushing with embarrassment, Claudia confessed, "I didn't mean to overlook you earlier."

Enduring the awkwardness, she continued, “I was simply apprehensive that I might lose control." After all, she was no saint and harbored desires of her own.

“Indeed? Miss Marshall, you certainly have a knack for uttering sweet words. You professed your fondness for me, yet now you prefer to slumber in another room instead of sharing a bed with me," he remarked, his tone Laden with irony.

After a brief pause, he added, “Now, you claim to do so for fear of your own lack of restraint. It would seem to me that you actually possess a strong will, Miss Marshall."

Claudia's face flushed crimson. " . I didn't mean... I truly..." What should she say?

Could she admit her own desire for intimacy with him?

Of course, articulating the truth was an awkward proposition.

Bennett had recently savored two glasses of crimson wine, rendering his slender lips stained in a rich hue. In the luminous ambiance, his visage emanated a reserved frigidity, imbued with an enigmatic allure.

Claudia cast a fleeting gaze upon him and cautiously extended her hand, endeavoring to retrieve the wine glass from his grasp.