Claudia, having just woken up and not quite hungry, declined.

“No, thank you. Bennett should be home soon."

Upon hearing Claudia's words, Marcia answered, “In that case, I better get started on dinner."

Claudia nodded.

"I'll leave you to it, then."

Marcia looked slightly concerned, "I hope the kitchen smells won't bother you, madam."

Claudia thought about reassuring Marcia that she wasn't that sensitive, but seeing the cook already immersed in her tasks, she decided it wasn't the best time to say anything.

Opting for fresh air, Claudia exited the kitchen with the intention of spending some time in the garden.

The sun hung in the sky at just the right angle and had not set yet, offering warmth without being overpowering.

As she meandered through the garden, Claudia's ears caught the sound of an approaching car.

Turning her gaze toward outside, she spotted the recognizable outline of the Bentley.

She approached the garage, watching as Bennett skillfully navigated the car inside. When he emerged, she went up to him and inquired, “Mr. Dreskin, have you finished with work for the day?"

When Claudia was still in college, she would often wait for her father to return at the garage gate.

Once he parked and stepped out of the garage, she'd greet him with a smile, saying, "Welcome home, Dad." Then, she would take his briefcase and escort him into the house. It was a little act of endearment that always pleased Jace.

Today, on a whim, she couldn't resist treating Bennett just as she used to with Jace.

Bennett looked at her, and his deep eyes twinkled. He responded in an unhurried manner.

"I rushed back after work to see my beautiful wife." Claudia blushed, her gaze falling to his tie, glistening in the sunlight. It was the tie clip she had sent him,

Claudia's smile widened at the thought of the gift in her suitcase. She couldn't wait to give it to him.

Seeing that Bennett had returned, Marcia hastened her work.

Soon, she came out to tell Bennett and Claudia that dinner was ready. However, Claudia wasn't particularly hungry, having had a late lunch. Despite her lack of appetite, the aroma of the soup Marcia had prepared was irresistible. After a bowl of the delicious soup, Claudia found it hard to eat anything else during dinner.

Bennett also lacked an appetite, and both of them didn't consume much.

It was a first for Marcia to see so many leftovers. She grew anxious, wondering if she had done something to displease them.

As she finished clearing the table and was about to wrap up her work for the day, a persistent feeling of unease fell upon her. She couldn't shake the sense that she might have made a mistake. She decided to linger a bit longer and approach Claudia about it.

While Bennett was on a phone call, Claudia grabbed a glass of water, She was planning to head upstairs to retrieve the gift from her suitcase. However, as soon as she got the water, Marcia's uneasy tone caught her attention.