CHAPTER 176: CHAPTER 176: TIT FOR TAT

After saying these words, William Foster hung up the phone, and the person on the other end seemed to have been stirred by his acknowledgment.

William Foster knew Clara Bennett would come to see him, and he was instantly filled with excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

He first found Sam Clarke and arranged a few important matters, instructing him on some details.

Immediately after, he called Zam and told him the good news.

Clara Bennett was back, and preparations needed to be made in advance to ensure everything went smoothly.

Zam couldn’t help but hesitate after hearing this: "Mr. William Foster, the Young Madam specifically came back early to surprise you, and you’re still thinking of deceiving her; isn’t that a bit inappropriate..."

His tone revealed some worry and puzzlement, as if questioning the necessity of such actions.

William Foster said sternly, "Well, fair is fair. She deceived me first, so naturally, I have to find an opportunity to deceive her back. That’s my principle, an eye for an eye."

His determined gaze revealed an undeniable attitude, clearly having made up his mind with no intention of changing it.

Zam wanted to say a few more words but was gently pulled aside by Sam Clarke at this moment, "Zam, just listen to whatever Mr. William says."

Sam Clarke’s voice was gentle yet persuasive, trying to soothe Zam’s uneasiness.

After being pulled away, Zam muttered, "I still think this is not quite right."

Sam Clarke then explained meaningfully, "Zam, you don’t understand, this kind of ’deception’ and so-called punishment by Mr. William is actually just a little game between husband and wife to enhance their relationship."

Hehe, simply put, it’s just their way of showing affection.

Thinking of this, Sam Clarke couldn’t help but sigh. In this world filled with the envious gazes of single people, she felt even the air became unfriendly, and Zam really didn’t want to stay any longer than necessary.

Hearing this, Zam suddenly nodded as if realizing something, "So that’s it, then I have to play my part in this show well."

His words revealed a new determination.

Sam Clarke encouraged from the side, "Go Zam! You can make your stage anywhere, and anyone can be a great actor!"

The words were warm and inspiring.

Over two hours later, Clara Bennett finally landed in Ocean City.

As soon as she landed, she received a WeChat message from George Taylor.

The message content was filled with warm care, seeming to convey warmth across the screen.

However, at this moment, Clara had already forgotten the reason she fabricated earlier for herself, and after some pondering, she remembered it was an excuse about an urgent family matter to come back and have a look.

After thinking for a while, she decided not to pay attention and let this matter hang in the air.

After all, after such a long time of waiting and longing, the most important thing now was to quickly see the person she was yearning for.

Clara understood George’s meaning, even though he didn’t explicitly state it, she knew his thoughts.

Since the other party did not say it directly, she couldn’t refuse outright and could only use a cold treatment method, hoping George would sense that she wasn’t willing to accept the suggestion.

So she chose a calm attitude to respond, trying to let the other party feel her stance, hoping this attitude could convey her disinterest in participating.

A message from Jocelyn Taylor popped up on her phone, and after glancing at it, she replied briefly and didn’t pay much more attention.

Then she picked up her handbag, walked towards the car, started the engine, and drove towards William Foster’s villa.

All along the way, a sense of urgency to return to the Foster family quickly kept echoing in her heart.

This feeling was very novel and special to Clara Bennett.

Before, wherever she went, she used to act with her family and never had such a similar experience alone. As for Samuel Grant, for certain reasons, she tried her best to avoid too much contact with him.

This was the first time she had the urge to see someone immediately, to the point where she didn’t realize that she was prepping herself while touching up her makeup was all for meeting William Foster.

Upon suddenly realizing this, she couldn’t help but smile slightly, shaking her head lightly in amazement: "It seems he has unconsciously become as important as family to me."

Thinking of this, Clara suddenly felt that she might be too good to William Foster, a liking that came from the depths of her heart, like selfless devotion to family.

However, such an expression of emotion was evidently a little too close, after all, it shouldn’t be so unreserved; she needed to maintain a certain distance and manage her emotional involvement appropriately.

So Clara had a plan that when she saw William Foster later, she would tell him that the reason she came home so late was because she was afraid of disturbing other family members who were resting, hence she came specifically to find his company.

Such words would not only surprise him but also prevent William Foster from becoming overly confident.

The relationship between them still needed to retain a certain amount of space, so as not to seem too intimate.

Although there were no boundaries on a physical level anymore, this could not change her internal judgment.

After repeatedly reminding herself a few times, she finally accepted the urgent desire to meet with ease, driving into the Foster family’s gates with a joyful and lighthearted mood.

Once she got out of the car, she slowly walked into the villa with her luggage.

The heavy suitcase felt particularly cumbersome in her hand, making every step tiring.

As soon as she entered the house, Clara’s keen ears picked up on two maids whispering about something, their faces marked with worry.

Though their voices were low, Clara could clearly catch the worry and unease in them.

She immediately felt a bit puzzled.

According to the usual habit, at this time, William Foster should have already rested, and the maids were supposed to have left by now.

Why are people still bustling about tonight?

Could it be that William Foster hasn’t gone to bed yet?

"Still carrying ice for Mr. William? I just feel something isn’t right, what’s William doing, isn’t it a bit much?"

One of the maids lowered her voice, with a touch of discontent and worry in her tone.

"Keep your voice down, what’s overdoing it? Mr. William’s legs aren’t well, it’s impossible he’d intentionally harm himself."

The other maid quickly stopped her companion’s bold words, "Just follow instructions and continue delivering it, it’s the master’s wish, we must obey."

"But I see those feet turned all red, definitely frostbitten, and it looks quite painful."

The first maid couldn’t help but sigh, her eyes filled with pity.

After hearing a few words, Clara was still baffled, not understanding what was happening.

Just as she was about to walk over and ask, she suddenly saw Zam in the hallway on the second floor, visibly tensing up at her sight: "Y-Young Madam, why did you come back suddenly?"

He seemed not to have anticipated Clara’s appearance at this moment, his eyes revealing a trace of panic.

Clara frowned, feeling that today’s atmosphere was slightly off.