CHAPTER 179: CHAPTER 179: THE MISTRESS

Clara Bennett said outright, "You don’t have to be so polite. I can guess the extent of your contributions."

Her gaze was full of determination and sincerity, making her tone even more unwavering.

Zam was momentarily stunned by her words, speechless.

He understood that this young Madam seemed gentle, but she possessed sharp insight and firm resolve.

In fact, Zam genuinely believed that Mr. William Foster was safe over the years due entirely to his own exceptional ability and cautious nature, which was beyond question.

But some words, even when well understood, cannot be spoken out loud and must be kept in the heart.

Clara Bennett continued, "Zam, you’re really a headache. Can’t you tell me when those people come looking for trouble with William? I’m now the mistress here; I ought to know his affairs."

Her voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction and reproach.

Zam quickly explained, "Of course not, Young Madam, you have every right to know all the situations here. I just thought such matters shouldn’t trouble you, given that you have many other important tasks to attend to."

Clara Bennett nodded, her tone firm, "In the future, if anything like this happens, I hope you’ll inform me immediately."

Her tone revealed an indisputable determination.

Zam hurriedly assured, "Please rest assured, Young Madam; if anything like this happens again, I will inform you at once. I won’t let you worry about it anymore."

Clara Bennett then nodded in satisfaction, turning her gaze to Arthur Davis, giving him a sharp glare.

Arthur Davis looked bewildered, tilting his head to look at Clara Bennett, appearing both innocent and adorably clueless.

This young man seemed not fully aware of the situation, continuing to maintain that naive expression.

His silly appearance was quite endearing, causing Clara Bennett to chuckle softly, saying gently, "Don’t you get the situation? Do you understand why I’m glaring at you?"

Arthur Davis nodded earnestly, his gaze sincere, "I really don’t understand, Young Madam, please just say it."

His voice was clear and steadfast, filled with honesty.

Clara Bennett knew this kid was a bit stubborn; he wouldn’t understand unless it was spelled out clearly.

"Didn’t I say it before? If anyone comes to hassle Mr. Foster, you can directly handle it. Why didn’t you knock around those old guys?"

Arthur Davis replied seriously, "Because they didn’t come in person."

At this point, Zam interrupted to explain, "They just called Mr. Foster, then sent some so-called expert here to make random nonsense."

Clara Bennett suddenly understood, "Oh, so they didn’t actually show up."

This made her even angrier.

They didn’t even dare to face us, yet dared to create trouble remotely.

Quite clever; she learned quite a bit.

So, Clara Bennett opened her little notebook of grudges, quietly jotted it down, then looked at Arthur Davis, "Well, you’re off the hook this time—I’ll reward you with an ice cream."

Arthur Davis eagerly nodded and happily looked toward Zam, "Uncle, Young Madam said I could have ice cream! I love ice cream!"

Zam helplessly smiled, "Fine, there’s always time for ice cream. Let’s go and get it."

Clara Bennett shook her head, instructing a servant to prepare warm water.

When the servant brought the water, about to start washing William Foster’s feet, Clara Bennett hurriedly stopped them, "Wait, no need for help here, I’ll do it myself."

The servant, hearing this, paused and then left.

Outside the room, that maid started gossiping with her girlfriends, "Our Young Madam really adores Mr. Foster; she’s even washing Mr. Foster’s feet herself!"

Inside the room, William Foster’s cheeks flushed slightly, looking a bit embarrassed, "Dear, how can such a thing be done by the wife? I can do it myself."

Clara Bennett said directly, "Stop overthinking. A grown man needing others to wash his feet? Wash them yourself; I’ll go take a shower first."

With that, she turned and headed to the bathroom.

William Foster paused, his mouth twitching slightly; he ultimately said nothing.

Glancing at the ready foot basin, he simply abandoned the idea of soaking feet, thinking it better to handle it later.

Then he suddenly had a new proposal, "Forget it, I’ll bathe with my wife; the bathtub is spacious enough anyway."

Clara Bennett immediately opposed, "Who wants to shower with you!"

Her eyes widened, clearly very displeased with this suggestion.

William Foster used his sulking tactic, saying in a pleading voice, "The bathtub is spacious; we can wash separately. Besides, I can’t see anything now, so what’s to fear? I just really want to hug you soon, honestly, just to hug you."

Clara Bennett raised an eyebrow, "Just a hug?"

Her gaze held a bit of teasing.

William Foster’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he pulled her hand, gently wrapped her in his arms, "How could it just be a simple hug, dear? I truly miss you, not just a simple hug."

His voice was filled with deep sentiment.

William Foster’s voice was so soft it made Clara Bennett’s ear tremble slightly, this gentleness seemed to reach into her soul.

Clara Bennett leaned in his embrace, inhaling the familiar woody fragrance from him. Unlike his gentle appearance, this scent was slightly assertive, like a forest that soothed the heart, deeply unforgettable.

Strangely, though she and William Foster had only slept together for two nights, at that moment, the scent tempted her to inhale it a bit more.

That feeling was like being mesmerized by an irresistible allure, unwilling to depart.

Clara Bennett felt she was enchanted by his charm, immediately reminding herself to stay rational and composed, since she held the leading lady’s script, being swayed by seduction was absolutely unacceptable.

In this world full of temptations, she must maintain a strong heart.

Coming to her senses, Clara Bennett pinched William Foster’s chin, raising her brows, "Video chats every day aren’t enough? Such a clingy person."

Her tone carried a bit of rebuke, but her gaze revealed a hint of curiosity and anticipation that was hard to conceal.

William Foster buried his head in her neck, quietly breathing in her scent, saying, "Not enough, just want to cling to you."

His voice was deep and gentle, as if expressing a sweet love confession.

Clara Bennett showed slight impatience, gently pushing William Foster away, "Let go, go take a shower; I’m exhausted, and there’s a lot to do tomorrow. Oh by the way, let me be clear, I agreed to come late to find you, not for your sake, so don’t get too smug. Seriously, if it weren’t for the call from here saying there’s business tomorrow, I wouldn’t have run back so tired. Hey, did you hear me?"

As she spoke, her gaze was firm, as if telling William Foster her decision was not open to negotiation.