Claudia's eyes widened as she replied, "Well... I'm not in a hurry.” Bennett checked his watch and remarked, "It's seven o'clock. It truly is time to return."

With those words, he informed Breck and the others that it was time to leave.

Claudia said nothing more as he escorted her out of the private room. After a few steps, she couldn't resist looking back.

“What's on your mind?" he asked.

Claudia redirected her gaze from the private room and replied, “Nothing. I simply find Mr. Santos to be a commendable gentleman." Manipulating him had proven surprisingly easy.

Bennett gazed at her with a smile in his deep, dark eyes.

As Claudia was guided to the car, Bennett opened the passenger door and placed his hand on the roof to prevent her from bumping her head. Claudia bent over and settled into her seat. After fastening her seat belt, she heard Bennett inquire, "Would you like to watch a movie?" Wait, hadn't he previously mentioned they'd return early for her piano practice?

“What's going on with you?"

Observing her silent response, he emitted a disdainful snort.

“Very well," Claudia began, her gaze swiveling to meet his

She cleared her throat, her words flowing delicately, “Bennett, may I pose a query? Do you frequently engage in these deceptions with your friends?"

Igniting the engine, he replied nonchalantly, "Rarely."

“In that case “I don't want a third wheel around us.”

Upon hearing this, a rosy hue spread across Claudia's cheeks and she promptly comprehended his intent. She averted her gaze, fixing it upon the passing scenery outside, her fingers Lightly grazing her flushed face.

She soon realized that she had unwittingly set this course of action in motion.

Claudia had anticipated that Bennett would guide her to a cinema, purchase tickets and partake in a typical movie outing, an experience she had yet to share with her beloved. The thought had left her feeling somewhat expectant.

However, as the car distanced itself further from the city, she couldn't help but entertain thoughts that bordered on disbelief. Were it not for her status as Mrs. Dreskin, Claudia might have questioned whether Bennett was leading her to a remote location with ulterior motives.

Twenty minutes Later, Claudia's gaze fell upon the expansive screen before the windshield, and it dawned on her that Bennett was alluding to watching a movie within the confines of the car.

Yet, despite her initial reservations, the ambiance was pleasant, and the venue devoid of crowds. They had the option to procure snacks and beverages before the cinematic spectacle commenced.

Claudia surveyed her surroundings and observed numerous couples in nearby vehicles, all gathering for the same cinematic experience.

Bennett extended the phone toward her, his voice laced with an invitation, "Take a Look and decide what you'd like to eat."

This was her inaugural visit to such a setting and Claudia found it intriguing. "I would Like some popcorn, if that's agreeable.”

There was little disparity between the selection of refreshments here and what one might find at a traditional cinema. Claudia had always relished popcorn during movie screenings.

"You may choose anything you desire. The phone is at your disposal." She felt a twinge of embarrassment as she mumbled, "I don't know your payment password.”