That couldn't be true, could it?

Joann glanced around to ensure Mathews was at a safe distance, preventing any chance of him overhearing their conversation. Lowering her voice, she leaned in toward Claudia.

“I'm not talking nonsense! I've got proof. I took some photos just now!

She hadn't been intentionally photographing Mathews. It just so happened that Joann had been capturing pictures of Claudia while she was working, so Claudia could have something to post when the promotion event started.

However, while snapping the photos, Joann couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

While they were doing a series of retakes and Claudia was engrossed in the photographer's explanations, Mathews opted not to join them. Instead, he lingered on the sidelines, watching Claudia with an inexplicable fondness in his gaze.

Initially, Joann thought she might be imagining things. She shook her head and dismissed her unfounded speculation from her thoughts.

But after the shooting, Joann started to review the photos she took. As she zoomed in on them, she found Mathews' gaze on Claudia oddly endearing.

As Joann relayed her observations, she presented a photo she had taken to Claudia and said, "Take a look for yourself!"

Claudia furrowed her brow and took the phone in disbelief.

In the picture, the photographer was discussing shooting angles with

Claudia, and Mathews was standing not far away looking at them.

“So, what's the problem?" Claudia asked with skepticism, not seeing anything amiss at all.

How could Joann say that he was looking at her affectionately?

“You don't see it?"

It was evident to Joann that Claudia didn't believe her. So Joann took the phone and showed her the second photo.

In that particular photo, the photographer was playfully teasing Claudia, and you could discern a faint smile on Mathews' face. Recalling the moment, Claudia let out a chuckle.

Nevertheless, Claudia failed to perceive anything particularly suspicious in the photos. Mathews’ reactions seemed perfectly normal to her. She gazed at Joann, confused. At this point, Joann's frustration was mounting. She rolled her eyes and passed the phone to her again with another photo.

Joann believed that this specific photo should be crystal clear to Claudia. The picture was captured after the shoot, as everyone was leaving the studio.

Claudia lowered her head to inspect the picture on the phone. In it, Mathews stood near the door, his gaze fixed upon her.

His eyes appeared gentle and at ease. He had a subtle smile and a warm, affectionate expression

Claudia blinked and shook her head. "Joann, you should spend more time reading documentaries and biographies and less on romantic novels."

Mathews wore his typical gentle expression, and nothing particularly unusual caught her eye. Claudia couldn't understand why Joann was adamant about interpreting his gaze as affectionate.

Joann looked dumbfounded.