Because she hadn't chewed her food sufficiently and had rushed through the meal, she mistakenly ate more than intended, not feeling full until it was too late.

Bennett comfortingly patted her head, offering, “It's alright. Just remember, overeating isn't good for your stomach

Once the tablets were down, Claudia nodded compliantly, assuring, "I'1L be more careful next time."

With a warm smile, he held her hand, suggesting, "Let's head home, Mrs. Dreskin."

Claudia nodded and said, "Okay."

Feeling exhausted, Claudia agreed as she thought of a refreshing shower and a good night's sleep.

Following the payment for their meal, Bennett guided her towards the exit of their private dining room.

The moment they stepped out of the private dining room, the door of the adjacent room swung open.

Emerging from it were none other than Mathews and Wesley. Upon laying eyes on Mathews, Claudia's mind instinctively drifted to

Bennett's earlier "speculation".

Mathews held her gaze for a seemingly prolonged moment before shifting his attention to Bennett, acknowledging them formally, “Mr. Dreskin, Mrs. Dreskin."

Given their courteous greeting, Claudia felt it would be inappropriate to ignore them and then remarked, "What a coincidence, Mathews, and Mr. Bates."

Wesley responded with a composed nod, though inwardly, his heart ached for Mathews.

What a heartbreaking scene!

With a courteous dip of his head, Bennett conveyed, “Cece is somewhat worn out today. We'll be taking our Leave now, Mr. Gomez."

Then he clasped Claudia's hand and they made their way out.

As they walked away, Mathews stood rooted to the spot, his demeanor growing increasingly cold with each step they took.

To prevent any rash actions from Mathews, Wesley leaned in, his voice a hushed warning. "She's married now, and that's Legally binding. You... you should really find someone else.”

While Claudia was guided downstairs by Bennett, Mathews managed to utter, barely above a whisper, "It's not that simple."

Harboring feelings for her for three years wasn't something he could just shake off; finding someone else wasn't an easy feat.

Deep inside, regret gnawed at him for not stepping in when the situation with Claudia and Anthony escalated to a serious point.

Had he intervened then, perhaps it would be his hand entwined with Claudia's at this moment, not Bennett's.

With that thought, his heart sank further, shadowed by the burgeoning regret.

Outside the restaurant, Claudia found herself in the dim glow of the streetlights as night enveloped the surroundings