“Bennett, it's time for dinner," Mario said as he joined in, helping to serve the food.

Glancing at Bennett, Claudia nudged, “Let's join them for dinner." Bennett, feeling her hand, remarked, “You seem on edge. Why?"

Blushing slightly, Claudia quickly replied, "Not at all!"

“Then why's your hand chilly?"

“It's the air conditioner's fault!"

Her cold hand wasn't a result of nervousness but rather due to the air conditioner's low temperature setting!

Bennett, offering a knowing smirk but not pressing further, suggested, “Let's wash up first."

Claudia nodded, following him to the sink to wash their hands. Once seated, she finally got a clear view of Bennett's uncle, Stevenson Hinks.

The old saying was right; nephews often resembled their uncles.

Before arriving, Claudia had already caught glimpses of Stevenson's pictures online. In them, he always donned a formal suit, exuding an aura of sternness and aloofness, clearly the opposite of Bennett.

Meeting Stevenson face-to-face now, Claudia thought the opposite.

With a pair of thin glasses on his nose, Stevenson looked gentle and elegant. Offering a warm smile, he queried, "You must be Cece, am I right?"

“Mr. Hinks... I mean, Uncle Stevenson, it's an honor to meet you,” Claudia replied, surprisingly at ease.

"I have to say, you're even lovelier than your photos suggest!"

This was the third time she had heard it from the Hinks family members. Claudia blushed slightly and gripped her fork tightly.

Alessandra playfully scolded her husband, “She must be really shy when others try to compliment her."

“Unlike our thick-skinned Bennett!" Stevenson chuckled.

Bennett, hearing his name, calmly responded, "Cece was already quite anxious coming here, Uncle Stevenson. Let's not intimidate her."

“You little rascal, do I appear fierce to you?"

The Hinks family, it seemed, were far from being sticklers for proprieties. And with someone as bubbly as Carolina around, Claudia's initial apprehension melted away over dinner

The relationship between Bennett and Stevenson contrasted sharply with that of Bennett and Benico. If it weren't for Stevenson's youthful appearance and vitality, outsiders might mistake Stevenson and Bennett for father and son.

As Claudia was leaving, Alessandra gracefully slipped a jade bracelet onto her wrist. Almost instantly, Claudia found a jewelry box placed in her other hand.

“Take this. Bennett's mother should've given this to you, but she wasn't fortunate enough to witness his wedding or children. As his aunt, I'll stand in for his mother."

Touched by the gesture, Claudia felt conflicted about declining.