Thanks to Jackson's arrangements, a driver was ready to pick them up immediately upon their exit from the railway station,

By the time they returned to the villa, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon. Bennett had granted Marcia a two-day break before he left, so the house was now empty.

Claudia reached for the cup from Bennett, ready to inquire if he was headed to the office when her phone suddenly rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, she showed the screen to Bennett, saying, "It's my father calling."

Bennett grinned, affectionately tousled her hair, saying, "Go ahead and pick up the call."

Claudia gave a little nod, perched on a tall stool, propped her chin up with her hand, and answered Jace's call with, "Hey there, Dad?"

“Sweetheart, you're back from Khawst

As soon as Claudia heard Jace's words, she realized she couldn't keep her secret anymore.

For twenty-six years, she'd played the role of the perfect daughter in Jace's eyes. But now, thanks to the “CC" news, that facade might crumble.

Nibbling her lower lip, Claudia meekly asked, "You already knew, didn't you, Dad?

Jace's voice, on the other side, wasn't angry. He simply exhaled a sigh.

“I never knew my girl was so incredible!"

All these years, he'd been oblivious to his daughter's love for motorboat racing.

It dawned on him that maybe he'd been neglectful as a father.

“I apologize, Dad. It wasn't my intention to keep it from yo!

“Silly girl, you don't have to apologize! It's me who needs to apologize. You've been sailing that motorboat for years, and I never noticed!"

Claudia felt a warmth spread through her as she heard her father's words.

"I kept it a secret on purpose, Dad!"

“Alas! Seeing how much you enjoy steering that motorboat, all you have to do is say the word, and I won't stand in your way!"

Claudia knew her father wouldn't stop her, but she didn't want him fretting about her.

Notorboating was, after all, a bit riskier compared to other hobbies.

“Listen, you've just wrapped up your race. Take it easy, and tell Bennett not to burn himself out, okay?"

“Will do, Dad

Once she hung up, Claudia gulped water.