Chapter 68: Neither Soft Nor Hard

This desire is not just because of the benefits of the two families’ marriage alliance, more importantly, he has truly developed a deep admiration for her unique charm. After hearing his sister’s words, the Bennett brothers nearly collapsed. They originally thought it was just an ordinary visit or discussion of affairs, but they didn’t expect to hear such shocking news. For a moment, the three of them looked at each other, not knowing how to respond. James Bennett felt a buzz in his head: "Clara? Are you kidding me? Say it again!" This was simply absurd! The little sister they had always protected was actually going to marry an outsider, which was unimaginable to them. Clara was about to reiterate when William Foster suddenly held her hand tightly. He calmly said to the brothers, "I sincerely want to marry Clara. Due to some physical reasons, I never planned to get married, but since that night, I made up my mind to bring her into my home." At this point, he paused, "You are also aware of the significant power gap between the Foster family and the Bennett family. From a realistic perspective, marrying Clara to me is the best arrangement for her. Otherwise, I might be forced to take more drastic actions to ensure I achieve my goal." Clara’s mouth twitched involuntarily a few times. What nonsense was William Foster spouting! She knew he was deliberately speaking more forcefully to pressure her three brothers, but this method was too overbearing and extreme, it was downright ridiculous like a plot straight out of a TV drama. He looked especially domineering, that handsome face was simply oppressive when not smiling, leaving no room for negotiation. And the Bennett brothers didn’t think he was joking, on the contrary, they all became serious, seemingly realizing this was no child’s play. Clara really didn’t expect William Foster to say such things. Though the two of them agreed to pretend to be a couple to fool people and needed some reason to persuade their families to accept it, this didn’t mean they should make it as dramatic as those love stories often seen where a wealthy man forcibly takes a good woman from a good family! Obviously, William Foster didn’t understand the characters he was about to face. Originally, through communication, there might have been room for negotiation, but when words turned coercive, the three Bennett brothers wouldn’t possibly agree. Especially when it came to their sister’s happiness, they would never back down. The relationship among the four of them had always been extremely close, each one seeing the others as irreplaceably important. Indeed, the Bennett brothers were all strong-willed, impervious to both soft and hard tactics. At his words, the three instantly exploded with anger. "You dare to use such a method to force our family member?" James Bennett spoke through gritted teeth, "Our Bennett family may not be as wealthy as your Foster family, but our family tradition has always been courage and fearlessness. Go ahead and try. If we really yield, then we’d have no face to call ourselves men!" Edward Bennett: "Do you think bringing up some ridiculous ancient arranged marriage will solve the problem? This is pure fantasy, it won’t happen. We would never hand over our sister to someone like you." Charles Bennett: "Are you serious about what you said? Or are you joking? Do you think you can come here and say this and then walk out of this door unharmed? You’re dreaming!" After speaking, the three Bennett brothers all turned their gaze towards Clara, saying in unison, "Clara, come over here." Clara felt dizzy and faint. Originally a peacefully conducted proposition, why did it become such a tense situation under William Foster’s maneuvers? William Foster usually appeared so gentle and considerate in front of her, but now he had completely changed, as if he had become a different person. She didn’t know if this was a strategy influenced by his family education or if he was bluffing to achieve his goal. At this moment, he held her wrist tightly, his demeanor calm and composed as he said, "This matter—" "Don’t say anything more about this matter!" Clara finally couldn’t hold back, raising her voice to shout. Looking at William Foster in front of her, she couldn’t help but sigh: Why does someone so handsome and charming always get himself into trouble with what he says? William Foster moved his lips slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and finally spat out a single word, "Oh." The three brothers were simultaneously stunned: "What is the situation here? Wasn’t this guy just so overbearing, and now he’s all submissive in front of our sister? And it seems... our sister is completely unaffected by his demeanor." Clara slightly turned her head, only glanced at William Foster, and still expressionlessly asked, "Coming over so early, did you have breakfast yet?" William Foster gently shook his head, voice somewhat weary, replying, "No, I haven’t." He often neglected breakfast due to work busyness, and such was the case again this morning. Rushing over, he hadn’t even had time for a simple breakfast. Clara then turned in the direction of the three brothers, calmly and politely saying, "Third brother, please ask the kitchen to prepare some food for him." Hearing such a proposal, Charles Bennett widened his eyes, incredulously questioning, "Are you serious? Are you really letting him eat here?" Faced with her brother’s doubtful attitude, Clara remained composed and patiently explained, "Yes, please just notify the chef, no need for unnecessary troubles or behind-the-scenes tricks. Once these matters are dealt with, we’ll discuss more details in the study." Hearing this, William Foster frowned, appearing to want to say something but hesitating, "Clara, I—" However, he was interrupted before he could finish, Clara’s face suddenly turned cold, with a noticeable warning tone in her voice: "Is it your turn to speak?" Feeling the chill and displeasure, William Foster quickly swallowed back the words he was about to say, keeping silent. At this moment, he silently lamented in his heart: Truly a good, obedient man. If only he could comply like this, perhaps some problems would become easier to solve. Clara’s comments also left the other attendees in shock. Now, William Foster had completely lost the domineering appearance from before, replaced by a flattering demeanor. Thinking about it, they couldn’t help but sneer, humph! Such a good thing, where did it come from! Her relationship with this person is absolutely innocent and pure! At that moment, Clara carefully moved her hand away from William Foster and leaned closely to his ear, whispering, "Don’t meddle in this matter anymore, let me handle the conflict between me and my brothers."