Next, she found herself instinctively tugging on Bennett's sleeve. Claudia was unknowingly indulging in this playful gesture.

She didn't even notice it.

Bennett glanced at her hand clutching his sleeve, feeling his heart warm significantly.

It seemed as if an invisible thread connected him to his wife, letting her guide his movements with the gentlest tug.

“Alright, Let's return to the hotel."

Claudia would have concealed herself with the helmet if it didn't promise to draw more attention.

On their way back, they attracted a lot of attention. Amalia and Aurora were in the crowd, and Aurora couldn't resist remarking, "This feels just like something out of a TV drama!"

It was Amalia's first encounter with such a spectacle, and she concurred, "I think so, too."

Exiting the beach area, Claudia and Bennett were greeted by a familiar voice exclaiming, “Honey

The loud greeting from Zaria caught the notice of nearby pedestrians. Before Claudia could react, she was hugged by Zaria.

“I'm so angry! I returned too Late! And I didn't get to see your competition! Ahhh, girl, you were fantastic!"

Completely clueless about the unfolding situation, Claudia asked, "What is happening?"

She took a look at Zaria, who was embracing her firmly, and requested, “Um, Miss Santiago, could you release me? I'm finding it hard to breathe."

Bennett manifested his concern with a frown, pulling Zaria away from

Claudia as he remarked, "You were nearly choking her." Pain flashed across Zaria's face as she inhaled sharply, hastily letting go and apologizing, “Sorry, I got carried away! I raced here straight from the airport today, not expecting to be late!"

Observing the spirited Zaria, Claudia blinked, slowly formulating a question. "So, you rushed over to watch my race?"

“Yes! I've attended and watched all your previous races! This is the only time I've missed it. It's frustrating! I didn't do it on purpose, baby!"

When she heard Zaria call her “baby", a blush rapidly spread across Claudia's cheeks. She downplayed her performance, murmuring, "Well, it wasn't a big deal. I didn't perform particularly well today.”

“You were phenomenal! I didn't see it in person, but a friend recorded it for me! Hey Cece, let's capture this moment with a photo!"

Right after Zaria stopped talking, she handed her phone to Bennett, imploring, “Mr. Dreskin, could you please take a picture of us?"

Claudia couldn't say no to this request. She turned towards Bennett, her striking eyes pleading softly.

With a hint of reluctance, Bennett accepted the phone and started to take pictures of them.

Zaria energetically struck numerous poses before the lens, going as far as to ask Claudia to create a heart shape with her using their hands. Even though she felt slightly shy, Claudia found the situation amusing. As they were taking their third picture, Claudia noticed a warm sensation on her cheek.

She was stunned.