Minutes later, Bennett returned with a plate heaped with steak, spaghetti, salmon, shrimp, along with Claudia's requested risotto and watermelon juice.

As she eyed the spread, Claudia couldn't help but swallow hard. Meeting Bennett's amused gaze, she stammered, “Isn't this a bit much?"

Setting the tray down, Bennett gave her a subdued smile. "Well, what do you think?"

“I think we can manage," Claudia responded, her lips forming a nervous smile.

Concealing any thoughts to the contrary, Bennett offered, "If this isn't enough, I can always get more."

Claudia felt her spoon-holding hand tremble at his words.

“I'm indeed hungry, but I don't think I can eat all of this."

“What about me?" Bennett interjected.

Realizing her misunderstanding of the situation, Claudia felt relief flood over her. Hastily, she lowered her head and took a bite of her risotto, "Let's dig in. I'm starving!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a bashful excitement.

After leaving the stage, Claudia became the object of Aurora and Amalia's search. However, upon reaching the stage, they discovered she had already departed.

Concerned that Kayla might give Claudia a hard time, the two gathered information from a competition staffer, learning Claudia had left with her husband.

Hunger gnawing at them, Aurora and Amalia decided to have lunch at the hotel restaurant first.

From a distance, Amalia caught sight of Claudia. "Look, there's CC!" Wary of drawing attention, Amalia hushed her voice almost instinctively.

Following Amalia's pointing finger, Aurora observed Bennett gently wiping the corner of Claudia's mouth.

The audacity of such an affectionate display irked Aurora deeply. Amalia caught the scene too and remarked, “CC's husband is so considerate!"

Hearing Amalia's comment, Aurora found herself examining Bennett more closely. She had to concede, he was indeed tender toward Claudia.

“We've found her, so let's just eat. Best not to intrude right now," Amalia suggested.

Intruding would only result in them becoming spectators to the couple's romantic display.

Claudia found herself captivated by Bennett, whose actions seemed entirely natural. Her face flushed in response.

She felt her lips tighten involuntarily, his touch lingering on her skin.

As Bennett transferred peeled shrimp into her plate, he noticed her gaze. "Are you full?" he questioned, his brows knitting together. Regaining her composure, Claudia shook her head.

“Not yet."

“Take your time. Will you be around Later?"

“We'll take another group photo after it all wraps up." Claudia nodded. She had planned on napping post-Lunch, given she had no further obligations in the afternoon.