“Recall our encounter last night?" came the inquiry.

A crimson hue spread across Claudia's cheeks as she nodded in acknowledgment .

“Truly?”

He chuckled softly, his eyes fixed upon her quivering eyelashes.

“I surmised you might be hesitant to acknowledge it, Mrs. Dreskin."

“How could you suggest such a thing? I'm not that type of person!" Claudia retorted, her head tilting upward in embarrassment as she spoke in a hushed tone.

“It's hard to definitively say whether you are or aren't, Mrs. Dreskin. This isn't the first time you've denied what transpired," he remarked.

“What? What do you mean?"

When had she ever engaged in such audacious behavior?

Bennett sidestepped her query, opting instead to ask, “What would you Like for lunch?"

“Well, hasn't Marcia already planned the menu?" Claudia countered.

“Don't you desire a taste of dishes prepared by me?"

"What?" Claudia stammered, taken aback by her own words.

Blushing once more, Claudia confessed, “Actually, having Marcia handle it would be perfectly fine."

“Do you harbor some aversion to me, Mrs. Dreskin?"

Claudia found herself rendered speechless, her inner thoughts spinning. Did he truly need to twist her words and read so much into this?

She pursed her Lips and placed her order, straightforwardly requesting three of her favorite dishes. "Filet of beef with shallots, braised fish and fried shrimp."

“Okay.”

“Very well," Bennett responded gently, casting a scrutinizing gaze upon her. "Mrs. Dreskin, please arrange your belongings and make the move to the master bedroom tonight. Prolonged separation in a marital bed can lead to trouble."

Was he waiting for this moment all along?! Claudia contemplated this revelation with astonishment.

Observing her silent demeanor, Bennett inquired sagely, "Is there a problem?"

With a crimson hue gracing her cheeks, Claudia cast her gaze upon him, uttering, "Have you, perchance, forgotten that our marriage is but a charade?"

He arched an inquisitive eyebrow before gently nudging the door ajar. Stepping into the room, Bennett posed the question, "Do you still keep the documents?"

Flushed with embarrassment, Claudia replied, "Yes."