Chapter 291: The Emotional Beast

Benson's words, like the edge of a merciless blade, severed the last thread of hope in Bella's heart. Then, he and Claire stepped into the elevator together. As the doors closed, he withdrew his arm from Claire's grasp. Inside the elevator, the atmosphere turned awkward. Claire's earlier confidence and pride had vanished, replaced by a cautious and uneasy demeanor as she glanced at Benson. She was filled with doubt and insecurity. A moment ago, she had believed she had a chance when she embraced him and he didn’t push her away. That brief moment of intimacy made her feel an unprecedented joy, thinking she could finally take Yvonne's place in his heart. But now, Benson’s coldness left her inexplicably dejected. "Benson, what's wrong? You were fine just now," Claire said, her voice tinged with confusion and hurt. She couldn’t understand why he had suddenly become so distant. She thought back to when she had hugged him earlier—he hadn’t rejected her. In that moment, she had truly beli