“I'm serious, too."

Even if he had to accept a life without Claudia, he needed to know that she was genuinely content and fulfilled before he could give up.

Claudia didn't react and felt embarrassed by all the attention. She leaned against Bennett's chest for a moment for comfort and protection. Blushing, she looked up at him.

“There are so many people. Let's go!" Bennett's hand moved gently to Claudia's face, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her eyes. He glanced towards the nearby passageway.

“They're Mathews’ fans."

After a brief pause, he inquired, “Did you meet at the airport?"

Without giving it any thought, Claudia nodded.

“Yes, I met him. He was sitting next to me on the plane." Bennett clicked his tongue in disapproval. She looked up at him, furrowing her brows, confused.

“What's wrong?"

He glanced down at her and then looked away, his expression inscrutable.

“It's nothing." His voice was low and distant.

He took the suitcase from her hand. Changing the subject, he asked, “Are you hungry?"

Her eyes widened, "I'm famished." Claudia realized she hadn't eaten much for breakfast that morning. She was also a little hungry on the plane.

“Then let's grab something to eat," Bennett suggested, taking her hand as they made their way out.

After a few steps, Claudia suddenly remembered Joann, “Wait, what about my assistant

Bennett stopped.

"Joann?" "Yes, she's here."

As Claudia turned around, she realized Joann, who had been right behind her a moment ago, had disappeared.

Bennett noticed her confusion and reminded her, “She just walked to the subway with her suitcase."

"What?" She felt a pang of disappointment. She was about to call Joann and ask her why she had left.

But before Claudia dialed her number, she received a message from Joann.

“Claudia, I won't disturb you and Mr. Dreskin. I'm going home by subwa\

Feeling embarrassed that she hadn't noticed sooner, Claudia glanced at Bennett.

"She said she would go back by subway."