She tucked her phone away and touched her reddening earlobe.

She composed herself as if all was well.

As she prepared to leave, the door creaked open

Bennett was there, one hand holding the door. A breeze danced past him, causing his shirt to flutter. Claudia thought she could smell the familiar scent of wood.

While Bennett stood against the light, emanating a warmth that contradicted his usually cold demeanor, he observed Claudia intently with his piercing gaze. "Did you sleep well, Miss Marshall?"

The formal address reminded Claudia of the prior night's events.

Was he still upset?

“Good morning, Mr. Dreskin," Claudia returned the greeting, her Lips pursed slightly.

"I have a meeting to attend. I'll drop you at the hospital and then head to the office."

He paused, and then wheeled a chair from the corridor toward her. "I'LL fetch you after you finish the check-up."

Claudia slowly made her way to the wheelchair, shuffling her feet, and carefully seated herself on it. "You don't need to worry about me.

Focus on your work. Once the cast is removed from my leg, I want to go back home."

"As you wish."

Bennett moved behind her and started to propel the wheelchair forward.

Upon reaching the stairs, the man halted and stepped aside, as if expecting Claudia to navigate the stairs unaided.

Claudia knew then, Bennett was indeed angry.

Motionless, Bennett showed no signs of helping her.

Claudia had been quite vocal about setting boundaries the night before.

Hence, Bennett's aloofness today.

Suddenly, Bennett felt a tug at his shirt hem.

Glancing down, he saw Claudia, seated on the wheelchair, gently holding onto his shirt. Her pleading eyes were hard to ignore.

They appealed to his sympathies.