Claudia, catching on to the implications, was immediately seething with indignation.

What further fueled her anger was the realization that she had been photographed during her visit to Mathews’ studio that day.

With Mathews riding the wave of popularity, the news quickly took off, landing as the top trend and spreading like wildfire in just thirty minutes.

's Mathews dating Claudia?"

Get lost, you witch! Mathews is off-Limit “Really? But isn't Claudia married?"

“Goodness! Yet another scandal unraveled. I'm losing track of all the drama. First Delilah, and now Claudia!"

"I refuse to buy into it! It must be a rumor! Let's focus on Mathews' upcoming album. It's set to drop on September 15th!"

“I can't believe it either! It's definitely rumor! Let's await Mathews’ new album. It's Launching on September 15th!"

The loyal followers of Mathews maintained their level-headedness, but unfortunately, gossip-mongers were rampant. Claudia soon saw her name rocket to the third most searched term, while buzz about Delilah and Anthony started to die down.

Experiencing such turmoil for the first time, Claudia was unnerved. Given Mathews' unique standing in the entertainment industry, she felt hesitant to voice her thoughts casually. Just as she was about to dial his number for advice, her phone pinged with a message from Bennett. From Bennett came two photographs.

“Miss Marshall, are you not obligated to clarify things?"

Claudia understood she was in deep waters. This man was also in the Loop.

In a whirl of panic that quickly subsided, she reassured herself that she hadn't committed any wrong. She was simply assisting Mathews while earning some money.

Chewing on her bottom lip, Claudia quickly gathered her wits. "This isn't what you're assuming, Mr. Dreskin! I'm just an ordinary friend of Mathews! He requested me to provide piano backing for his fresh album two months back. So, today was just another work day! Don't stress Mathews will handle this situation promptly. It won't tarnish your image!

ALL today's chaos happened due to me. I sincerely apologize! Please, don't let it upset you.”

“I am upset.”

Witnessing Bennett's response, Claudia's hands shook.

“So, how can I make amends?”

Her eyes glued to the screen, Claudia anticipated a reply. After a few seconds of silence from Bennett, she gave out a resigned sigh. Her Lips tightly pursed, she resolved to give it more time.

In the end, she was the one who had dragged him into her mess.

“Refer to me by my given name henceforth."

"Well... So, if I start addressing you by your first name, you won't be upset anymore?"