Grace Clark only now felt a sharp pain coming from her finger, piercing straight to her heart. Her face paled in shock, and it was only at this moment that she realized Eric Bennett was saving her, leaving her no time to cry out about impropriety.

"Let go of the young lady at once!"

The previous scene had happened too quickly for Daisy to understand what was going on. All she saw was Eric Bennett lunging at the young lady like a madman, getting slapped by her, and yet still acting lecherously, grabbing her arm and refusing to let go.

These servants just can't be shown any kindness, or they'll take an inch for a mile, really thinking you have feelings for them.

Daisy naturally assumed this, and punched Eric Bennett on the back. Seeing that he not only didn't let go of the young lady's hand, but actually bit down on her finger, Daisy's eyes nearly popped out. She shouted loudly, "Someone come quick, save the young lady, he's molesting her!"

"Don't shout!" Grace Clark snapped softly. She suddenly saw Eric Bennett put her finger in his mouth and nearly fainted. Fortunately, she was fairly experienced and saw that Eric Bennett was pinching her index finger and sucking hard on it several times, realizing he was helping her suck out the venom.

Although she felt Eric Bennett was making a bit of a fuss, Grace Clark was still shy inside. But seeing the slap mark still on Eric Bennett's face, and yet he was still doing this for her, Grace Clark felt a warmth in her heart. Looking at the man so close to her, she was momentarily speechless.

The autumn sun was setting in the west, casting a gentle warmth over them.

"Young lady?!"

The thunderous chorus startled Grace Clark. When she came to her senses, she saw The Butler, Brian Carter, and a group of others holding sticks, shovels, and such, standing with Daisy, all staring dumbfounded at the two of them in the sunset.

The evening sun shone on Grace Clark's slender finger and Eric Bennett's lips, outlining a scene of gentle intimacy.

What was the meaning of this?

The stick in Brian Carter's hand nearly slipped and hit his own foot. In just two days, Eric Bennett had managed to hook up with the young lady, and was now declaring his claim right in front of the Cao residence?

Eric Bennett finally let go of her hand, and Grace Clark withdrew her slender hand at the same time, coughing lightly, "I was stung by a hornet... Eric Bennett was helping me suck out the venom."

Mr. Parker's melon-shaped face was written all over with—"I don't know if you believe it, but I sure don't!"

Luckily, his face was broad enough to hide his thoughts. He quickly smoothed things over, "It's fine, it's fine, everyone get back to work."

"How is it fine? It still hurts a bit."

Grace Clark frowned. On one hand, she really was in pain; on the other, she was pretending to be in more pain—yes, even if it didn't hurt, she had to act like it did, or what would people say if word got out?

"So what should we do, young lady?" Mr. Parker was at a loss, glancing at Eric Bennett, secretly wondering if he should ask Eric Bennett to use his mouth again.

Eric Bennett also frowned slightly.

He had worked outdoors for years and recognized the hornet as a Vespa mandarinia, highly venomous. A sting could even cause shock and death, depending on the victim's constitution.

After being stung by such a hornet, the best method was to immediately remove the stinger and the source of the venom, then block the blood flow toward the heart, and try to suck out the venom to minimize its effect on the body.

Eric Bennett had just acted on instinct to save her. Glancing at the young lady's slender hand, he saw her index finger was only slightly red and swollen, so he knew there was no real problem. He coughed and said, "Just apply some vinegar and it'll be fine."

"What... what... vinegar? What's vinegar?" Mr. Parker stammered.

Was there no vinegar in this era? Didn't they say Du Kang made wine and his son made vinegar?

Eric Bennett didn't have time to think further and immediately changed his suggestion: "Quick, crush some fresh ginger and garlic, and apply the juice to the wound on her finger. That will work too."

"Brian Carter, hurry up and get it ready." Mr. Parker kicked Brian Carter.

Brian Carter hurried into the house. The area in front of the door fell into a deathly silence. Mr. Parker looked at the young lady, then at Eric Bennett, and hesitated, "Otherwise, would you two like to chat a bit more?"

Grace Clark's face flushed, and she whispered, "There's nothing to talk about... we..."

"What's going on here?"

A voice interrupted Grace Clark's words. Everyone turned to see Emma Clark swaggering over with his subordinate Jack Reed, reeking of alcohol.

Grace Clark frowned, not wanting to pay attention to her good-for-nothing older brother.

Mr. Parker smiled apologetically, "The young lady was just stung by a hornet."

"Really?" Emma Clark was startled. Seeing Mr. Parker nod repeatedly, Emma Clark burst out laughing, "Retribution, retribution! Grace Clark, oh Grace Clark, how did that hornet end up stinging you... ow!"

Emma Clark had been in a foul mood all day. After a falling out with his sister, he went to a brothel to drink, but even after returning early, he was still preoccupied with the land deed. Seeing his sister stung, he was not worried but delighted.

He had only laughed twice when he suddenly felt a pain in his neck. He slapped at it, and when he pulled his hand back, he found a hornet in his palm.

Eric Bennett's expression changed slightly.

"Young master, you're so brave," Jack Reed immediately flattered.

Emma Clark laughed, but suddenly his voice turned hoarse and he found he couldn't move his neck. He sobered up considerably. Before Jack Reed could praise him again, he suddenly felt a sting on his lip, slapped at it, and screamed like a stuck pig.