CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER 153: SEEKING AN ALTERNATIVE PATH

All these changes were observed by the outsider, Sam Clarke, but she failed to comprehend the deeper motives behind them.

In fact, William Foster’s actions were not just meant to break the surface-level unconnected state between them, but genuinely aimed at winning Clara Bennett’s favor through this approach.

There’s another more important reason.

That is, they privately signed a three-year cooperative marriage agreement, though the Bennett family is unaware of the truth behind it.

To make this nominal marriage more solid and lasting, it’s essential to cleverly manipulate the asymmetry of information between the two sides.

William Foster understood deeply in his heart that he didn’t truly hope to maintain such a nominal relationship for long.

At the same time, he was aware that if, someday, his deception towards Clara Bennett was uncovered, who knows what kind of reaction she might have?

Divorce could be one of the most straightforward outcomes.

Therefore, besides trying to make Clara favor him as much as possible, he also needed to prepare fully for the uncertainties of the future, finding more backup plans for himself.

For instance, insisting James Bennett take the money but refusing to return it, considering Clara Bennett’s kind yet stubborn personality, she would absolutely not accept this huge fortune for no reason.

This way, the relationship between them would naturally become more convoluted.

With this tie, he would have the opportunity to slowly ease the conflicts between them, gradually winning her trust.

But this was far from enough.

Recently the two of them started discussing the issue of Foster Corporation’s stock transfer.

The corporation run by the Foster family is large, and its stock value is high, under normal circumstances, James Bennett certainly needs to return it. However, this time, William Foster proposed a different plan: "I wish to exchange these stocks for partial ownership of your brother’s entertainment company."

Upon hearing this, James Bennett was evidently puzzled: "Why do you want to acquire the equity of my brother’s company? If your Foster family wishes to enter this field, with your financial strength and influence, creating a new company would feasibly be more appropriate than taking over an existing one!"

To this, William Foster hurriedly explained: "Brother, please don’t misunderstand me. I have no ill intentions or ambitions towards that company; I’m merely looking at the issue from another angle. After all, I know Clara is one of the signed artists of that company."

"Though I’m also aware her brother surely won’t mistreat her, as a husband, please try to understand my feelings! Since I already know where my wife’s workplace is, naturally there’s a pressing desire to be involved."

"Despite my current poor physical condition, being inconveniently mobile, and having impaired vision, unable to personally care for her, I also don’t wish to bring trouble to her by revealing my true identity. Hence, I think by participating in this way indirectly, I already feel quite satisfied."

Listening to these words, James Bennett couldn’t help but feel a twinge in his heart.

William Foster had always been very generous and considerate towards Clara Bennett, indeed never showing a tendency to take advantage of her, as the dowry originally belonged to her, and he insisted on paying a bride price to her family.

Though traditional views hold that the eldest brother-in-law and brother-in-law always have friction and discord, seeing William Foster’s sincere affection for his sister deeply moved James Bennett.

He eventually agreed to help convey this sentiment: "Alright, I’ll try to talk with Kai."

"That’s great, thank you, brother. If your brother has any opinions or concerns, we can choose another time to sit down and discuss it in detail. He can choose the place, and I’ll follow his arrangements to visit."

William Foster replied.

Considering the other’s not very well physical condition and the difficulty of moving around, James Bennett thoughtfully said: "If you find it inconvenient to travel, once Edward Bennett has no objections, we can certainly come to visit you."

The suggestion was gladly nodded in agreement by William Foster.

After ending the call, William Foster’s mood became extraordinarily cheerful, and he walked lightly towards the piano that was set in the room.

Soon, he naturally extended a hand, leaping back and forth across the black and white keys, playing a beautiful and melodious piece titled "Diana by the Water."

At this moment, William Foster appeared strikingly handsome and bright, with one arm tucked into his pant pocket, the other long and strong hand dancing deftly on the keys, producing a pleasing sound, making the whole scene tastefully delightful.

Objectively speaking, William Foster indeed possessed an irresistible charm; hardly anyone could withstand the unique aura he exuded.

Both male friends and female companions tend to be deeply attracted to him.

Take Sam Clarke, for instance; he is an undeniable heterosexual.

Even so, during their usual interactions, he inevitably finds Mr. William Foster utterly distinct.

Unless firmly sticking to one’s own sexual orientation, solely through that unique charm, it could easily change many people’s views on their own preference positioning!

Yet such an outstanding-looking, charming, and exceptionally capable man now devotes himself entirely to a special woman.

Just as William Foster was immersed in the music, he suddenly looked up at the friend standing in the distance and inquired about the feelings of just finishing the performance.

"What did you think of my performance just now?"

He asked.

Upon hearing this question, Sam Clarke immediately switched to a praise mode.

"Simply exquisite! Mr. Foster, your playing of this piece is indeed the world’s most beautiful sound reincarnated."

He praised appreciatively.

Upon hearing that, a smug smile subtly lifted the corners of William Foster’s mouth.

"Arthur, help me find a suitable silk ribbon to use as a blindfold, would you?"

Then he instructed his assistant standing by him.

While waiting for the assistant to fetch the required items, William Foster changed into a clean white shirt paired with the black waistcoat he hardly wore outside.

Once everything was prepared, he used the soft fabric just brought to cover his clear bright eyes and soon sat back before the piano again.

Moreover, he did not forget to let the secretary responsible for documenting activate the camera equipment to start recording, then once again seriously focused on playing the classic piece called "Diana by the Water."

After finishing, William Foster carefully watched the video, ensuring every detail met his expectations, and then he sent it to Clara Bennett.