“You're right. Let's just stay calm and prepare for what might come." In the car, Claudia admired the splendid jade bracelet she'd been gifted. She contemplated storing it away safely but, lacking a jewelry box in the car, opted to leave it on her wrist.

Curiosity piqued, she opened the other box from Alessandra to find a stunning set of ruby accessories.

It dawned on Claudia that this ruby collection alone could be valued at a staggering ten million dollars.

Why the valuable gifts? Quickly, she snapped the jewelry box shut, worried that the air might tarnish the pieces inside.

She glanced at Bennett, who was behind the wheel, and her Lips hesitated to form words. She resolved to discuss it at home, rather than in the car.

Yet, Bennett, sensing her unease, questioned, "Is something amiss? Don't you fancy the jewelry?"

“It's not that. It's just... it's so expensiv:

Bennett shrugged nonchalantly, “It's mot excessively pricey. But they're indeed valuable in a way, since it's an heirloom passed down from my grandmother."

Being less affluent, Claudia sometimes felt out of sync with his family.

Throughout the journey, Claudia clutched the jewelry box, afraid of accidentally damaging its contents.

Reaching home without any mishap, she exhaled in relief.

Exiting the car, she hurried upstairs, gingerly set the bracelet aside, and then headed back downstairs.

As she descended the stairs, she coincidentally crossed paths with Bennett, who was ascending with a glass of water. "Why the hurry?"

A bit embarrassed, she replied, "I just stored away the bracelet."

“Why don't you wear it?"

“What if something happens to it?"

Bennett offered her the glass, noting, “Isn't jewelry meant to be adorned?”

She sipped the water and responded, "It's too valuable, especially as it once belonged to your grandmother. I'd rather keep it safe."

“I'm pleased you appreciate it."

He remained silent after that.

"I need to head down and switch my shoes."

“Sure.”

Bennett lingered by the staircase, his gaze following her descent. He didn't move or shift his gaze until Claudia was out of sight.

Once she had slipped into her comfy footwear and filled a glass with water, Claudia made her way back up.