An important meeting had been scheduled for three o'clock, and Jackson wanted to ensure Bennett was aware.

Acknowledging the situation, Bennett proposed, "Let's postpone the meeting by ten minutes. I'll be there at 3:10 p.m."

After receiving a clear response, Jackson breathed a sigh of relief.

“Alright, Mr. Dreskin, I won't keep you any longer."

Once the phone call was done, Bennett shifted his attention to Claudia, who had just changed her clothes.

Claudia wanted to give him the gift she had bought, but with his impending return to the office, she decided to save the surprise for later in the evening.

Noticing his gaze upon her, she hesitated for a moment. She gathered her courage, approached him and embraced his sturdy waist, her chin lightly resting on his chest. She looked up to meet his eyes and inquired, “Was that Jackson on the phone?"

Bennett held her by the waist, looking down into her bright eyes. ‘There's a meeting scheduled."

“Does that mean you'll... Before she could complete her sentence, she let out another yawn.

Claudia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Swiftly letting go of his hand, she covered her mouth. After the yawn subsided, she continued, "You should head back to the office. I'll take a nap

Claudia's frequent yawns were a clear sign of her exhaustion, and it seemed more prudent not to delay Bennett further.

Bennett smiled, raising an intrigued eyebrow as his gaze remained fixed on her.

“The meeting may be urgent, but there's still time for a kiss."

With that, he leaned in closer, pausing beside her face. He continued, “Didn't you mention missing me, Cece?"

His voice carried a mix of playfulness and allure, causing Claudia‘s heart to beat faster and faster.

She had told him that last night upon her arrival in Rarc. Beneath the blanket of darkened skies, she had spontaneously reached for her phone and sent him a message on Line.

Claudia found herself flustered, her gaze drifting away. She didn't expect to lock eyes with him.

His deep eyes resembled pools of impenetrable ink, fixed upon her with determined resolve.

In that moment, he appeared like a wolf emerging from hiding, ready to reveal himself.

Claudia's own eyes sparkled with a mixture of emotions. She wished to look away but found herself drawn to his gaze.

After a brief inner struggle, she gently bit her lip, summoning her courage. Rising on her tiptoes, she reached for the nape of his neck and boldly pressed her lips to his.

Their lips met, sending a thrilling wave through her. It felt like an electric charge coursing through her body. Claudia could feel his hands around her waist tightening, prompting her to instinctively wrap her arms around his neck.

The subtle scent of wood that clung to him and his unique aura, as dominant and commanding as their kiss, surrounded her entirely.

Claudia closed her eyes, shutting out the world around her, All that remained was the steady rhythm of her own heartbeat and Bennett's warm breath,