“Hello, Aunt Alessandra.” Alessandra Craig directed her attention towards Claudia, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Is she Cece?"

The unexpected encounter took Claudia aback. Her nerves tingled at the unexpected meeting with Bennett's aunt.

Claudia was much calmer when she met Bennett's father and his stepmother, but now she couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety. However, she maintained an outwardly poised facade.

Sensing Claudia's discomfort, Bennett gave her hand a_ reassuring squeeze before introducing her to Alessandra.

“This is Claudia, my wife.

Cece, this is my Aunt Alessandra."

Alessandra appeared more approachable than Bennett's father and stepmother. She smiled warmly at Claudia. "I've heard so much about you. Cece, you're even more beautiful in person than in the photos.” Attempting to calm her nerves, Claudia looked up at Bennett's aunt and responded sweetly, “Nice to meet you."

Alessandra's eyes sparkled with approval.

“Such a lovely girl!"

“Your uncle returned from abroad last week. He's been eager for you and Cece to join us for dinner sometime. Come and have dinner with us tomorrow night, okay?"

Claudia glanced at Bennett for guidance. He encouraged her, saying, “We'll be there.”

“Alright, you two go on with your plans. I'm out with my friends today and I have to go back to them."

“Okay, bye."

"Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Aunt Alessandra," Claudia said quickly, eager to convey her politeness.

“See you tomorrow, Cece.”

Feeling embarrassed, Claudia shyly responded, “Alright.”

As they walked away, Claudia overheard Alessandra discussing with friends. She was praising Claudia, saying how pretty she was. Alessandra's voice wasn't loud, but it echoed down the corridor, and Bennett and Claudia, who had only walked a few steps ahead, could hear what Alessandra said clearly.

Claudia was already embarrassed, and Alessandra's comment made her blush even more and feel self-conscious.

Bennett glanced at her and smiled. He noticed her discomfort and said, “You know, Aunt Alessandra is right."

She pursed her lips and asked, "Why are you smiling?"

"Since my wife is receiving praise, I also feel content.”

She was rendered speechless.

Why hadn't she noticed Bennett's eloquence before?