Quickly clinging to him, Claudia protested, “No!”

With her husband carrying her, why would she want to walk on her own? Compared to the sultry and intimate atmosphere downstairs in the home theater, the master bedroom offered a refreshing coolness.

Exhausted, Claudia allowed herself to be carried by him into their room. Upon returning, she fetched her clean clothes and proceeded to the bathroom to freshen up. Even then, she couldn't stifle her yawns.

Observing this, Bennett reached out and took her phone, suggesting, “put that away and go to sleep.”

Staring at him for a moment, Claudia replied in a leisurely tone, “I want to wait for you so we can sleep together.”

Bennett's gaze darkened. He returned the phone to her and said, "Alright."

His wife had a knack for being adorable. What could he do but indulge her?

What else could he do?

After all, she was his wife. He could only indulge her.

Noticing the bathroom door shut tight, Claudia pulled up Aurora's chat window.

Beneath the message Bennett had seen by accident, several more from Aurora awaited. "Hello?"

“Why aren't you replying?"

"I understand. My apologies for disturbing you," Aurora messaged.

With a quick glance at the messages, Claudia sent a sighing emoji to her friend.

Aurora's response was near-instant the moment Claudia sent the emoji, she replied, “Messaging me instead of being lovey-dovey with your husband?"

Claudia was momentarily lost for words.

“Alright, enough with the jokes. I have something important to share," Aurora sent.

Sensing Aurora's earnest message, Claudia's face warmed as she replied with a simple, "?" to her.

“I spotted your dad at a company dinner last week. Overheard him on the phone saying not to expect another dime from him. I'm concerned that something or someone might be bothering him. If you have the time, maybe drop by and see him soon?" Aurora replied.

The excitement in Claudia's heart quickly faded. Just two weeks ago, she had gone back with Bennett to celebrate Jace's birthday, but she hadn't noticed anything unusual about him.

Lips pressed together, Claudia replied, "Thanks, Aurora. I'11 head home tomorrow."

"Alright, it's getting late. Get some rest!" Aurora responded.

Claudia found it unusual and inquired, “Why are you going to bed so early today?"

“I'm just being considerate. I'm single, but you're not!" Aurora playfully shot back.