“It's getting late. Let's go downstairs, or we'll miss the train."

Releasing his grip on her shoulder, he took her by the hand, leading her out of the room.

Bennett pulled the suitcase out while Claudia closed the door behind them.

They took the elevator and rode it down to the back entrance.

When they stepped out of the elevator, a hotel employee approached them.

“Excuse me," the employee said, addressing Claudia. "Are you CC?" Claudia nodded. "Yes, I am."

The employee smiled.

“Miss Gray arranged for me to wait here for you and your husband. Several reporters are waiting for you out there. I'LL call the driver first. Please wait here with your husband."

Amalia was quite considerate, it seemed. Claudia sent her a message to thank her while she waited with Bennett at the back door.

After a short while, the hotel employee returned and Led them outside, ensuring their safe passage to the waiting car.

The car designated for Claudia and Bennett's pickup was parked ready at the entrance. The hotel employee grabbed their luggage and instructed them to head straight to the car.

No sooner had they settled inside and shut the door than the nearby reporters snapped to attention, rushing towards their way to take pictures. Claudia glanced at Bennett, saying, "This is quite over the top.”

He laughed lightly, taking her hand to tenderly play with her fingers.

“Mrs. Dreskin, you've become quite the sensation

Embarrassed, Claudia said, "I'm not some celebrity."

"You certainly have the appearance of one." His comment only deepened her embarrassment.

As the car initiated a slow roll forward, the pursing reporters began to lag behind.

Looking into the rearview mirror, Claudia couldn't resist a surprised arch of her eyebrow upon spotting a dedicated photographer running alongside, camera rolling.

He was so dedicated! She couldn't help but wonder the extent of her newfound fame.

Once they reached the expressway, Claudia retrieved her phone to message Amalia through Line, assuring her of their safety.

The railway station was just a brief ride away, a mere fifteen minutes passing before they arrived.

It was Monday afternoon, and the railway station wasn't too crowded, The two of them passed through the security checkpoint quickly.

The high-speed train journey from Khawst to Linmarsh spanned 70 minutes. By the time Claudia and Bennett exited the station, the clock marked half past three.

Linmarsh greeted them with pleasant weather, a refreshing coolness taking over as the day's heat subsided.