Chapter 76: You want to take responsibility for me?

Putting aside emotional factors, occasional intimate activities between adults to relieve physiological pressure aren’t necessarily bad; such arrangements are feasible and reasonable for both parties. The two finalized the last terms: after obtaining the marriage certificate, they can separate in three years. Clara Bennett doesn’t want anything from William Foster, and the latter won’t covet the wealth the former gains through her own abilities. They need to fulfill the duties of spouses during the night. Although it’s a hidden marriage, they can introduce each other as boyfriend/girlfriend to the outside world. This not only ensures private space between them but also maintains a certain degree of social freedom. Attachment: Both parties cannot disclose the agreement content to outsiders, and they must pretend to be each other’s only lover in front of family and friends. Thus, the two reached a tacit understanding, and everything seemed to proceed as planned. When everything was settled, it was finally time to face the Bennett family’s three brothers. Before leaving, William Foster returned to the villa with a hint of doubt, asking again: "Clara, what exactly did you say to your brothers? Why do they say you need to be responsible for me?" In his mind, the logical conclusion should be that he’s responsible for her, shouldn’t it? To avoid embarrassment, Clara Bennett averted his gaze and replied: "Oh, it’s really not a big deal. That night I accidentally got drugged, and you came to help. Since that happened, I should repay your good deed, and my family was pretty understanding, agreeing to my words." William Foster noticed her shifting eye expression and understood she must be lying or hiding something. However, since the satisfactory outcome was achieved, he didn’t want to dig deeper, just smiled and said: "It’s truly touching, you little girl always thinking about me." Upon re-entering the living room, James Bennett saw the couple still holding hands tightly without letting go. James Bennett could only choose to accept this reality, tentatively asking: "So are you planning to formally enter the marriage hall?" William Foster and Clara Bennett exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously, "Yes, indeed." Under normal circumstances, encountering such a situation, as a brother, he definitely wouldn’t quickly nod in approval of their relationship. But the initial incident was triggered by Samuel Grant hurting Clara Bennett, causing a series of chaotic events from the beginning. The core reason James Bennett agreed was hearing his sister assure him she would never let herself be in a passive position or get hurt again. Even if she truly develops feelings for William Foster in the future, once she feels potential new trauma, she will become wise and decisively let go. James Bennett directly asked: "Since you decided to low-key handle it, let’s talk about the wedding later. I just want to confirm now, are you arranging to get the certificate soon?" William Foster affirmed: "Correct." "Have you set the time?" Clara Bennett was about to say she hadn’t thought about the specific day when William Foster confidently said: "We’re going to register this afternoon." She widened her eyes in surprise, wondering if it was really necessary to rush? Was he worried she might run away? His reason was indeed sufficient: Clara is about to enter the film crew, it can’t be delayed, and the bride price has already been given. As soon as the bride price was mentioned, Clara Bennett started to feel a headache. When hearing the total value reaching three billion, James Bennett was stunned, mouth agape. Moreover, from William Foster’s expression, his mood was especially good, suggesting the actual amount might far exceed this. William Foster explained: "This is just part of the bride price; another six billion is in cash as bride money." Clara Bennett was dumbfounded: "There’s other money? How come I didn’t know about this?" Originally, she didn’t intend to want so much money at all. William Foster lightly scratched her palm with his fingers: "Don’t you remember I promised earlier? I mentioned giving you six billion that night." She thought about it, indeed it was the day she provoked Samuel Grant. In a rush, she said: "I thought you were just helping me act to provoke him, are you really giving so much?" William Foster looked at her gently: "I meant what I promised seriously." His words seemed to have implications, yet also appeared as a simple, undeniable fact. The brothers across furrowed their brows in deep confusion. James Bennett’s curiosity was sparked, he eagerly pursued: "What? Have you two secretly seen Samuel Grant?" This question was like a stone thrown into the lake, stirring layers of ripples. The other brother was more direct, with slight anger and incomprehension in his voice: "Have you been not coming home at night recently, instead dating this guy?" His tone carried a strong sense of reproach. Facing such doubts, Clara Bennett felt extremely embarrassed, her face slightly red, hurriedly wanting to change the topic and shift focus to William Foster. "Remember the ten billion fund? That was actually borrowed from William Foster. After he found out about Samuel Grant’s wrongdoing, he severely taught him a lesson, avenging me." Her words contained gratitude, also attempting to change her brothers’ perceptions through this matter. After hearing this, the Bennett brothers’ attitudes towards William Foster unconsciously softened slightly. It’s said that brothers who love their sisters instinctively oppose the man taking her away, indeed, this holds certain truths. However, in their hearts, there remained hundreds of unwillingness and rejected acceptance towards William Foster, the future brother-in-law. In their view, their sister is like a precious gem on earth, no man could truly match her excellence. But if someone truly, honestly cares for and protects their sister, then as brothers, perhaps they’re willing to set aside ingrained prejudices, offering some understanding and space for tolerance. This subtle change, though not immediate, also reveals a hint of a turning point. Recognizing this, Clara Bennett hurriedly seized the opportunity, striving to defend William Foster, aiming for a positive impression before her brothers: "William really treats me very well." Upon hearing this, even James Bennett, with his rigid personality, couldn’t help his expression from softening considerably. Indeed, when observing in private, James Bennett already noticed William Foster’s exceptionally considerate and respectful attitude towards Clara Bennett. To marry Clara Bennett, William Foster spent nearly one hundred billion, such a massive amount even among wealthy families, counts as a rare grand gesture. This move not only demonstrated William Foster’s astonishing financial strength but also showed he wasn’t greedy for the Bennett family’s wealth, purely motivated by his affection for Clara Bennett and recognition of her worth. From this aspect, William Foster indeed demonstrated a unique charm and personal allure, leaving no room for criticism or deficiencies.