Claudia's ears turned red. Ignoring Joann's remarks, she stepped up to assist with the heavy suitcase. It would be hard for Joann to manage it on her own, after all.

Once they collected their belongings, they checked into a hotel near the airport and had lunch there.

It wasn't until half-past three that they headed back to the airport with their luggage in tow.

Their flight to Feling was scheduled for 4:10 p.m., and they arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare,

They made their way through security shortly after checking in their luggage. Five minutes later, a boarding announcement echoed through the airport.

Claudia texted Bennett to let him know she was about to board. As she looked up from her phone, Joann asked, “Is that guy there the taller one of the two men we met earlier today?

Xavier did stand a bit taller than Gustavo, so Joann's observation was spot-on,

Claudia looked up and saw it was indeed Xavier. What a small world.

Still, she felt no urge to greet him. It was Gustavo who had conversed with her earlier, not Xavier, who had remained mostly silent.

Since she was the one who had helped them, Claudia didn't feel the need to greet him.

“Yeah, I think it's him," she finally responded.

“Wow, he's really good-looking. He's almost as handsome as Mr. Dreskin," Joann remarked.

At this, Claudia took another glance at Xavier. She didn't think so.

Bennett was way more dashing, she believed.

Facing a twelve-hour journey, Claudia insisted on upgrading Joann to a more comfortable seat.

However, Joann wasn't interested in the lavishness of first class, opting instead for a move from economy to business class.

Joann didn't want to sit in the first class cabin, but she secured a first-class seat for Claudia.

Amidst the shuffle, Claudia momentarily forgot her seat number. She was looking when Joann pointed out, "Claudia, your seat is here."

Claudia hastened over to where Joann was.

“Are you sure you don't want to experience first class? Twelve hours is a long flight, Joann. It's exhausting!"

“I've been on long flights before. Just give me a shout if you need anything. I'm going back to my seat!

Worried that Claudia might whisk her away to first class at any moment, Joann quickly made her way to the business class cabin.

Finding herself alone, Claudia settled into her seat. Sitting a few rows behind her, Xavier noticed her. Intrigued, he thought about the unexpected chance encounter on this flight.

Claudia hadn't traveled abroad in months, and the long hours in the air weighed heavily on her.