Over an hour into the flight, the cabin crew began serving dinner. Her appetite absent, Claudia picked at her food, sipped some warm water, and decided to catch a movie on her tablet.

By the time the clock hit ten in the evening, her eyelids grew heavy. She reclined her seat and succumbed to sleep.

Less than six hours later, the plane started its descent.

Groggy and disoriented, Claudia took another sip of water, waiting for the wheels to touch down,

The local time read nine o'clock in the evening.

The air was noticeably chillier than what she was used to in Linmarsh, so she put on a jersey for extra warmth.

Operating on less than a full night's sleep, Claudia stood up from her seat and walked down the aisle, yawning as she went. Because she was feeling fatigued, she didn't realize she had bumped into someone.

“My apologies!" Claudia looked up and recognized the face before her.

"Mr. Hinchcliffe."

“Ah, Miss Marshall, what a coincidenc: The man smiled at her.

Feeling a bit awkward, Claudia inquired, “Did I bump into you just now? I didn't see you."

“Not at all," Xavier assured her, staring at her bleary eyes which was likely due to drowsiness.

She reminded him of a Persian cat he once cared for as a child-graceful yet adorable.

Not wanting to hold up other passengers, Claudia began to say, "Well, in that case.

Because he wasn't as sociable as his friend Gustavo, and he had only crossed paths with Claudia a few times before, he wasn't inclined to extend the conversation, "I'll be on my way," he stated succinctly. Claudia acknowledged his response with a nod and hurriedly exited the plane after Xavier moved off.

Right after Claudia sent Bennett a message, Joann approached and asked, “Claudia, it's a bit chilly tonight. Are you cold? Would you like to switch coats with me?"

“It's fine, Let's head to baggage claim. Charles should be outside waiting for us."

Charles Cooper served as Claude Cruz's assistant and was tasked with collecting them and seeing them to their hotel.

Glancing at her wristwatch, Joann said, “It's getting late. I'll follow your lead."

They made their way to retrieve their luggage. Stepping out of the airport, they immediately spotted Charles.

“Joann! Claudii terminal. A tall man was eagerly waving as they exited the

“Pleased to meet you, Charles!"

After some brief introductions, Charles escorted Claudia and Joann to their hotel.

Having worked with the two women before, Charles was aware that neither Claudia nor Joann was fans of hitting the bar scene. He promptly left once they were comfortably settled in their accommodations.