Betrayed, Yet Bound To The Billionaire by Grace Madeline (Chapters 211 to 220)

Chapter 211

Freya rushed up to Odalys, her voice choked with emotion.” I can’t bear to leave you. After the show, we’ll all go our separate ways, and I don’t know when we’ll meet again.” “What if I miss you?” Freya clung to her, refusing to let go. Odalys raised her hands, allowing Freya’s embrace.

“Isn’t there WhatsApp? And we can always meet up for meals when we’re free,” Odalys said, affectionately patting her head.

Selah, too, was caught up in the emotional moment, her energy drained.

“Odalys, I’ve already terminated my contract with the company. How about you take me in? Your entertainment company hasn’t hired anyone yet, right? I can be your receptionist,” Selah immediately suggested.

Freya’s eyes lit up at the idea.

Odalys quickly raised her hand to block her view. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“I think I could do it too,” Freya nodded enthusiastically.

Odalys gave her a helpless look, then reached out to lightly tap her forehead. “Stop looking at me with those idolizing eyes. Don’t worship me too much.”

“That’s not possible,” Freya pouted, not letting go.

Stellan and Francis were quietly cutting slices of meat, not saying a word.

“What’s with you two? You look like you haven’t slept. Did you do something bad last night?” Freya tilted her head, noticing their strange expressions.

She hurried over, but as she got closer, she saw their faces were anything but normal.

“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Stellan quickly replied.

Freya rested her chin in her hands and crouched down, silently watching them. “Do you both really care about Odalys?”

“Stop right there. The cameras are on. If we say we care about her, and later there are rumors about us, it’ll be a mess for Odalys,” Stellan said, glancing at the cameras. Freya glanced up and saw the camera crew had been up since dawn. They were waiting right outside the door, ready to capture everything.

“This is the last day. After breakfast, it’s over,” Freya added seriously.

“Yes, no rumors. We’re just normal friends,” Freya added with a stern face, stepping in front of the camera.

After all, Odalys had already said she was married. Whether it was true or not, they couldn’t afford any negative press- it might ruin her private life.

“Exactly. No rumors,” Selah also joined in.

Meanwhile, across the room, things were much colder.

Atlas and Finnian sat in silence, watching Group B prepare breakfast. Neither seemed interested in moving.

“What do you want to eat?” Sophia had risen early and done her makeup.

Last night, Atlas had mentioned her face, which made her nervous. So, she’d made an extra effort to cover it up this morning. Now, she casually approached them, trying to make small talk.

But Atlas and Finnian stayed silent, too distracted by their thoughts to engage.

“I’m dieting, so I don’t need anything. I’ll just eat at the airport,” Atlas said, trying to ease the tension.

Finnian only grunted in agreement.

Sophia stood there, hands clutched tightly to her skirt, contemplating.

Even though it was the last day, she had hoped to show off her cooking skills. She was thinking of accidentally burning herself to make the fans feel sorry for her.

“Alright, I’ll just make something simple,” Sophia said, though her frustration was evident.

She went to grab some water, only to realize there was no food available. The table was empty, and she remembered that they hadn’t secured ingredients earlier.

She froze, awkwardly pulling her hand back. “Never mind, then. I won’t eat.”

Sophia turned to leave but then glanced over at the other group preparing breakfast. Jealousy flickered in her eyes. “You guys still making food? Aren’t we leaving soon?” she asked, trying to spark some conversation.

But they seemed not to hear her, ignoring her completely. Sophia’s smile froze, a look of disbelief spreading across her face. She couldn’t believe they were being so rude. “Odalys, let me help you,” Sophia said, quickly walking over, reaching for something to help with. But as she did, her hand “accidentally” knocked over the basin nearby. Odalys, with a cold smile, raised her foot and blocked the basin. The water, which had just been used to wash vegetables, splashed onto Sophia instead.

Sophia screamed, realizing the water she had meant to spill on Odalys was now all over her. She instinctively raised her hands to shield herself, but her clothes were already drenched.

Sophia stood there, stunned, her eyes starting to fill with tears. She bit her lip, wanting to say something, but Odalys cut her off with a sharp tone. “Sophia, what exactly are you trying to do?”

“I was doing just fine, and you had to come over and knock over my water. Now that it’s all over you, are you going to say I did it on purpose?”

“I didn’t ask for your help. What’s going on with you?” Odalys preemptively scolded.

Sophia was left speechless, her mouth opening and closing without sound.

Odalys’ words hit her hard, leaving her no chance to defend herself.

Sophia tried to argue. “It was clearly your fault.”

But Odalys wasn’t buying it. She wasn’t going to let Sophia get away with it.

“The cameras are right here. Should I have them replay the footage? Who did it-me or you?” Odalys pointed at the nearby camera crew.

Sophia, noticing the camera was clearly positioned to catch her actions, clenched her teeth in frustration. She reluctantly put on a smile.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I just wanted to help and didn’t expect to cause trouble.”

Odalys moved the dishes away and distanced herself from Sophia.

“You and I aren’t close enough for you to help me. You’re just trying to cause trouble. Don’t think I can’t see through you,” Odalys mocked.

She deliberately pushed Sophia to the edge, letting her stew in her anger, twisting her feelings until they were unbearable.

Sophia was undoubtedly frustrated, but Odalys was only just beginning to get under her skin.

If she kept pushing her like this, Sophia would eventually crack.

“Sorry,” Sophia muttered, covering her face and turning to leave.

The viewers were up in arms, commenting fast and furiously.

[Is she insane? I just saw it clearly-Sophia knocked the basin over on purpose.]

[It’s almost over, and she’s still trying to stir up trouble. So frustrating!]

[I’m going to miss this! Please, Kenny, add more episodes! I’m not ready for it to end!]

The chat exploded as more viewers tuned in for the last day of the show, eager to see what would happen next.

Chapter 212

Outside of watching the live broadcast, people were anxiously waiting for updates from the police station. Some even feared that those behind Odalys might cause trouble there, or perhaps try to use connections to smooth things over.

A few were even stationed outside the police station, refusing to leave.

Others were leveraging their networks, keeping an eye on hotlines, making sure no one from the Bennett family would try to stir up trouble or cover their tracks.

*****

In the VIP room of the hospital, the atmosphere was thick, suffocating even.

Hannah lay in bed, her face ashen with rage, eyes glued to the screen where the video clip replayed again and again. Her hands gripped the blanket so tightly, it was about to rip. Hannah cursed, “That little bitch Odalys, how dare she?” “She had the audacity to expose her identity right as the show was wrapping up, saying we abandoned her and telling people to look into what happened years ago?” Hannah hissed, voice rising with fury. “Does she want to ruin us, the Bennett family?”

“She must be insane!” Hannah fumed, struggling to breathe as her anger consumed her. “How could she do this? The live broadcast has millions of viewers! What are we going to do?”

Caspian, still lying on the bed, glanced up at Henry. It had only been half a month, but Henry looked like he had aged years in that time.

At not even thirty, his hair was streaked with gray.

“Mom, did you and Dad really abandon Odalys all those years ago?” Henry’s voice was heavy with disbelief. Odalys had said it on camera, and Henry couldn’t quite process it. Hadn’t they always told everyone she had just gone missing? But now she was claiming abandonment? The more Henry thought about it, the more uneasy he became.

He hadn’t taken her words seriously before, but now? It felt like maybe she wasn’t just trying to frame them-maybe it was true.

Hannah’s eyes darted around, her usual composure slipping.

“I… I couldn’t have… She ran off, and we looked everywhere for her. We couldn’t find her, so we adopted Sophia.” Hannah’s voice faltered. She couldn’t tell the full truth-not in front of Henry. If she did, how would he ever look at her again?

For years, she’d told everyone Odalys had gone missing, and that Sophia was the one they’d found. But now, Sophia wasn’t the adopted child-she had replaced Odalys, becoming the true Bennett daughter.

“Mom, stop lying! If you don’t tell the truth now, once the police start their broadcast, we won’t have time to fix this. Maybe we can still stop it if you come clean.” Henry’s words were filled with desperation.

The company was shut down, and business ceased. The land from the Lark family? Gone taken by Odalys. She had publicly broken away from the Bennett family.

Henry used to think Odalys desperately wanted to be part of the Bennett family. But now it seemed like she couldn’t wait to get away from them. It was like she didn’t care about their name at all.

Hannah’s face turned pale as she tried to form an excuse. “I’m telling the truth!” she gasped, her mind spiraling into panic.

The door of the room suddenly burst open with a violent slam. They all jumped, turning to see a man in a suit striding in, his presence commanding attention.

It took a moment for Henry to recognize him, his vision blurry with shock.

This man had been the one who delivered the wedding gifts from the Stewart family all those months ago. “Dorian… what are you doing here?” Henry immediately stepped forward, forcing a smile.

Hannah and Caspian also straightened up, despite their injuries, trying to appear dignified.

“If I didn’t come, would the Bennett family be asking for death?” Dorian’s voice was cold and biting. Though he was just a butler, his aura was as imposing as any high-ranking official’s. He’d fought in wars with Evander, and his hands had shed blood.

“What do you mean by that, Dorian?” Hannah’s previous enthusiasm evaporated in an instant. She could feel that something was wrong-Dorian wasn’t here to exchange pleasantries.

He wasn’t here for friendly visits; it felt like he had come to settle scores.

Without another word, Dorian slammed a stack of photos and papers onto the table, his face darkening. “Is this the daughter you raised?” He pointed to the pile. “Sophia has been trying to frame Mrs. Stewart on the show, leading to online attacks. Do you even know what she’s done?”

“Now, she’s not only tarnishing Mrs. Stewart’s image, but also angering Mr. Stewart. The Bennett family really has a death wish, don’t you?” Dorian’s voice was sharp as he laid the facts bare.

The Bennett family had clearly crossed a line, and Dorian was here to make sure they paid.

It was all part of Percival’s plan to stand up for Odalys. They weren’t going to let anyone harm her.

Anyone who dares to harm Odalys would have the entire Stewart family to answer to.

And the Stewart family was Odalys’s shield, her unshakable foundation.

No one was allowed to lay a finger on her. If anyone dared to, the Stewart family would be the first to make them pay.

“Are you mistaken?” Henry’s heart sank, his voice trembling with dread. “Why is the Stewart family involved now? What do they have to do with this?”

“Mistaken? Do you think Mr. Stewart is blind, or that

Evander’s vision is flawed? Do you not see how clear it all is on the broadcast?” Dorian spat, his words laced with disdain.

He dropped Percival and Evander’s names, and the tension in the room skyrocketed.

“You’re saying Mr. Stewart and Evander have been watching the show?” Henry’s throat tightened. He swallowed hard, trying to digest the gravity of what was happening.

He thought, ‘Why would the Stewart family care about a trivial variety show? Was it true what Orson had said that Percival was dying, and they wanted Odalys to have a child to inherit everything from the Stewart family?’

The Stewart family was a force to be reckoned with- wealth and power on a scale no one dared challenge.

“Yes, both Mr. Stewart and Evander have been following the show. They know someone has been deliberately targeting Mrs. Stewart, nearly causing a disaster. Now, all your business dealings are frozen. I’m here to deliver a message on behalf of Mr. Stewart.” Dorian’s eyes gleamed with menace. “The Bennett Group’s troubles are just the beginning. If you don’t want to end up dead, stop targeting Mrs. Stewart. The consequences… will be fatal.”

The last word hung in the air like a death sentence.

“So, the Stewart family is behind all of this? They’re punishing us for what we did to Odalys?” Henry’s voice cracked, disbelief written across his face.

Chapter 213

Henry’s eyes were wide with disbelief, unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation. He couldn’t believe that the Stewart family would actually stand up for Odalys. “Otherwise? You think Mr. Stewart shouldn’t stand up for his wife, just because you’ve mistreated Mrs. Stewart? And tell me, if the Bennett family had a clear conscience, would you have done such despicable things?” Dorian’s chest puffed up with anger.

The thought that Odalys had indirectly saved his life, curing his kidney stones with just a few doses of medicine, made him even more furious.

He had almost lost his life to the stones; he was old enough to know they could kill him.

As he thought of this, Dorian’s expression grew even colder.

“Percival would never stand up for her. Odalys is a fake- our real daughter is Sophia.” Henry blurted out before he could stop himself.

He had hoped that Sophia could take Mrs. Stewart’s place. He never imagined that the Stewart family would go to such lengths for a woman marrying for a “happy boost.” If the Stewart family had noticed Odalys, they would have been on top of the world.

But they had made a grave mistake-they shouldn’t have let Odalys replace her.

“If anyone’s the one forcing us, it’s Odalys. She pushed us into having her replace the marriage, so Sophia should have been the one to marry into the Stewart family. She is the true Mrs. Stewart,” Hannah immediately added, her words matching her son’s sentiment.

Caspian, however, remained silent, still reeling from the weight of Dorian’s ominous words, especially the chilling death” that still hung in the air.

He recalled how he had been injured outside the hospital before, assaulted by a man, bitten by a dog, and stitched up with more than three hundred stitches. No one, not even the police, dared to investigate.

Now, hearing Dorian’s words, he began to understand. The man who attacked him back then must have been Percival.

No one could replace Odalys in the Stewart family, no matter how much they tried.

This meant that the Stewart family was acknowledging Odalys and standing firmly by her side. Whatever happened with the Bennett family was their issue, and they were ready to deal with the consequences.

Caspian felt his heart sink. He no longer dared to speak, realizing that if he did, his life would be in danger.

“Dorian, I admit that I’ve treated Odalys poorly. I’ve had time to reflect,” Caspian suddenly spoke up, his voice strained with pain.

With difficulty, he pushed himself off the bed and, with a loud “thud,” dropped to his knees, bowing deeply. “I owe her an apology. Please tell her that it was all my fault, that I shouldn’t have bullied her. If the Stewart family wants to settle the score with me, take my life. I deserve it.”

Henry and Hannah looked on in shock as Caspian continued, “I hold 20% of the Bennett Group’s shares. I’ll give them all to Odalys, as an apology for my wrongdoings.” The words hit Henry and Hannah like a thunderclap. “Fine. Let’s see if you’ll live up to your word,” Dorian said with a satisfied nod.

He glanced at Henry and Hannah, then flung a pile of photos back onto the table with an irritated flick. “If you can’t see the truth, keep staring. Don’t die thinking you’re innocent.”

With a loud “bang,” Dorian slammed the car door shut as he left the room.

Once outside, he immediately pulled out his phone and, looking at the number he had been dialing, said in a low voice, “Evander, did you hear all of that?”

“I heard,” came Evander’s calm response. Though his leg had healed, he had yet to reveal his recovery, sitting in a wheelchair to avoid suspicion.

He was furious, however. How could someone else stand up for Odalys when he should have been the first? That thought gnawed at him, but he tried to ignore it.

“Good work,” Evander said, a slight smile curving his lips.

He suddenly remembered something else. “The one who said he’d give his shares to Odalys-get a lawyer over there and finalize it.”

“The Bennett Group’s collapse doesn’t matter. What’s hers is hers. Make sure she gets it all,” Evander commanded. “Understood. I’ll call the lawyer right away,” Dorian replied. Inside the VIP room, Henry and Hannah were still in a daze, unable to grasp what had just transpired.

“Caspian, have you lost your mind?” Henry was furious. What are you talking about? You’re giving your shares to Odalys? Are you out of your mind? After everything we’ve done to push Sophia into the Stewart family, you’re just giving away everything?”

Caspian gritted his teeth. He could barely hold his temper in check. “I was just talking. The Stewart family might not even want them.

“Take a look at my wounds-over 300 stitches. Do you

know who did this to me? Who hit me outside the hospital? Who let a dog maul me? All of this-the Bennett Group, the pressure we’re under, it’s all the Stewart family behind it.

“Haven’t you figured it out yet? It’s because Odalys has been accepted by the Stewart family, and we’ve crossed her. The Stewart family is settling scores now. I’m just trying to show loyalty. Do you really think the Stewart family cares about these shares?

“I think survival is more important. If you keep opposing them, then this is what awaits you. You’ll end up just like me,” Caspian said, lying back down on his bed, exhaustion and dread weighing him down.

Before anyone could react, Dorian stormed back into the room.

“Give him the contract,” Dorian ordered the lawyer.

He pointed at Caspian, and under the stunned gaze of everyone in the room, the lawyer stepped forward, starting the video recording. “Mr. Bennett, do you voluntarily give away all your shares in the Bennett Group to Miss Stone?” Caspian was paralyzed with shock, staring at the lawyer, his mind unable to process the situation.

He had thought they wouldn’t accept his offer, but now, here they were, bringing a lawyer to finalize it.

“You own 20% of the Bennett Group, and also share in a studio. Do you wish to give those as well?” the lawyer asked, handing him the contract.

Caspian stared at the papers in front of him, feeling as if they were crushing his legs. His hands trembled, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

“I…” Caspian tried to form words, but he couldn’t.

He wanted to say that he was just joking earlier, that it wasn’t meant seriously.

But when he saw Dorian, the lawyer, and the bodyguards standing outside, his lips moved, but no words came out. The lawyer, seeing his hesitation, quickly placed a pen in his hand. “Just sign here.’

“I…” Caspian gripped the pen but remained silent, his eyes filled with helplessness.

♡

Chapter 214

Caspian felt trapped; neither signing nor refusing seemed like an option.

“Can I have a moment to think about it?” Caspian finally asked.

There was no way he would give up his shares to Odalys. He wasn’t that foolish.

“So, you were joking with me just now?” Dorian’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and unsettling.

The pressure in his stare made Caspian’s heart skip a beat. The lawyer, standing beside him, sneered, “Looks like you’re making a joke out of this.”

“Well then, we’re leaving,” Dorian said, turning to walk away with the lawyer.

Caspian felt an unprecedented threat hanging in the air.

With the Stewart family involved and the way Dorian and the lawyer were walking out, he couldn’t even begin to imagine what would happen next.

“I’ll sign it,” Caspian blurted out, reaching for the pen, signing the document without hesitation.

Each letter felt like it was etched into his soul. His hands were trembling.

Henry rushed over in a panic, but it was too late. He could only watch helplessly as Caspian signed away the shares, including his studio, to Odalys.

“Fine, I’ll pass this along to Mrs. Stewart,” the lawyer said, collecting the contract and heading for the door.

Dorian gave Caspian a cold glance before following the lawyer out.

The room fell eerily silent. Caspian looked up just in time to feel Henry’s slap. The force of it made Caspian’s lip bleed.

“Did you really give it to her? Those are our shares in the Bennett Group. Even if the business is stagnant now, if we manage to get back on our feet, Odalys could become involved in our operations,” Henry seethed, his face twisted with anger and disbelief.

He couldn’t believe his brother had done something so stupid.

“Even if you didn’t sign, do you really think you could outmaneuver the Stewart family? You think Sophia has a chance of being accepted by them?” Caspian’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“You saw how she acts in those variety shows, sitting on Rafael’s lap, hugging Atlas, and practically half-naked with Finnian. Do you really think the Stewart family won’t notice that?”

Henry’s expression faltered, a flash of doubt crossing his face as he recalled the time Sophia had deliberately lifted her skirt in the car, allowing him to touch her. He felt a pit in his stomach.

“Do you think the Stewart family would want a woman like her? You saw the rumors about her and Finnian, and the pictures-those weren’t photoshopped.”

“Do you know if she slept with Finnian?” Caspian continued, his voice laced with contempt. “A woman who’s been touched by every man, who even let a lonely old man grope her for food.”

Caspian stopped there, visibly disgusted by his own words.

Watching Sophia on those shows made him sick-he couldn’t even bring himself to admit she was his sister anymore.

“Shut up, you’ve got it all wrong. She’s our sister! If we don’t help her, who will?” Henry snapped, voice rising in frustration.

Caspian felt a weight lift from him.

Lying back on the bed, he looked at Henry and said, “So this is all for her? You risked the Bennett Group for Sophia?”

“Why else would the Bennett Group suddenly be suppressed? Why else are we all losing our jobs?” Caspian said with a cold smile. “The Stewart family is behind all of it, and you still don’t get it. It’s not about her being our sister.

It’s about Odalys being accepted by the Stewart family. We’re just collateral damage.”

“Do you really think Dorian is doing all this just to please Odalys?” Caspian’s voice dropped, his eyes narrowing. “If we don’t get out of their way, our lives will be over.”

Henry, however, wasn’t done. “No matter what, they won’t go as far as killing us, will they? And Sophia is my sister. I’m sending her to the Stewart family,” Henry said, his confidence unshaken.

As he spoke, he noticed Hannah lying silently on the bed. Her face was pale, her breath shallow.

“Mom? Mom?” Henry called out in panic, rushing over.

His ribs ached as he hurried, reminding him of the time Odalys had kicked him. He clutched his side, but the pain was nothing compared to what he saw next. Hannah was unconscious, white foam bubbling from her mouth. “Someone! Get help!” Henry screamed, hitting the bedside call button.

The doctor came in quickly, checked her vitals, and then said, “Hannah’s collapsed from the stress. As for the foaming, it looks like poisoning.”

“Mr. Bennett, we’ve decided to discharge you today. We don’t have the time or resources to keep up with your issues. We’re asking you to leave,” the doctor added coldly.

“Hannah first broke her leg, then her waist, and now she’s in pain all over and poisoned? What poison could she have gotten in the hospital? I have a feeling your Bennett family might be up to something shady,” he said, his voice full of suspicion.

The doctor, clearly frustrated, responded, “You should just go home and sort things out. I’ve already processed her discharge. All that’s left is for you to pay the bill, and then you can leave.”

It was clear-the doctor was trying to get them out. Henry’s jaw dropped.

They were being kicked out of the VIP ward.

This had never happened before, especially with a high-paying client like them.

“What do you mean by this?” Henry demanded, barely containing his fury.

“You can leave, but we can’t let you stay any longer. If you don’t pay up, we’ll be forced to act. The police are waiting outside,” the doctor replied firmly.

Henry was left speechless. To be kicked out like this, while they were in the middle of a crisis? The sheer audacity of it was almost too much to bear.

“Fine, we’re leaving,” Henry growled, pulling out his credit card.

The doctor made a call to confirm the payment, and soon after, a team of hospital staff came to pack up their things. It felt like they were being rushed out with no regard for their dignity.

As the nurses shoved them toward the exit, they didn’t even offer to transport them in a regular car.

No, they used an ambulance to cart them back to Bennett Villa-as if to make sure they didn’t linger a second longer.

“Unbelievable,” Henry muttered under his breath, standing outside the villa, seething with anger.

Caspian, on the other hand, seemed oddly relieved. He couldn’t help but feel lucky he hadn’t crossed the Stewart family; otherwise, his leg might’ve been broken again.

“I’m going to watch the livestream. It’s almost over, and I wonder what’s going to happen next,” Caspian said as he rolled his wheelchair into the house.

Henry clenched his fists in frustration, his anger boiling over. He dialed his phone-only to find it had been cut off. His phone was out of service? His heart sank. No way, he thought. How could this be happening?

“Dammit,” he cursed, throwing the phone to the ground in frustration.

*****

In the village, after finishing breakfast, Odalys and the others gathered together, ready to head out.

“We haven’t seen anyone else around. How about we go back to the old house and see if the old man needs anything? We could give him the rest of this game meat.”

Freya suggested suddenly.

Chapter 215

Odalys was taken aback.

She had planned to find an opportunity to visit the old man, but she hadn’t expected Freya to bring it up. Without hesitation, she nodded, “Alright, it’s up to you.”

“You’re the best, Odalys!” Freya exclaimed, jumping to her feet.

She slapped her own backside playfully before grabbing Odalys’ hand and pulling her along. As they walked, Freya picked a few yellow wildflowers and tucked them into her hair.

“How does it look?” Freya asked, glancing over at her. Odalys glanced at the flowers. “Beautiful,” she replied. Freya, not missing a beat, also picked some flowers and placed them in Odalys’ hair. Selah, seeing this, followed suit, pinning a couple of flowers into her own hair while taking selfies. “Bring your face closer,” she said, grinning. “Cheese!” they all laughed together as they posed for the camera.

They walked, chatting and picking flowers, while Stellan and Francis trailed behind like bodyguards, silently watching but with distant looks in their eyes.

It was clear they were both worried about what Odalys had said earlier-about what could happen next.

Selah approached the old man’s door and knocked.

The elderly man, nervous, looked at his son before quickly opening the door.

He had expected Odalys alone, but seeing the entire group standing there caught him off guard. He hesitated before asking politely, “What brings all of you here?”

“Sir, we’re leaving,” Freya explained with a smile. “We couldn’t finish all the food, so we brought it to you.”

Stellan and Francis entered, carrying the food.

The elderly man didn’t seem to be too surprised by their actions, as he knew they would honor their word. He stood still, watching Odalys with a thoughtful expression.

“Don’t worry,” Odalys reassured him as she passed. “I’ll keep my promise. Wait for my news.”

With that, the old man’s tension seemed to ease.

He had feared that once they left, they would abandon him, but now he could relax.

After a few more words, the group quickly left. The photographer stayed outside to respect their privacy, as Odalys had requested.

Once back in the SUV, everyone settled in.

“Francis, you should come with us,” Freya suddenly said, breaking the silence.

She knew if Francis went back to Group A’s SUV, he would be sidelined and left out. Sophia’s behavior was crystal clear to her.

“Alright,” Francis agreed without hesitation, grabbing his bag and following them to their vehicle.

Sophia, who had been watching from a distance, couldn’t believe her eyes when Francis got in with Freya. Without even a word, he turned and left her behind.

“How shallow,” Sophia muttered under her breath. “Now that they think they’ve found a better opportunity, they just want to suck up to them.”

People, after all, always wanted to get closer to those who could offer them something better.

“Get in,” Atlas said flatly, not engaging with Sophia’s comment.

He glanced at her face before turning his gaze away.

She had said she wasn’t wearing makeup last night, but it was clear she had put some on today.

And somehow, she looked different-something in her expression, her appearance-it wasn’t the Sophia he remembered.

It was almost as if the woman in front of him wasn’t the same one he had known before.

The change felt unsettling, but Atlas couldn’t understand why.

‘Am I going mad?’ he wondered. ‘These thoughts were too strange to make sense of.’

Meanwhile, Finnian, who had been watching Group B, saw Stellan take the driver’s seat and was about to step forward when the SUV suddenly revved and sped away.

“Are you getting in?” Sophia asked, her tone slightly irked.

Finnian hesitated, but when he saw that Atlas had already taken the driver’s seat, he had no choice but to sit in the passenger seat.

Sophia, left behind in the back, felt a pang of surprise. They had left her there without a second thought.

“Alright, guys, the variety show is wrapping up. We’re heading back to catch our flight now. But on the way, we’ll stream a bit of the scenery for you,” Sophia announced, smiling into the camera.

She adjusted the lens to catch her profile, her confidence radiating as she straightened her posture. She had deliberately worn a V-neck dress that day to accentuate her curves for the camera.

‘After all, any publicity is good publicity, she thought, already anticipating the attention.

“Wasn’t there supposed to be a police station livestream?” Finnian suddenly spoke up.

The mention of it made both Atlas and Sophia stiffen. Given that Odalys was the heir to the Bennett family, they were sensitive to such topics.

“Fine, let’s watch it together,” Atlas said, clearly not believing that Odalys would be abandoned by her family. He was certain she was lying and wanted to see how she would explain herself.

Feeling a little lighter now, Atlas leaned back in his seat, ready to watch the livestream unfold.

Back in Group B’s SUV, Stellan drove, while Francis sat beside him.

Odalys, Selah, and Freya were in the back, all pulling out their phones now that the variety show had ended, and the signal had returned.

“Quickly, let’s watch the police station livestream,” Selah urged.

Freya adjusted her camera and said, “Let’s all watch it together. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we’ll answer them. Also, our show is almost over, so thank you for sticking with us.

She then positioned her iPad on the seat beside her, ensuring the screen was large enough for everyone to see. Francis immediately pulled out his phone and started the livestream, while Stellan used his phone for navigation, his attention split.

At exactly 9:00 PM, the livestream from the police station began.

The camera focused on the face of a middle-aged man, his badge clearly displayed: “Officer Knox Cantrell.” He greeted the viewers.

“Hi, everyone, I’m Knox Cantrell, the police officer you’ve been trying to find since yesterday. Due to a heavy workload and multiple cases on hand, we worked through the night to revisit the original case. I know you’ve all been eagerly waiting for this, and I didn’t want to let you down, so I reviewed the case last night and even found the surveillance footage. Let’s take a moment to recall the events together,” Knox began.

He paused, then continued, his tone steady but serious, “It was the year I had just graduated from the police academy and started my first job here. That night was my very first shift. I heard crying, and when I went to investigate, I found a man dressed in a magic robe holding a little girl. He was reporting that the child had been abandoned outside and had nearly frozen to death. The temperature that night was around -20°C, and the child was wearing nothing but a short-sleeve shirt, nearly frozen stiff.”

As Knox spoke, he pulled out the old surveillance footage and opened it, pointing at the screen, “This is the little girl from that night.”

He clicked on another video and continued, “I immediately pulled up the surveillance and spotted a suspicious vehicle. I asked a colleague for help to track down the owner of the vehicle, and we made a call to contact them.”

The video played on, and the clear sound of Knox’s voice echoed from the recording, as he repeatedly confirmed whether the people in question had any connection to the child.

Chapter 216

The air was thick with tension as everyone’s heart hung in suspense. Freya, watching Odalys closely, instinctively reached out to hold her hand.

“I’m fine.” Odalys gave a gentle shake of her hand to reassure her.

She knew Freya was worried, but after all these years, and having already died once in her past life, these things no longer held any power over her.

As they watched the familiar face on the screen, Knox had now transitioned into a middle-aged man.

The youthful innocence he once had had faded, replaced by a more composed demeanor. His presence radiated authority-he was no longer just a policeman, but a figure who commanded respect.

With a deep voice, Knox continued, “I confirmed with the parents, and they denied having a child. However, upon checking their household records, I found they indeed had a child. This little girl was their daughter.

“So, I classified the situation as abandonment. They refused to acknowledge her. I returned the child to their doorstep, but they still showed no intent to claim her.

“The master who found her at that time believed it was fate, so, under my supervision, he adopted her. I even provided him with a certificate.

“I never imagined that, years later, this case would resurface, or that the girl would grow up to face such suppression. But I believe that life is fair. Today, I stand here in this live stream to confirm what happened to Miss Stone.

His piercing eyes seemed to look right through the screen, as if he could see the person on the other end.

“I admire Ms. Stone’s integrity and clarity. She lives in the present, without letting irrelevant people interfere with her life. Since they abandoned her back then and refused to take responsibility, no matter what she achieves in the future, no one has the right to disturb her.

“Also, Miss Stone, I want you to know that, over the years, there have been several anonymous complaints filed against your biological parents for abandoning you. So, if they harass you, you can now charge them with abandonment.”

Knox’s words struck a nerve, sparking outrage in many viewers.

The boldness of his statement left everyone in awe. Even the police couldn’t stand to watch anymore.

“I spoke to the police department before going live, and after the stream ends, we will upload these videos to our official website.

“We want to use this opportunity to remind everyone to cherish the children they bring into the world. If you don’t love them, please don’t have them. Protect every little life. Thank you.” Knox concluded, before cutting off the live stream.

The internet exploded.

“Odalys…” Selah was crying.

Watching the video of the young girl in freezing temperatures, her coat ripped off, dressed only in a thin shirt, her body nearly frozen, and her skin bruised with signs of abuse was gut-wrenching.

“Don’t cry. There’s nothing to cry about. It’s all in the past,” Odalys said calmly, gently wiping Selah’s tears.

“I’m not doing this for attention. I just want to put the past behind me,” Odalys continued, her voice serene.

The past had no power over her anymore.

“It’s fine. We’ll protect you from now on,” Freya said, a reassuring smile on her face.

Stellan and Francis nodded in agreement. “We’ve got you, too.”

“Same here,” Francis added suddenly, making everyone laugh.

They hadn’t expected him to drop that line, clearly a reference to an inside joke. It seemed he had spent quite a bit of time on the internet.

[I’m crying, Odalys is so pitiful.]

[I thought it was just hype before, but now the police confirmed it. I just saw the police upload the video, and some medical professionals are saying the little girl was definitely abused.]

[Quick, are there any paparazzi? This is your chance, find out who Odalys’ real parents are!]

The live stream had ignited a massive response. Many people, having witnessed the cruelty of child abandonment and trafficking in the video, were deeply moved. Viewers who had previously been indifferent to Odalys were now showing their support.

Odalys’ Twitter, which had been created only a week ago, had skyrocketed from zero followers to seven million, and then surpassed 10 million after the live stream.

Her empty Twitter feed, devoid of posts, was the only clue to her silence.

“I’m sorry, I need to make a private call,” Stellan whispered, his voice filled with urgency.

He exchanged places with Francis and dialed his parents, but his calls had gone unanswered until now.

“Still no answer?” Selah asked, her concern palpable.

Everyone was still thinking about what Odalys had said earlier. They had all been focused on Stellan’s situation. Just as she spoke, Stellan’s phone finally connected, and a hoarse voice answered. It sounded like his father had just woken up, his voice low and groggy.

“Dad, it’s me,” Stellan said urgently.

His father seemed taken aback, clearly not expecting his call.

“Are you done with the show? Are you coming home? I’m busy tonight, your mom and I are going out. You can stay at Grandma’s for a few days.” Dangelo replied, sounding unconcerned.

Stellan’s hand trembled as he gripped the phone. “Dad, listen to me. Whatever you have planned tonight, cancel it immediately.”

“Don’t go out today. I’ve already texted Mom, you should check WhatsApp. I’ve explained everything there. Please, I beg you, read it carefully.” Stellan’s voice was desperate. He had sent both of his parents detailed messages, explaining everything Odalys had told him.

He feared his father wouldn’t listen, so he was making sure to follow up with a call.

“That stuff? You’re young and superstitious now? Relax, I’m tough, nothing’s going to happen to me,” Dangelo said with a chuckle.

“Dad, please believe me just this once!” Stellan’s voice cracked with panic.

Dangelo waved it off, “You need to believe in science, stop believing in all that nonsense. I’m fine, nothing’s going to happen to me.

“I’ve already made all my arrangements. I’m going to prove to you that nothing you’re worried about will happen.” Dangelo continued as he seemed to be packing his things, walking downstairs.

“Alright, I’ll talk to you later. I’m running out of time.” He hung up before Stellan could protest.

Everyone fell silent.

Stellan looked back at Odalys, his voice shaky, “You were right, Odalys. My dad doesn’t believe me.

“Call your mom next,” Odalys said quietly.

“Okay.” Stellan’s hands were shaking as he quickly dialed his mother’s number.

Chapter 217

The phone rang, and before Stellan could say anything, his mother’s voice came through, cheerful yet strangely calm. Son, your father just told me everything. Don’t worry, I’ve already got a peace talisman for us.”

“Be good and wait for us to get home.” She said, and quickly hung up.

A heavy silence settled in the car.

Stellan closed his eyes in pain, muttering to himself,” Odalys… Could it really be true? Some calamities are unavoidable, no matter how hard we try.”

“When we land, you need to fly straight back. And remember the talisman I gave you.” Odalys whispered, her voice low but clear.

Stellan immediately dug through his backpack, found the talisman hidden at the bottom, and held it tightly. “Got it. I know what I need to do.”

[What just happened? Did I miss something?]

[Odalys showed Stellan and Francis the Star readings yesterday, but they were talking too softly for us to hear. Did she predict something about Dangelo?]

[I can’t breathe. Is he going to make it?]

The fans and netizens felt their hearts race. Just when they were still processing the live broadcast from the police, something was happening with Stellan.

Everyone was on edge.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” Selah tried to comfort him.

Freya opened her mouth to speak, but found that no words could ease the tension.

She glanced at Stellan, who was trying to act brave but looked pale and sweat-drenched, his hand trembling in his lap. “I’ll be okay,” he said, forcing a smile, though his voice was shaky.

Though he said he was fine, the cold sweat on his palms told a different story.

Stellan stared blankly out the window, his face drawn with worry. Francis, sensing his unease, pressed the accelerator, speeding towards the airport.

The car was unnervingly quiet. No one dared to speak. [Odalys did another Star reading?], [Odalys was abandoned and abused by her parents? Her life is a tragedy. Is Dangelo really in danger? Does anyone know where he’s headed? Please look into this. Is this the most dramatic variety show in history? [Can we get Odalys to do a live reading? Please!] All these trending topics shot up to the top of the charts.

From no one knowing her name a few weeks ago, Odalys was now a household name. Major players in the industry, including Kenny and agents, were trying to reach her, hoping to make her the next top idol.

But Odalys had set her phone to block all external calls, and no one could get through to her.

As a result, Kenny, the variety show’s producer, became the go-to person. He was flooded with calls from powerful figures, industry moguls, and sponsors, all hoping he’d persuade Odalys to take a call.

Kenny was equally perplexed-his newfound importance in the industry was entirely due to Odalys.

“I’m kind of nervous,” Francis admitted, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

What if this disaster couldn’t be avoided? Was he going to die too? The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated. He glanced at the caller ID, and his face immediately fell. Stellan noticed the shift in his expression.

Stellan instinctively glanced at Francis’s phone.

“Do you want me to answer that?” Stellan asked cautiously.

If he didn’t pick up, it would raise suspicion, but Francis didn’t want to answer.

“Could you?” Francis said, casting a subtle glance at Stellan. It was still during the live broadcast, and there were things Francis couldn’t say. Plus, he knew his girlfriend was probably watching, so he had to keep his composure. “Sorry, Francis is driving right now and can’t take your call. Is there something I can pass on to him?” Stellan said, glancing at Francis.

Despite the air conditioning running, Francis’s forehead was beaded with cold sweat.

“Okay, I understand,” Stellan replied, finally ending the call after hearing the other side’s words.

Stellan held the phone for a few seconds, then spoke in a lowered voice, “She said she’s at the airport. When you meet, you two will fly back together, and after landing, you’ll go straight to a restaurant.”

Francis frowned, feeling a tight knot in his stomach.

If this were any other time, he might have thought she was trying to publicly declare their relationship.

But now, after distancing himself, it felt less like love and more like an attempt to trap him.

“Understood,” he murmured, staring blankly ahead. The road ahead seemed to blur.

Last night, he had thought long and hard and realized their relationship could no longer continue. He valued his life too much to let himself be caught in this mess.

Before they left, he had sent a message to someone, asking them to investigate the situation. He was sure the answers would come soon.

“Pull over. I’ll drive,” Odalys suddenly announced.

Francis slammed on the brakes.

Odalys opened the door and swiftly moved to the driver’s seat. As they passed by each other, she grabbed Francis’s arm and whispered, “We’re not going to the airport anymore.”

“We’ll change the location. I’ve already arranged for another car to take us to the international airport for a direct flight,” Odalys said quietly.

She had just texted Percival, and he replied that everything was taken care of.

Francis blinked in surprise. “But summer break is starting, and there are very few flights to Crownridge. Are you sure you can get us tickets?”

He had already checked and found there were no tickets left, not even high-speed trains directly to Crownridge. The earliest tickets were available in a week.,

He panicked when he heard Odalys mention the airport.

The airport was inevitable-if they were leaving, they’d have to fly. She must have already figured out everything, including which flights, to ensure he couldn’t escape.

“Don’t worry, I can get us on a flight,” Odalys replied, her tone calm.

She slid into the driver’s seat, buckled her seatbelt, and turned to Selah and Freya, flashing a playful grin. “You’re not getting car sick, right?”

“What do you mean?” Selah asked, her excitement growing. Odalys snapped her fingers, “We’re taking the mountain roads at full speed.”

“Bring it on. I’ve got my seatbelt on,” Freya said, gripping the armrest with a fearless look in her eyes.

With a grin, Odalys floored the gas pedal. As they approached an intersection, she sharply turned the wheel, veering off onto a side road, leaving Group A’s car trailing behind.

“Wait, she’s taking the wrong road,” Atlas muttered, gripping the steering wheel.

They had been on the main route to the airport, but now Group B was taking an unexpected shortcut.

“Forget it. They’re probably trying to lose us. Speed up! Let’s get to the airport first,” Sophia urged, her voice full of excitement.

She guessed that Odalys was trying to steal the spotlight.

The variety show was trending, and anyone who showed up at the airport would surely be interviewed by the media.

The first ones there would attract the most attention.

Odalys and her team must be trying to ditch Group A and claim the spotlight for themselves.

“We’ll stick to the original route. That shortcut’s ten kilometers longer,” Finnian said, watching the road ahead.

Chapter 218

Atlas had originally intended to follow them, but upon hearing their conversation, he immediately turned and drove back the way they came.

He was anxious, his instincts kicking in, and he pressed the accelerator, hoping to reach the airport before Group B.

“Did the Bennett family really abandon her?” Finnian muttered, staring at the news on his phone. His heart skipped a beat.

The officers had confirmed it. This was no rumor; it was the harsh truth.

He glanced at Atlas and then at Sophia, but neither of them seemed willing to discuss it. They were avoiding the topic altogether.

Atlas drove faster, and by the time they reached the airport, the place was practically deserted.

“Where is everyone? Where are the reporters?” Atlas asked, bewildered, pulling into the parking lot.

The airport, a smaller one compared to major cities, was unusually quiet. There were hardly any people around, and no sign of the media crowding the terminals.

“Did Group B get here before us?” Sophia suggested, voice barely above a whisper.

Finnian and Atlas nodded, taking her words at face value.

They stepped out of the car and headed toward the security checkpoint. After passing through, they still found no media outlets, no reporters chasing after them.

Sophia felt a pang of disappointment. She bit her lip, frustration building up inside her.

“How could there be no one? Didn’t Twitter just say there would be interviews?” Sophia grumbled.

She was sure that Odalys and the others had arrived. After the interview, they probably made sure everyone else left, deliberately avoiding being on camera themselves.

“You’re talking about an interview? Is it the one for the variety show? All the reporters left already,” someone passing by overheard and immediately chimed in, eager to gossip.

The three of them froze, standing there in stunned silence as they stared at the person.

It was clear that the person had watched the live stream, but it seemed like they hadn’t recognized them.

A passerby overheard her words and said, “I heard Odalys and her group didn’t even fly from this airport. They went to another one instead. All the people who were supposed to be here went to that one, not sure if they’ll make it in time.” Sophia’s head exploded with disbelief. She quickly checked her messages, only to realize that Odalys had blocked her long ago.

Frantically, she dialed Kenny’s number.

After a brief moment, Kenny confirmed it: Odalys had chartered a private jet to a different international airport, flying back without them.

“A private jet?” Sophia almost screamed. “Who booked it? Why didn’t they call us? Why didn’t we get a seat?”

Her emotions spiraled out of control. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. No fans, no interviews, nothing.

The airport was dead silent, and no one even recognized her.

Now she was hearing that Group B had flown out in style. It felt like a slap in the face.

“So, you guys are going too? Are you all flying back on the private jet too?” Sophia turned to look behind her, only to realize the program’s staff were nowhere in sight.

It hit her then. The production team had abandoned them, too.

“Kenny, what’s going on? You said the seats were limited, and we didn’t respond to your messages. But we weren’t the ones making the decisions about the jet!” Kenny tried to explain.

Sophia’s grip tightened around her phone.

The thought of flying privately, especially on a last-minute chartered jet, was an impossible feat for anyone except someone with immense wealth. She had no idea how

Odalys could afford such a luxury.

She needed answers. “Who arranged this? Was it Stellan or Freya?” she demanded.

Kenny fell silent for a few moments before finally speaking. “I heard it was Odalys’ family who arranged it.”

Sophia was incensed. “Her family? You’re lying. They didn’t arrange a jet for her. If they did, they’d have arranged one for us too! This is all a lie!” She was screaming now, her throat raw.

Kenny hung up on her.

Shaking with rage, she opened WhatsApp and found a message from Kenny, sent an hour ago. She hadn’t noticed it before, but now it was too late to respond.

Finnian looked over at her, noticing her growing distress. What happened?” he asked.

Sophia’s gaze was locked on the camera placed in the car by the program’s team. They hadn’t followed them here, but the live broadcast was still running.

She turned to them with a frown. “I just got confirmation- Odalys’ family arranged the private jet. They’re going back to Crownridge without us.

Finnian couldn’t hide his disbelief. “A private jet? For her? Who would do that? She’s broke! The Bennett Group never paid her, and the family never sent her money. How could she afford a private jet?”

Sophia’s thoughts spiraled out of control, her heart filled with a deep, bitter resentment. She wanted to see Odalys fail, to watch her come crashing down.

Finnian’s lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but he quickly silenced himself. The words “the Stewart family” hovered on his tongue, but he was too afraid to speak them aloud.

‘Could it be true? Had the Stewart family really taken such an interest in Odalys that they would arrange for her to fly in style?’ he thought.

“Look,” Atlas interrupted, holding up his phone. “Group B has already arrived at the international airport.”

The viewership was skyrocketing-over a hundred million people were watching the live stream of Group B, while their own stream barely had two thousand.

“I don’t get it,” Sophia murmured, her mind a whirlwind. Why does she have to put on a show like this?”

She couldn’t shake the thought that maybe Odalys did manage to book a private flight, with a dedicated route, no waiting in line, and VIP treatment.

No security checks, no baggage claim-just straight through to the exit, where she’d be whisked away by a black car.

Sophia clenched her fists.

“Hold on,” Atlas said, glancing back at the screen. “There’s still a crowd of reporters.”

After the interview, the reporters made way, and the group walked straight ahead.

Even Sophia was stunned by the treatment.

It seemed like there was someone at the airport

specifically there to greet them. Sophia stared at the screen, her gaze caught by a tall figure standing beside a black Porsche Cayenne.

The man was towering, holding a large black umbrella, seemingly waiting for someone.

The umbrella tilted to one side, obscuring his face, but the watch on his wrist, visible just enough, was priceless.

She had seen that watch before; it was said to be a one-of-a-kind, the only one in the world.

“Who is this?” Sophia’s heart tightened.

She watched as the man suddenly stepped forward and walked towards Group B. They were talking, even taking photos, but once the shots were taken, everyone’s attention shifted to this figure.

Finnian and Atlas seemed to be watching Group B’s livestream, their eyes glued to the figure on the screen.

“Who is he? The Cayenne he’s driving-there are only three in the world,” Finnian muttered instinctively, recognizing it from when Orson had driven it.

But the one Orson had driven was borrowed from the Stewart family.

Chapter 219

Orson had a close relationship with Percival, and since the Stewart family didn’t mind him driving their cars, he had seen him behind the wheel of their Cayenne once.

“Is he watching Odalys?” Sophia said, almost breathless, her eyes glued to the screen.

She saw the figure approach and stop not far from Group B, as if waiting for someone.

The moment Odalys caught sight of him, she exchanged a few words with Group B and, without hesitation, grabbed her luggage and hurried over.

Percival, with one hand free, took the suitcase from her and tilted the umbrella to shield her from the harsh sun.

Sophia was nearly beside herself. “No way! Who is that man? Is Odalys cheating?”

She stared at the screen, desperate to know who this man was—why was he driving such an expensive Cayenne? And why was he wearing a one-of-a-kind watch, walking with such an imposing air toward Odalys? Didn’t she just marry that sick old man from the Stewart family? Was this some kind of betrayal?

‘That’s right, the man in the Stewart family wasn’t expected to live much longer. Was Odalys really cheating on him?’ Sophia thought.

Sophia quickly took a screenshot, feeling like she had caught Odalys red-handed.

“That man took Odalys? She didn’t go back with everyone? Instead, she got into that man’s Cayenne?” Atlas couldn’t believe it either.

She just walked off in front of everyone like that? ‘Didn’t she care about the rumors? Wasn’t she worried people would think she was being kept?’

“But didn’t we hear her family had booked a private plane? Why isn’t she flying?”

“She’s definitely been lying to everyone. She probably realized the private route wasn’t available, so she bailed early,” Sophia whispered, barely keeping her voice steady. Before anyone could respond, Freya turned toward the camera and waved.

“Hey, babes, we’re heading to the plane now. Since it’s a private route back to Crownridge, we can’t keep the live broadcast going. We don’t want to disappoint the fans or the media.”

“So, just a heads up, you probably won’t catch our flight. Thanks for watching this show, and we’ll see you next time!” Freya smiled and waved as she spoke.

The others gathered around, giving their goodbyes, all smiles as they waved. “Thanks for everything, we’ll see you!”

Then Freya abruptly cut the stream, leaving the three of them sitting there, staring at each other in stunned silence. They felt like everything had unfolded so suddenly; they were completely in the dark.

Sophia immediately shut down the live broadcast, her heart sinking.

“So, Odalys really cut us off? She let everyone else board the private plane, but left us behind?”

“And who was that man? Do you know who owns that watch?” Sophia’s voice trembled with disbelief.

Finnian sat quietly, pondering.

“The Cayenne… that’s the Stewart family’s car,” he said softly.

Sophia froze, turning to him in shock. “The Stewart family’s car? That man is from the Stewart family?”

“The Stewart family wouldn’t be picking her up, though,” she scoffed. “Odalys is nothing to them. No way they’d send someone for her-she must’ve hired someone to pretend!” Before Sophia could continue, Atlas handed over his phone. “I just had someone check it out. It seems like the Stewart family arranged a private route for her. It’s a direct flight to Crownridge, with a VIP passage, no security checks. They’ve ensured that no one can follow her,” Atlas said with a mix of disbelief and unease.

He hadn’t expected Odalys to pull something like this off. “So, the Stewart family and Odalys… can’t be true,” Sophia muttered under her breath, trying to deny it all.

She didn’t want to accept that Odalys was being taken seriously by the Stewart family, and a twinge of regret began to gnaw at her. If she hadn’t let Odalys marry that old man, this could’ve been her moment.

The pain twisted her insides as she realized how much she had underestimated Odalys. It was as if Odalys had betrayed her.

“We’d better board the plane before it’s too late,” Finnian said, glancing at his phone. They were traveling by regular flight, which meant a layover in another city and a three-hour wait before they could catch their connecting flight back.

Group B, on the other hand, would be in Crownridge in just two hours, while it would take them a full seven hours. The difference was so stark that it was almost unbelievable.

*****

At the international airport, Group B arrived.

Half an hour earlier, Odalys had been speeding toward the airport, weaving through the nearly empty roads, her car cutting through the rain like a knife.

She slammed on the brakes and executed a perfect 180-degree turn to park.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, everyone grabbed their luggage and walked ahead, greeted by the media, who immediately approached for interviews. It was almost as if they had been briefed beforehand, as the journalists didn’t linger.

Once the interview was over, they swiftly moved away.

“What’s going on? I’ve never seen media people so cooperative,” Freya remarked, stunned.

After so many years in the business, she had never experienced anything like this.

“They must’ve been told beforehand,” Stellan muttered, his eyes narrowed in thought.

Selah, holding her phone, checked the flight Odalys had mentioned.

“Odalys, I can’t find that flight. Did you get the details wrong? There doesn’t seem to be a direct flight, and I can’t even

book tickets now,” she asked quietly.

Others nodded in confusion.

“No need to check,” Odalys replied with a soft smile. “I arranged for a special charter. There’s a direct route, no security checks. We’ll board the plane shortly.”

Stellan fell silent, his gaze turning complex as he looked at Odalys.

“Thank you,” Stellan said quietly, his voice hoarse.

He understood now-Odalys had done this for him, to help him save his disobedient father’s life.

“We’ll make it in time if we leave now,” Odalys said, reassuring him.

Everyone understood what she meant, though they were still in awe. They hadn’t expected Odalys to have arranged such a private flight with a direct route.

Before anyone could speak further, a black Cayenne pulled up nearby.

That imposing figure drew everyone’s attention. Percival, tall and commanding, stood there holding an umbrella, his black pants and shirt exuding authority. His wrist, adorned with a priceless watch, gleamed in the sunlight.

As he walked toward them, he paused just a few steps away. Odalys saw the car behind him and quickly turned to the group.

“I’ve got to take care of something, so I won’t be going back with you guys. If anything comes up, just message me on WhatsApp,” Odalys said, picking up her suitcase and walking toward Percival.

Her long legs moved with grace, and Percival, taking her luggage with one hand, tilted the umbrella toward her to shield her from the sun.

“You came on your own?” Odalys asked, surprised.

She thought he had already left the night before. “I’ve been waiting for you,” Percival answered, his voice low but steady.

Chapter 220

Percival effortlessly took hold of her luggage and began walking toward the Porsche Cayenne, the large umbrella overhead shielding them from the scorching sunlight. Just moments ago, her forehead had been covered in beads of cold sweat from the sun, but now, with the umbrella in hand, she felt a cool relief.

As they approached the car, Callum opened the door and took the bag from Percival’s hand.

Percival held the door open for her. As Odalys slid into the car, she glanced back at the group of people who were still frozen in shock, and with a casual wave, she said, “We’ll catch up later.”

She settled into the car, and Percival folded the umbrella before sliding in beside her. The air conditioning inside the vehicle was set to the perfect temperature, just enough to keep her comfortable without feeling cold.

“Have something to eat,” Percival suggested.

Odalys followed his finger to see some coffee, water, snacks, and freshly peeled nuts waiting on the side. “Actually, I’m a little hungry,” Odalys admitted.

She picked up a piece of cake and took a bite. After the intense drive, she had been so focused that now, with the adrenaline fading, her body felt drained, and her stomach was growling.

As she ate, Callum returned to the driver’s seat, and the car sped off.

“Odalys,” Orson’s voice suddenly interrupted from the front passenger seat, making her almost choke on the cake.

She stared at him, wide-eyed. Orson looked at her with eyes sparkling like he had just seen a miracle.

“Want some?” Odalys asked, offering him the cake.

Orson began to reach for it, but Percival was quicker. He placed a firm hand on Orson’s and took the cake back, placing it in front of Odalys. “He doesn’t want any,” he said flatly.

Orson fell silent, thinking to himself, ‘What a guy. He truly puts women before his friends.’

*****

In the international airport, Freya stood there, watching Odalys walk toward that imposing figure.

She saw the man take her luggage, and then, he shielded her from the sun with an umbrella.

“They…” Freya’s lips parted in shock.

Without thinking, she grabbed the hand of the person next to her and squeezed hard.

Francis, caught off guard by the pain, groaned.

“Freya, you’re making me bleed,” he said, looking down at the blood on the back of his hand.

“Does it hurt?” Freya asked quickly.

Francis glanced at his hand for a moment before answering, “Yeah, it hurts.”

Freya barely heard him. She was too distracted, her

thoughts whirling. “So it’s not a dream. Who was that man? Is Odalys married now? Is that her husband? Her husband?”

“That guy has to be at least 6.2 feet tall, right? And those legs, wow. That Porsche Cayenne-was it the limited edition from last year?” Freya muttered to herself.

She narrowed her eyes, looking as if she might approach them.

But Selah quickly grabbed her and covered her mouth, whispering, “Stop. Don’t say anything.”

Freya blinked, startled. Then, with a forced laugh, she turned and faced the camera, blocking the view of the man. Stellan noticed, too, and tilted his head to block the view.

Everyone seemed to be in sync, all subtly positioning themselves to prevent the cameras from capturing anything.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Stone’s private jet has arrived. This way, please,” someone from the airport staff said as they approached.

The staff seemed surprised. “We’re flying on a private jet?” “Didn’t they fly budget airlines before?” someone murmured. “Turns out, Odalys chartered a plane herself. It’s a direct line to Crownridge-no security checks, just get on and go. The plane leaves as soon as everyone’s on board,” Kenny explained with pride in his voice.

He had been getting calls from major industry figures who wanted to talk to Odalys. They had all been trying to reach her.

“Odalys? She’s that powerful?” someone gasped.

“Wait, a chartered flight? But doesn’t that need a lot of lead time? How did she manage to get one on short notice? Is she some kind of rich lady?” someone else said, clearly stunned.

“A private jet, specially chartered by Miss Stone,” the staff confirmed, their voice full of awe.

They ushered the group into a VIP access lane and led them directly to the plane. After counting the heads and making sure everyone was on board, the plane took off immediately.

Stellan sat uneasily, his mind racing.

He knew that if he returned now, it would only take two hours. But if he had gone with the original plan, it would have taken him seven hours. Odalys had just saved him five hours. But would he make it in time?

His thoughts were a mess, and he couldn’t stop thinking about the messages he had sent to friends and relatives, asking them to stop whatever was happening.

He had no news yet and didn’t know if it had worked. But based on Odalys’s sudden chartered flight, he feared it was already too late.

“Stop overthinking it,” Francis said quietly from beside him, sensing his unease. “We’re on Odalys’s plane now. We’re avoiding the airport crowds, so just relax.”

The tension in Francis’s body began to ease, but his mind was still racing.

His phone vibrated, and he saw a call from his girlfriend. He didn’t answer it, instead quickly switching it to airplane mode.

A message soon popped up on his phone, and after hesitating for a moment, he opened it. What he saw made his stomach twist.

“It was really a trap,” Francis murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible. “She’s always been engaged to someone in her circle, and she said they’re getting married by the end of the year. I’m not her publicly acknowledged boyfriend-I’ve been forced into being the third wheel. Her fiancé is seriously ill, with kidney failure and heart disease too. He needs to find a suitable organ donor. The doctors have told him that the organs must come from the same person, and that person has to be in good health. No wonder she’s always been so controlling about my diet. I thought it was love, but it turns out she’s been treating me like prey to nourish.”

The more he read, the angrier he became.

All the money he had sent her had gone toward the treatment of her sick fiancé.

The clothes she had bought him? They were hand-me-downs from the man, who had worn them once before. She had told him they were “couple outfits.”

He felt disgusted and heartbroken.

“Change the password to your place now. If you can, sell the house,” Stellan said urgently.

Francis quickly followed his advice, logging into his phone and changing the password to his apartment, then posting the property for sale online.

Only then did he feel his anxiety slowly begin to ease.

The plane took off, and the calls kept coming, but he didn’t answer. By the time they were in the air, he would have no signal. But even then, the sting of being used still gnawed at him.

“Do you need me to help?” Stellan suddenly asked.

He wasn’t the type to get involved in other people’s business, especially with those from the same industry. He preferred to keep his distance. But after this show, his perspective had changed.

“I might be able to help, too,” Freya added, turning her head. Selah nodded quietly. “I can help as well.”

After hearing them, Francis couldn’t hold back his emotions any longer. He broke down, tears welling up in his eyes. He quickly looked up, trying to stop them from falling.

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