Betrayed, Yet Bound To The Billionaire by Grace Madeline (Chapters 241 to 250)

Chapter 241

As the chaos unfolded, someone scrambled to tear off their white coat in a desperate attempt to flee.

“Police, don’t move!” A firm voice rang out, and the authorities immediately revealed their badges.

The mansion was soon surrounded, sealing off any potential escape routes.

The girl in the white dress and the manager stood frozen, pale, as they watched the police storm in, their faces filled with shock and dread.

Meanwhile, Francis was shielded behind Odalys and the others. Even the slowest of minds could now understand the situation. Francis and his companions had lured them out, setting a trap to catch them in the act.

In their haste to act, the perpetrators had said too much, thinking no one would catch on, but now it was clear they had effectively confessed.

“Who called the police?” one of the officers stepped forward and asked.

Odalys raised her hand, walking briskly toward them. Officer, it was me. We suspect this woman had ulterior motives in getting close to Francis, putting his safety at risk.”

“Yes,” Freya added, “Francis’ phone was bugged. And just now, they tried to harvest his organs. That’s illegal.” She quickly handed over her phone with the video recording. The live broadcast had been running since Odalys pulled Francis into the room, with Selah filming it all in real-time. As the live stream spread, the entire internet was watching. And just before the police arrived, the livestream had gone viral.

“We saw your live broadcast,” the officer said after watching the footage. “Please send us a copy.” There was a brief pause before he added, “I didn’t expect these celebrities to be so smart.”

The officer seemed genuinely surprised. Earlier, they had underestimated these stars, assuming they were all just pretty faces without much substance. But now, they had been proven wrong.

“Of course, I’ll send it right away,” Freya said, cooperating without hesitation as she transmitted the video to the authorities.

The police wasted no time. They arrested the girl in the white dress and the manager, tending to their wounds as they did. “You’re both involved in illegal activities-murder, unlawful organ harvesting, and unauthorized surveillance,” the officer stated. “Please come with us.”

The girl in white, tears filling her eyes, turned to Francis, her voice trembling. “I didn’t know, they used me. Francis, please believe me.”

Francis stood still, his initial shock fading, replaced by an eerie calm.

He knew then that Odalys and the others had not abandoned him. He was grateful for meeting them through the reality show-it had saved his life.

“Sir, I also want to press charges against her for terminating my contract without permission and stealing money from me to cover her tracks. I found several large transfers from my account while I was filming the show.” Francis showed the police the transfer records.

The manager’s face turned a shade of gray, her expression twisted with fury. She hadn’t expected Francis to turn the tables on them.

“Good,” the officer nodded, inspecting the records. “We’ll take care of the paperwork and get your statement.” Selah was live-streaming the entire event. Originally, their appearance on the show had already caused quite a stir, and many people were eager to catch Odalys’ Star readings. As soon as they realized she was live, they flooded into the stream.

What started with 1,000 viewers quickly skyrocketed to over a million, and now it’s broken the 10 million mark.

People from all over the country tuned in to watch, and when they saw Odalys seemingly push Francis away in the heat of the moment, they nearly crucified her, thinking she had abandoned him in his time of need.

But as the stream unfolded, they soon realized that everyone was actually hiding in the shadows, letting the perpetrators expose their own plan. The entire thing was live-streamed, and the authorities were alerted in real-time. Then, when these assailants couldn’t harm Francis and ended up hurting themselves instead, the viewers were absolutely ecstatic. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered satisfaction.

[Wow, this is so intense!]

[People were trying to harvest organs privately? Someone needs to investigate this group ASAP.]

[Good grief. Are agents really this bold now? They actually went behind the scenes and terminated the contract, not to mention messing with Francis’ fanbase.]

[My heart is breaking. Group B is so supportive. They’re sticking together even after filming the show. This is real love.]

[Am I the only one wondering why the needle couldn’t pierce Francis earlier?]

The barrage of questions kept coming, and even the officers were curious. One of them turned to Francis.

“Why couldn’t the needle pierce you earlier? Was there something strange about it?”

Francis looked at Odalys, his expression softening with gratitude. “I don’t know, but I think Odalys saved me.”

He remembered seeing Stellan charging into danger earlier, holding a talisman to protect his father. Francis speculated that Odalys had somehow used her own protective magic on him. Perhaps, when she accepted his money, it was the beginning of an unspoken agreement.

Perhaps it all started the moment she accepted his transfer, a silent understanding formed between them.

There had been whispers of paying for favors before, and at that moment, Odalys must have wanted to reassure him, so she took the payment. The vibration of the phone seemed to signal something, and from that moment on, he appeared to regain his calm

The police officer turned his attention to Odalys, intrigued. Ms. Stone, is that true?”

Odalys nodded. “I am a member of the Xuanmen sect, and it’s my duty to protect people. Francis paid for my help, so naturally, I saved him.”

Stellan stepped forward, his voice full of emotion. “Odalys has helped me before, too. She predicted both mine and Francis’ misfortunes and shielded us from disaster. I wasn’t going to speak about this publicly, but some people are accusing Odalys’ magic of being a publicity stunt, so I want to set the record straight.”

“Yesterday, after we finished filming the show, my father’s car crashed on the highway. It rolled from a great height and exploded. An hour ago, he woke up after two explosions, and he was still alive. It was Odalys who saved him. I want to say thank you to her.”

Francis, a little shaken, also bowed. “I, too, am grateful to Odalys. If it weren’t for her, I would have died just now. I hope the police will uncover the truth and bring these criminals to justice.”

The group of them was soon escorted to the police car. The officers, with Selah’s phone still filming, turned to the camera.

“We have video footage from inside the villa, and the live broadcast. We’ll reveal the truth shortly, and we thank everyone for their cooperation,” the officer said, before shutting down the livestream.

As they did, a new officer entered, his face grim.

“Mr. Herseys,” he whispered, “Earlier, Odalys mentioned that this villa has wicked energy, that people had died here. She recommended we search the place. We might find something interesting.”

Lee Herseys looked up, a troubled expression on his face. Though he didn’t believe in magic, the events of the day had defied all logic. Lee Hersey

“Let’s search it,” he said firmly.

The officers spread out, beginning to search the villa. Soon, they discovered strange items-and even some unsettling records.

“Found some bodies under the tree,” one of the officers said, his voice thick with unease.

Chapter 242

Lee’s expression grew darker as he walked out, glancing at the screen behind him.

“Turn off the live stream,” he said, his voice grave.

[What? Corpses? No way, this is getting explosive!]

[Did Group B set this up to draw them out? What’s their real intention?]

[Is there anything I, as a VIP member, can’t see? Please, I want the whole live stream!]

[This is even more thrilling than the variety show!]

[Anyone nearby? I need the full scoop, I’ll send rockets!]

The chat exploded with excited reactions from viewers, eager to see the investigation unfold. But the situation involved corpses, and it wasn’t something that could be made public just yet.

Lee, a man in his forties with an imposing presence, exuded an air of authority. Every movement he made carried a sense of justice. As he walked, he caught sight of the body under the tree and his expression soured.

The body was bound with an iron chain, its head facing downward and feet upward, as though it had been tied and buried upside down.

“Get the coroner here for an assessment,” Lee ordered, his tone cold.

He turned back to the young officer, his gaze sharp. “What happened here?”

The young officer shifted nervously, lowering his voice as he reported, “Before Ms. Stone got into the car, she pointed to the tree and said we should dig there-it would be a surprise.”

“We thought she was just being superstitious, but when we dug, we found legs sticking out. We suspected it was a body, so we had it fully excavated.”

Lee’s gaze lingered on the body for a moment, deep in thought. Without a word, he turned and walked toward the police car.

He noticed the officers were already taking statements, but no one had been taken to the station. Clearly, they had just finished the initial reports.

“Ms. Stone, how did you know there was a body here?” Lee’s piercing eyes were now fixed on her.

As a police officer, he had learned to be suspicious of everyone. It wasn’t normal for someone to point out a body with such confidence-unless they were the perpetrator. Odalys chuckled softly, unconcerned by his suspicion. She calmly jumped out of the car, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Of course, I could see it.”.

She continued nonchalantly, “I’ve been learning magic since I was a child. This villa is full of wicked energy, and there’s probably more than one body buried here.”

“If you trust me, extend your hand, and I’ll show you,” she added with a calm, yet confident smile.

Lee was skeptical but reluctantly extended his hand. Odalys took it, her fingers dusted with magic powder. With a small flick of her wrist, she traced a talisman on his palm before tapping it lightly.

The moment her finger touched his skin, Lee shuddered, and to his surprise, his feet began moving of their own accord, pulling him quickly toward the villa.

“Lee!” the young officer gasped in shock.

The others stepped aside as Lee, almost in a trance, marched toward the washbasin and pointed at it, saying, Dig here, and pry that open over there.”

Lee continued to pace around the villa, indicating twelve different spots, ordering the officers to dig. At first, they hesitated, confused, but not daring to question him due to his position. They grudgingly got to work.

Moments later, one officer’s voice echoed from a corner, There’s a body-it’s bound.”

“Another one here!”

“This one’s fragmented.”

“This looks like the body of a child!”

The voices rang out in the air, the officers discovering more and more bodies as they dug. Inside the car, Stellan and the others sat in stunned silence, their hair standing on end as they realized the villa was full of corpses.

When they arrived earlier, Odalys had driven them here without explanation.

“Odalys, did you already know something was wrong here?”

Freya asked, unable to hold back her curiosity.

Before Selah could turn off the live stream, the other officers had already disembarked. The five of them remained in the car, waiting.

“Yes,” Odalys responded in a low voice. “This place is filled with wicked energy. It’s remote, and no one lives here, so it’s become a hunting ground for others. The police never searched this place before, which is why I decided to bring them here now.”

She explained further, “I’ve been here before. I knew this was the old man’s territory. The formation here is meant to bind souls and gather wicked energy, with all those bodies buried beneath. He was using them to amplify the energy. I just needed the right moment-now that we’re recording a variety show, I finally had the chance to bring it to light and let the police take care of it.”

With the police now investigating, there was a chance the people behind the deaths-particularly the old man-would be exposed. Even if they weren’t, the fear and chaos would spread, forcing them into the open.

“Wow, Odalys, you’re incredible! I thought you were just picking some random, secluded place, but you had everything planned out.” Selah looked at her with awe.

Francis, still reeling from the betrayal by his agent and girlfriend, was completely shocked by the revelation of the corpses.

Just when he thought things couldn’t get worse, they did. “Ms. Stone,” Lee’s voice grew colder, and he stopped pointing at the spots he wanted excavated. Instead, he walked slowly toward her.

He glared at her, his eyes sharp. Odalys stood calm, her hands behind her back, waiting for him to approach.

Lee took a deep drag from his cigarette, his eyes never leaving her face. “You planned all this, didn’t you? You wanted to kill two birds with one stone?”

Odalys remained unfazed, responding softly, “I just want to give these souls peace. And this place, it’s where others have committed their crimes and gathered souls. I’m just trying to help.”

She smiled wryly. “I’ve done what I can today. If you need help in the future, you know where to find me, but I’ll charge.”

With that, Odalys turned and got back into the car. Stellan, after hearing her words, started the engine and drove away. Lee stood there for a long while, still holding the cigarette between his fingers, watching them disappear down the road.

The young officer approached cautiously, his voice laced with doubt. “Lee, do you think Odalys is involved with these murders?”

“It’s impossible,” Lee replied, shaking his head. “I’ve already had her background checked. She only returned to Crownridge seven months ago. She’s never been down this mountain before. And the time of death on the bodies suggests they died at different times.

Chapter 243

“Some of them might have died over a decade ago. Each body was killed years apart. A 20-year-old blonde girl like her couldn’t have been killing people from the moment she was born, right?” Lee shook his head.

As a police officer, Lee could read people’s emotions just from their eyes.

But with Odalys, he saw no hidden emotions. Her honesty left him no reason to doubt her.

“Get someone to check the surveillance footage along the roads, and seal off the villa. We need 24-hour surveillance; no one should get close,” Lee ordered quietly.

The young officer immediately saluted and responded, Understood.”

Lee took a long drag from his cigarette before turning toward the villa.

“What’s the update?” Lee asked.

The coroner, visibly shaken, wiped the sweat from his forehead and handed over the report, his voice heavy with unease. “In all my years as a coroner, I’ve never seen deaths like this.

“Each of the victims was bound with iron chains.

“Each one died differently, but there’s a pattern-these deaths are spaced three years apart. And they were buried alive. The one who was dismembered? He was alive when they did it. It doesn’t look like a personal vendetta. More like some kind of ritual, like in a movie.

When the coroner mentioned a ritual, Lee’s expression shifted, and he quickly stepped toward the villa, scanning the windows. “If it’s a ritual, then it must be related to magic.”

“Lee, should we arrest Odalys?” The young officer asked nervously.

Lee didn’t respond immediately, deep in thought. He seemed to be formulating something in his mind.

*****

On the road, the black SUV sped forward.

The group inside sat in silence.

“Don’t worry too much. The live broadcast today cleared your name. Even if the agent tries to ruin you, I’m sure the netizens will still believe in you,” Selah quickly reassured him.

Francis shifted in his seat.

His eyes were complicated as he looked at Odalys. “It’s not that I’m worried, but I’m shocked.

“I never imagined that my agent would be related to her fiancé’s family. It seems like they’ve had this planned for a long time-how to get me to meet her, how to win my trust.

“She’s been my agent for two years, after the previous one died in a car accident, and she took over. Maybe it was around two years ago that she started getting close to me, targeting me,” Francis said in a hoarse voice.

Thinking back now, it sent a chill down his spine.

“If it weren’t for meeting Odalys, I’d probably be dead by now, and they might have even harvested my organs, dismembered me, and fed me to the dogs,” he said bitterly. He hadn’t been able to sleep last night-he had tossed and turned, overwhelmed by the thought of what could have happened.

He couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to experience the fear of being held down, forced to inject him like staring death in the face. All the restlessness he felt before had vanished in that moment.

“Surviving means rebirth, doesn’t it? The fact that they have connections to someone who can directly remove your organs proves there’s a gang behind this. That’s why I called the police,” Odalys whispered.

“But you’re still being targeted. Stay indoors for now. Although the police are investigating, you’re essentially a walking organ right now,” Odalys added softly.

Selah listened and quietly raised her hand.

“If you don’t mind, why don’t you stay at my place? I’ve ended my contract with the company, so I don’t have to work anymore. It’ll be nice to have company and look out for each other,” Selah said shyly.

“Is that Okay?” Francis hesitated.

He wasn’t worried about himself, but he was concerned about Selah. If she got dragged into this, it wouldn’t be good.

“Well, when I participated in the variety show, I submitted my application to Magic Entertainment, and it just got approved. Since neither of you has work right now, how about helping me with some errands? It’ll keep you busy and prevent you from overthinking,” Odalys suggested softly.

Both Francis and Selah’s eyes lit up.

“That sounds good.”

“I’m in,” they both nodded eagerly, causing Freya to panic. Odalys quickly transferred 300,000 dollars to each of them. “I’ve sent some money. You can use it for now.”

“I found an apartment online for you. You two should move there for now. Selah’s popularity is high right now, and I’m worried her former company might cause trouble. It’s better to settle somewhere safe for now, away from any harassment,” Odalys said.

The group discussed work matters inside the car, while Selah and Francis felt energized.

Freya, looking desperate, was left feeling like she had been abandoned.

When they returned to the hospital, they brought fruit up to the VIP ward, where Sienna and Dangelo had been anxiously staring at the door.

As soon as they entered, Sienna forgot her injuries and jumped up.

“We watched the live broadcast… Is Francis okay? How could he have been targeted?” Sienna asked excitedly, her heart still racing from the danger she’d felt earlier.

It had all happened so quickly-she thought Francis might have been killed on the spot. The shock made her scream and almost fall from her bed.

“Ms. Stone,” Dangelo, though heavily injured, forced himself to stay awake. He looked at Odalys as if seeing a savior. From someone who had never believed in superstitions, to now seeing her as someone glowing with a divine light, Dangelo’s transformation was staggering.

“Mr. Drake,” Odalys greeted politely, noticing the change in his demeanor.

Dangelo’s eyes no longer had the calculating look they once did, but instead, there was an almost protective affection for her, mixed with other unspoken emotions.

“Are you free? If you are, could you check the energy field at my place? Feel free to set your own fee, we’ll pay market price,” Dangelo asked earnestly.

Now, he fully trusted Odalys’s abilities.

“I can, but not today. I’ll come by another day,” Odalys answered after a brief pause.

When he heard that, Dangelo’s eyes welled up, and he almost cried. He nodded quickly, “Thank you.”

“Once you’re free, let Stellan pick you up,” Dangelo added, calling over Stellan and giving him a long list of instructions until Stellan promised. Only then did Dangelo close his eyes and fall into a much-needed sleep.

Sienna, too, was injured and couldn’t talk much. After a brief conversation, she was forced to rest by the nurse.

The group quietly left the ward.

“I’ll head to the apartment with Francis now,” Selah said, grabbing her and Francis’s bags.

Chapter 244

After sending the apartment address and the gate code to the two of them, Odalys tucked her phone away. “Odalys, how about I terminate my contract with the company, too? I’d like to come stay with you,” Freya said, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around Odalys’s, pouting coquettishly.

Odalys gave her a mock glare, then chuckled. “You, the hottest young star, I can’t afford to keep you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Freya’s phone vibrated, clearly indicating that her ride had arrived. Her bodyguards were already ushering her towards the elevator.

After Freya left, the corridor was left silent, with only Odalys and Stellan remaining.

“Once my dad wakes up, I’m going to tell him everything about the cancer. I’ve also started looking into who’s setting us up,” Stellan murmured.

Despite being in the entertainment industry, Stellan wasn’t naive. After all, he came from a wealthy family, and the skills he’d learned growing up were now kicking in.

“Start by checking the people who are around your dad frequently. See who might have had a chance to tamper with his food. Keep it low-profile for now. Even if you find something, don’t make it public yet,” Odalys lowered her voice, advising him.

Stellan nodded, agreeing.

“Okay, I’ll head out then,” Odalys said, turning to walk toward the elevator.

Stellan stood there for a while, waiting until the elevator doors closed before returning to the hospital room. Odalys exited the elevator, wearing a hat, and made her way outside, where she noticed the busy pace of the hospital. People were either here for a consultation or visiting patients, all with somber expressions.

Just then, a black car sped toward her, honking twice.

She looked up to see the car window roll down, revealing Percival’s handsome face.

“Percival?” Odalys said, her face lighting up.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of her, and Odalys quickly got in. The door closed softly behind her. As she sat in the car, she realized how exhausted she was. Since she left in the morning, it had been nonstop.

Now, with nightfall approaching, the streetlights cast a soft glow, as if to wash away the fatigue of the day.

“Today, you led the police to that villa. Is that the one you mentioned before?” Percival asked in a low voice.

Odalys hadn’t expected him to figure it out.

“Yes. When I tested Sophia’s hair before, I noticed the same aura in the villa as I found in Sophia’s. So, I traced it back there.”

“I broke his formation, which caused him to be backlashed. He couldn’t handle me and died on the spot.”

“I didn’t expect the body to be disposed of. His accomplices must have realized something was wrong and came to search for him. When they found him dead, they took care of the aftermath.”

“Today, I led the police there to use their hands to catch these people. We’ll just observe from the sidelines and see who’s connected to the Bennett family.”

Odalys spoke softly as she accepted the coffee Percival handed her.

The coffee was at the perfect temperature, not too hot. She took a small sip to soothe her throat, feeling much more relaxed.

“Also, after the elder died, Sophia was in backlash too. That’s why she had to target Finnian. Her talisman is new, meaning that after the elder died, she found someone else to help her.

“This person could have been assisting her from the shadows all along.

“The Bennett family knows about your condition. They knew you were dying, which is why they forced me to marry you. But the Bennett family’s status means they shouldn’t have had any direct contact with the Stewart family.” Odalys analyzed softly, her mind sharp and unfazed by all the twists and turns.

“I’ve looked into this. I didn’t expect that Hannah knew my mother over twenty years ago,” Percival said, his eyes narrowing. He hadn’t expected that investigating the Bennett family would lead him to his mother.

“Your mother knew her? That’s strange. Why would she reveal your condition to the Bennett family? Does she not want Sophia to marry you?” Odalys asked, puzzled.

It didn’t make sense that a mother, instead of caring for her son, would disclose his impending death to strangers.

“What does she gain by cutting off your engagement with the Bennett family? Preventing you from finding a wife? Ending the Stewart family’s bloodline? But the Stewart family isn’t lacking in money. Women are still eager to bear your children,” Odalys rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought.

She couldn’t make sense of it all.

What she didn’t notice was that Percival, listening to her words, had grown more serious. His face, usually calm, now bore an expression of quiet tension.

“I don’t need them to bear my children,” Percival’s voice dropped low and dangerous.

Odalys, who was usually so perceptive, didn’t pick up on his change in tone. She was too focused on trying to piece the puzzle together.

“Have you checked whether your mother has had recent contact with the Bennett family?” Odalys asked, her voice low.

She noticed that Percival had gone silent.

Turning to look at him, she found him sitting with his eyes closed, deep in thought. Concerned, she asked, “Are you okay? Let me check.”

She reached out to check his pulse, but Percival suddenly grabbed her hand, his eyes snapping open, his expression intense.

“I don’t need them to bear my children,” he repeated firmly. “Ah?” Odalys looked up, confused, not understanding where this sudden declaration was coming from.

The tension in the car thickened. Odalys shook off his grip and gently pressed her fingers to his wrist, checking his pulse. It seemed normal-there was no sign of discomfort. “Even if Sophia tries to ‘warm my bed, I will refuse,” Percival suddenly added.

Odalys raised her gaze in confusion, locking eyes with him. Percival, looking down with utmost seriousness, continued, “I won’t allow her to set foot in my house.”

“Ah?” Odalys was utterly lost.

She couldn’t fathom why Percival was saying all this, nor why he seemed upset, especially since it had nothing to do with what she’d asked. But he was insisting he wouldn’t have children with anyone else and wouldn’t let Sophia into his home.

Rubbing her neck, she looked at him curiously.

“The Bennett family used some money to bail Sophia out of the police station,” Percival said, meeting her confused gaze, his voice distant as he looked away.

Hearing that Sophia had been bailed out, a cold light flashed in Odalys’s eyes.

It seemed the Bennett family still wasn’t willing to let her go. After all, she had grown up as their pampered princess- no matter what trouble she got into, the Bennett family always took the fall for her.

A wry smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

“The Bennett family? I remember you said they were trying to team up with Oliver to get their hands on my emerald pendant? I haven’t had time to settle the score with them yet,” Odalys said with a small, amused smirk.

Leaning forward, she placed a hand on the back of the seat and turned to Callum. “Callum, please take me to the Bennett Villa. Thank you.”

Callum, glancing at Percival in the rearview mirror, nodded in his approval. “Understood.”

He quickly turned the car around and headed toward the Bennett Villa.

Chapter 245

The car fell silent again as Percival observed her, staring out the window, lost in thought.

“Are you hungry? How about we grab something to eat before we go?” Percival cleared his throat, softening his voice as he spoke to her.

Odalys reached for a pack of biscuits beside her, tearing it open and taking a small bite. “No need,” she said with a calm tone. “Let’s settle things with the Bennett family first. We’ll eat afterward.”

She chewed the biscuit slowly, the crisp, savory flavor spreading in her mouth. As she reached for another bite, Percival handed her a cup of coffee, and she drank two quick sips in succession.

The car finally pulled up in front of the Bennett Villa.

“I’ll handle this. You don’t need to follow me,” Odalys said as she opened the car door. As she moved to get out, Percival started to follow, but she quickly raised her hand to stop him.

Percival furrowed his brows, his voice low and husky. “You don’t want anyone to see us together?”

Though his tone was softer than usual, there was an unmistakable hint of displeasure.

Even Callum seemed confused. If it were any other woman, she’d be eager to flaunt her connection with Percival, but Odalys seemed intent on keeping a distance.

“It’s not that,” Odalys explained, her eyes narrowing slightly. The Bennett family has a wicked energy around them. It’s better if you stay out of this.”

Right now, the Bennett family was shrouded in a heavy, sinister aura, almost as though it would consume them entirely.

When she had left on the day of her arranged marriage, she had sensed that the malevolent energy was already starting to gather around them. But now, it had grown darker, more intense-almost too intense.

“This isn’t right,” she muttered, shaking her head. “This level of darkness… It’s not normal.”

“Wait,” Percival said quickly, grabbing her wrist as she started to step out of the car.

He held her hand firmly, not letting go.

Odalys turned to look at him in confusion. Percival, with a grave expression, passed her a file. “When you participated in that variety show, the Bennett family sent someone up the mountain, hoping to find your master. They likely wanted to kidnap him, but the terrain was unfamiliar, and their bodyguards were all wiped out.”

“If you go into the Bennett family now, they might not let you leave easily. And their goal isn’t just the emerald pendant you’re holding.” Percival’s voice was serious, laden with concern.

He had wanted to warn her last night, but hadn’t-she had been exhausted. But now, seeing her head straight for the Bennett Villa, he knew he had to speak up. Even if he stayed outside, he couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t be caught in their trap.

“I understand,” Odalys whispered, nodding slowly.

She had barely spoken the words when Percival released her wrist, though his worry didn’t fade.

As Odalys walked toward the villa, she couldn’t help but smirk internally. The Bennett family thought they could take her master? Ridiculous. They had no idea what they were dealing with. Her master might be old, but those bodyguards couldn’t even get near him.

The door to the Bennett Villa wasn’t even closed, and she could already hear Henry’s furious voice inside.

“That damn Odalys thinks just because she’s got some fame from that show, she can act like she’s untouchable? How dare she do this to you?”

Henry threw his coffee cup across the room, the sharp sound of it smashing against the floor echoing through the house.

Sophia sat there, her eyes swollen from crying, as she whimpered, “Forget it. She’s part of the Stewart family now. Of course, she’s going to look down on the Bennett family.” “She’s married into the Stewart family. Even if that old man is dying, she’s still the young mistress of the Stewart family. If she wanted to kill me, she could do it with ease.”

“I don’t want my brothers getting angry at her because of me. I can’t even go to the hospital anymore. She’s out to get revenge, so please don’t involve yourselves. I don’t want to drag you all into this.” Sophia’s voice faltered as she spoke. Hannah, sitting nearby, couldn’t hide the rage in her eyes. Does she really think we’re all dead?” she hissed. “She’s openly trying to suppress you-it’s an insult to the Bennett family’s honor! Go, right now, and call her. Tell her to get back here.”

Just as she finished speaking, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from outside.

Everyone froze, turning their heads in unison.

There, standing in the doorway, was Odalys. She wore rugged work pants and black combat boots, her posture confident and fearless. Her sharp features and piercing gaze locked onto them, the cold mockery clear in her eyes. “Well? What’s the matter? Cat got your tongues?” Odalys’ voice was icy, every word dripping with contempt.

She stepped forward, grabbing Sophia by the arm and yanking her off the couch. “Looks like I didn’t teach you enough of a lesson. You really think you can slander people just because you’re making things up?” she sneered.

Her actions stunned everyone into silence.

Hannah tried to get up, but she found herself unable to move. It felt like her legs were broken, her body unable to respond to her commands.

“Odalys, what do you think you’re doing? Let her go!” Hannah shouted, her voice filled with fury.

But before she could finish her sentence, Odalys slapped Sophia across the face. The crack of the impact was loud, and Sophia’s lip split open, blood trickling down her face as she was thrown to the floor.

Odalys clapped her hands, her gaze cold and commanding as she looked down at the fallen Sophia. “Well? No more words? I thought your skin was thick enough to keep talking, but now you’re silent.”

Sophia remained frozen, too stunned to respond. It was like the slap had knocked the wind out of her, and she couldn’t move or speak.

“Odalys, are you out of your mind? You can bully her outside, but here? In the house?” Henry bellowed, storming toward her.

He raised his hand, ready to strike, but before he could make contact, Odalys caught his wrist in one swift movement, her eyes freezing as she glared at him.

Henry froze, a chill running down his spine. His eyes widened in shock.

Before he could react, Odalys grabbed a fruit knife from the coffee table and drove it straight into his palm.

A sickening scream escaped Henry’s throat as the knife pierced through his hand, pinning it to the leather sofa. Blood gushed from his wound, dripping onto the couch, staining it red.

“Ah, you!” Atlas yelped, his face pale as he watched the blood pour from Henry’s hand.

The thick scent of iron flooded the room, making everyone’s stomach churn.

Hannah was speechless, her eyes burning with rage as she witnessed Odalys’ audacity. She almost couldn’t breathe from her fury.

“Odalys! You filthy bitch! You’ve severed all ties with the Bennett family, and yet you have the nerve to come back and hit us? You filthy whore, I swear I’ll kill you!” Hannah hissed, trying to lunge at her.

But her body, bruised and broken, refused to cooperate. She couldn’t even stand, let alone attack.

Henry, his hand impaled on the sofa, collapsed onto the floor, his eyes staring in disbelief at the knife embedded in his hand.

Was this a nightmare? Was Odalys really capable of doing this to him?

Chapter 246

“Was it you? You were the one who sent people up the mountain to kidnap my master, right?” Odalys yanked Henry’s hair back, forcing his face to lift toward hers. Her eyes locked onto his, cold and sharp.

Without warning, she kicked him.

Henry was sent flying, along with the knife still embedded in his hand. As he crashed, Sophia had just gotten up and was knocked back down, landing on top of him.

Sophia screamed as she was crushed beneath him, her forehead slamming into the stairs, pain twisting her face into an agonized expression.

Odalys flicked her wrist, the emerald pendant hanging in the air before her.

“Isn’t this what you want? You wanted my emerald pendant, right? It’s right here. If you’re brave enough, come take it.” She stood there, a sneer on her lips, as she planted one foot on the couch with an air of dominance that dared anyone to approach.

As soon as Hannah saw the pendant, her eyes gleamed with greed. She reached out, muttering, “Give it to me. Give me the emerald pendant.”

The moment she laid eyes on it, a strange sense of relief washed over her, as though some invisible weight had been lifted. It was as if she had been suffocating before, and now, with the pendant in sight, she felt reborn-she wanted it.

No, she needed it.

“None of you want it, huh? Well then, don’t blame me for taking it back.” Odalys laughed softly, tucking the pendant away.

She stood with her hands behind her back, her gaze icy as she turned her eyes on Atlas. He looked like he had been frozen in place, unable to meet her gaze.

Upstairs, Caspian heard the screams and stepped out of his room.

He stood at the top of the stairs, taking in the scene below. His eyes were drawn to Henry’s hand, the knife still embedded deep, blood seeping through and dripping onto the leather sofa.

He froze, gripping the railing as his entire body tensed. He hid himself in the shadows, unable to bring himself to descend.

“I’m telling you this once,” Odalys said coldly, her voice like a chilling warning. “If you don’t want to die, stay away from my master. This knife is just a lesson. You failed to kidnap him, so it only pierced your hand. But next time, if I find out you try again, the knife won’t stop at your hand-it’ll go straight for your throat.”

Her words were calm, but the threat hung heavy in the air, and everyone around her knew she meant every word.

She turned to Hannah. “And you, pretending to be innocent. You knew exactly what was going on. You used to lure Rafael on that show, didn’t you? And then you came home and seduced your own brother. The only reason you don’t mind it is because you’re too weak to stop it. And then you try to act like she’s the villain? What a joke.

Hannah felt her heart drop, her blood running cold.

Memories of Sophia returning, running into Henry’s arms, and clinging to him flooded her mind.

Then Atlas, pulling her close, kissed her cheek-two men comforting her, while Hannah stood by, helpless.

“You’re insane,” Hannah snapped. “She’s my daughter! There’s nothing wrong with her being close to her brother. I don’t know what kind of twisted ideas you have!”

Odalys’s gaze remained unflinching. “Whether your daughter seduces your son or not is none of my business. I’m here to warn you: keep your hands off my master. And don’t even think about going after Percival. I’ll kill you all if you do. A death is a death-it doesn’t matter who it is.”

Her voice was casual, as though she’d already taken lives before.

The others shuddered under her unyielding presence. She turned to leave, but after a few steps, she stopped, walked back to Henry, and kicked him hard.

“Did you hear me?” she asked, her voice low. “Next time, I’ll kill you.”

Henry, already trembling with fury and pain, was almost knocked unconscious by her blow.

His vision blurred as he tried to comprehend the situation. She was leaving, and there was nothing he could do to stop her.

“Odalys, get back here!” Henry roared in agony, but she didn’t even glance back.

She had come to make her point, and now she was gone. She didn’t care about their feelings-she had made it clear, and that was enough.

The Bennett family was left seething, their pride wounded by her defiance.

“Henry, are you Okay?” Sophia’s voice broke the silence, her hands shaking as she helped Henry up.

Atlas stood there, stunned, his mind racing to process what he had just heard.

“Henry, did you really send someone to kidnap Odalys’s master?”

He was taken aback, the shock of it settling in as he thought further. Odalys hadn’t done anything so egregious to warrant such drastic measures.

Her master had never even appeared, never interfered, and in fact, had raised Odalys with care.

Even when the Bennett family tried to claim her back, her master hadn’t stopped them. Yet, Henry had gone ahead and ordered her kidnapping. Atlas couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling in his gut, a strange discomfort gnawing at him.

“Atlas, do you know what’s going on? Henry’s been severely injured by Odalys, and she’s getting so arrogant because she thinks the Bennett family can’t rise up against her anymore?” Sophia said.

“We have surveillance. You need to call the police immediately-let’s sue her!” Sophia’s outburst came with a fury, her once-demure demeanor now gone, replaced with the fiery pain from the bruises left by Odalys’s attack.

It was a harsh reminder that, in Odalys’s eyes, she was just an impostor-the fake daughter of the Bennett family. Despite all their affection, to Odalys, Sophia was nothing. “The cameras are broken,” Atlas murmured as he approached the monitor, only to find that it was indeed malfunctioning.

A large piece of debris was lodged in the camera, clearly indicating that someone had deliberately shattered it. Atlas sank into the sofa, a cold, uncomfortable feeling spreading through him.

“Mom…” Atlas mumbled, feeling lost and helpless.

He had always been on the easy path, never having to make decisions for himself.

The Bennett family had always handled everything for him. But now, with everything falling apart, he had no idea what to do next.

“I’ll go find Caspian.” Atlas stood, ready to seek answers, and hurried up the stairs.

When he reached the hallway, he saw Caspian standing there, as if waiting for him. As Atlas approached, Caspian turned silently and began walking up the stairs. Atlas hesitated, but his lips parted.

“Don’t say anything foolish,” Caspian warned with a glance over his shoulder.

Atlas instinctively followed him, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on him.

Caspian entered his room and sat down without a word, and Atlas quickly followed him in, standing uncertainly at the door. There was a strange heaviness in the air. Everything felt like it was happening too fast for him to comprehend.

“You want to ask me why I didn’t stop Odalys when I saw her hurt someone, don’t you?” Caspian leaned against the bed, his voice calm, yet there was a sharpness to his gaze as he studied Atlas.

Atlas nodded, his voice barely audible, “Yes.”

Chapter 247

“Do you think Henry is in the right? Or do you think Sophia is?” Caspian asked again.

Atlas stood silent, unable to answer.

“She was bailed out by Henry through his connections, and when she came back home, she started accusing Odalys of framing her. But the video of her attacking someone in the hospital is all over the internet.”

“It was Sophia who attacked someone, and she claims Odalys made the hospital refuse her treatment. I had people look into it-Sophia was blacklisted by the hospital system. It has nothing to do with Odalys.”

“But she keeps saying it’s all Odalys’ fault, that Odalys is the one who framed her. Is it really that unfair for Odalys to fight back?” Caspian asked.

Atlas’s lips trembled, instinctively wanting to defend Sophia, but he found himself at a loss for words.

“Henry sent someone to kidnap Odalys’ master-tell me, what did her master do to deserve that? He kidnapped an innocent man. Is that fair to him?” Caspian pressed again. Atlas’ body swayed a bit. He felt a strange discomfort building inside him. His lips moved, but no sound came out. “I didn’t get involved in Henry’s kidnapping plan, and I had no idea Sophia was framing Odalys. So why did I step in to block the knife for them?

“I was stitched up over 300 times. Do you know why? Because I was attacked by someone in the hospital corridor. They were there to take revenge on Odalys.

“He warned me-if I ever bullied Odalys again, he’d kill me. I know it wasn’t a threat, it was a reminder. It doesn’t matter who Odalys is anymore.

“If you want to stay alive, you’d better stop getting involved in all this. Otherwise, you might not be as lucky as I was and just end up with a few hundred stitches.” Caspian waved his hand dismissively.

Atlas remained standing there, still in shock. Every word Caspian spoke made perfect sense, but Atlas couldn’t find any excuse to argue.

“Atlas,” Sophia’s voice came from downstairs.

She walked up, half of her face swollen from Odalys’ slap. She looked pitiful, her steps slow as she approached Atlas. When she saw him standing there without speaking, she hurried forward, lightly tugging on his arm.

Atlas instinctively pulled away, and her hand froze in mid-air.

“Atlas, are you afraid of me? Are you avoiding me?” Sophia asked, her voice laced with hurt..

She took a shaky step back, eyes filled with grievance as she stared at him.

Atlas opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words. His throat felt tight, and he clenched his fists, standing there in silence.

“What’s going on?” Caspian’s voice broke the tension.

He walked out of the room and saw Sophia standing there, her hair messy and tear streaks on her face, looking utterly pitiful. Her eyes were full of helplessness.

“Caspian, Odalys came back, and she… I don’t know what happened, but she just started hitting people. She slapped me, then attacked Henry with a knife. Now Henry’s hand is pierced.”

“I called an ambulance, but they hung up when they heard it was the Bennett family. I tried calling the police, but our number seems to be blacklisted. It feels like someone is targeting us. Henry’s hand is bleeding so badly. If we don’t get him treated, he might lose it.”

Sophia’s voice trembled as she spoke, biting her lip, tears welling up in her eyes.

Caspian said nothing. He just stood there, watching her.

“Caspian, you need to take Henry to the hospital,” Sophia urged him, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the stairs.

But as she turned, her body suddenly lurched, and she collapsed against Caspian’s back.

“Ugh!” she moaned softly, her body pressing against his.

Atlas, watching from behind, saw exactly what she was doing-falling into Caspian on purpose, even wrapping her arms around his waist.

In that moment, Atlas felt something die inside him.

His mind flashed back to the scene of Sophia sitting on Rafael’s lap, and he felt a surge of disgust.

“Sorry, I… I just got a little dizzy from the pain. My face hurts so much… Sorry.” Sophia quickly apologized, backing away.

Caspian only glanced at her briefly before turning to head downstairs.

Sophia watched him, feeling something inside her crack. Why was Caspian acting so indifferent? He hadn’t looked at her the way he used to. Something had changed.

“Caspian,” she called, biting her lip and hurrying after him. Caspian reached the downstairs, seeing Henry sitting there with a pale face, clutching his wrist. The fruit knife was still stuck in his palm, blood dripping from it.

“What happened? Henry, how did you get hurt?” Caspian asked, pretending to be clueless.

Henry bit his lip, the pain in his hand so intense he couldn’t even speak.

“Get Henry to the hospital now,” Hannah commanded urgently.

Caspian stood still for a moment before responding quietly, “Take him to the hospital? We’ve been kicked out. I’m not sure if they’ll even let us in.”

“The priority now is to get that knife out,” Caspian said calmly.

Henry looked at him, his gaze clouded with uncertainty. Caspian was still pretending to care, but there was no emotion in his eyes. Henry gritted his teeth, clutching his wrist.

“Find a private clinic. Odalys wants me dead,” Henry said, his voice strained, almost losing consciousness from the pain.

He stared at the knife in his hand, the chill creeping up his arm as he imagined his neck being cut next.

Who gave her the audacity to act this way?

“Yes, find a private clinic,” Sophia murmured in agreement.

Caspian listened to her, but then turned back to look at her with an unreadable expression. “You contact them, call and ask if they’ll take him.”

“Me?” Sophia didn’t expect him to leave it to her. She froze, a look of disbelief on her face.

“Yes, you’ve been the one worried about Henry all along. You’re the one who told me to take him to the hospital. I still have injuries, and if they don’t accept us, it’ll all be a waste,” Caspian replied.

Sophia stood there, wanting to refuse, but the eyes of everyone in the room were on her.

With no choice, she reluctantly made the call. After several attempts, only one shady clinic agreed to help. She scribbled down the address and handed the note to Caspian.

“Atlas, help Henry into the car,” Caspian ordered.

He took the car keys, and Sophia stayed behind, her eyes locked onto him. She felt as though Caspian could see right through her.

That was impossible.

She’d always played her cards well, teasing each of the brothers with ambiguity, making them think she liked them.

She thought that would be enough to reel them all in, but now Caspian wasn’t buying into it anymore.

Sophia’s heart raced, far more afraid of being exposed by him than of her slap-marked face.

Chapter 248

“Let’s go,” Henry gritted his teeth, still leaning on Atlas for support as he stood up.

Caspian, holding the car keys, strode out confidently. Sophia tried to follow but froze in place at the cold, dismissive glance he shot her.

“Just stay behind,” Caspian said, his tone flat and indifferent.

Those few words were enough to make Sophia break down. She gasped, tears streaming down her face as her body trembled, and she ran into Hannah’s arms.

“Mom, what’s wrong with Caspian? Why is he targeting me? What did I do wrong?” Sophia sobbed, clutching the fabric of Hannah’s dress, shaking it with desperation.

Hannah, still recovering from her leg injury, winced in pain as Sophia collapsed onto her. The pressure made her eyes redden with pain.

“You’re crushing my leg,” Hannah hissed through gritted teeth.

Sophia froze, pulling away quickly. She looked at Hannah, now drenched in sweat from the pain, and knelt helplessly, murmuring, “It’s all Odalys’ fault. Why did she have to come back?”

“She came home and beat me, stabbed Henry, and now I’ve hurt you, too. It’s all her fault! She’s nothing but a disaster!” Sophia ranted, her anger escalating.

She didn’t notice the sharp, calculating gaze Hannah had fixed on her.

When their eyes met, Sophia felt a sudden pang of unease.

“Mom, what’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?” Sophia asked nervously.

Hannah scrutinized her, then finally spoke, her voice low and measured, “Sophia, remember the time you burned that rune potion for Finnian on the show?”

She paused, then asked with a chill in her voice, “Where did that talisman come from?”

Sophia’s heart skipped a beat, and she froze. She opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat.

“Mom, I…” she stammered, panic rising.

Her mind raced, unable to process the implications of Hannah’s question. She had never thought it would come to this-her secret actions now exposed to her mother.

“If only we had that talisman,” Hannah mused darkly. “We could get you into the Stewart family.”

Sophia’s mind reeled. Her mother was suggesting something far beyond anything she’d imagined.

“The Stewart family?” she whispered, her voice filled with confusion and disbelief.

Sophia still didn’t fully comprehend, her mind still spinning. What do you mean, Mom?”

He had expected harsh scolding and furious accusations, but to his shock, Hannah set her sights on the Stewart family instead.

“Odalys is only thriving because she was supposed to marry into the Stewart family in your place. That man in the Stewart family won’t last more than half a month, so we need to act before he dies and secure your position,” Hannah declared, her tone brimming with calculated intent. “As long as you manage to conceive an heir for the Stewart family, their wealth and influence will be at our disposal. Right now, your reputation is in shambles, and the Bennett Group is being crushed. There’s no way to clear your name. “Climbing higher is our only option. If we can tie the Stewart family to us, we’ll control everything,” Hannah murmured, the spark of ambition igniting in her eyes, as though conquering the summit of power needed nothing more than Sophia’s cooperation.

“But, Mother…” Sophia stammered, her lips trembling. She tried to find the words to express her unease, but Hannah silenced her with a sharp interruption.

“Go buy more talismans immediately. Tomorrow, we’ll find an excuse to visit the Stewart family. I’d like to see if Odalys can keep up her arrogance for much longer,” Hannah said, her voice laced with venomous determination, the murderous intent barely concealed.

Hannah’s hatred burned fiercely, especially after witnessing Odalys stand in the Bennett family’s living room with an air of superiority, slapping Sophia, injuring Henry, and casting her a disdainful glance that cut deeper than any blade. Odalys had exuded a chilling, almost otherworldly presence, as though she were the sole ruler of her domain.

That aura drove Hannah mad. She couldn’t tolerate anyone stronger than herself. And if there was someone, she’d ensure their downfall-even if that person was her own daughter.

“Yes, of course,” Sophia said, unable to suppress the gleeful smile curling her lips.

She hadn’t expected Hannah to openly instruct her to buy talismans.

Previously, she had worried about finding an excuse, but now that the matter was out in the open, she would seize this opportunity.

Climbing to her feet despite the sting on her face, Sophia turned to leave but was stopped by Hannah’s sharp voice.

“Sophia.”

Sophia froze, the smile still lingering as she turned back in confusion.

“Why is your skirt wet? The floor reeks of urine,” Hannah asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Sophia stiffened, her cheeks flushing. “I… It’s because of Odalys! She hit me so hard it must’ve dislocated my pelvis. I even tried to get checked at the hospital, but they threw me out, and she got the police to lock me up!” she whined, her voice dripping with grievance.

After being crushed by the massive python, her entire body ached, and her bones felt out of place, leaving her with what seemed to be incontinence.

Yet, she pinned all the blame squarely on Odalys. After all, what was the point of accusing a snake? Instead, she saw an opportunity to shift all the focus-and all the blame- onto Odalys.

“That vile girl… If we don’t teach her a lesson, she’ll truly think she’s untouchable!” Hannah spat, her fury rattling in her chest as she let out a hacking cough.

Sophia smirked inwardly, satisfied with the reaction.

She quickly climbed the stairs to change, grabbed her car keys, and left the Bennett Villa in haste.

As her car disappeared, Hannah’s calculating expression hardened. “Follow her. See where she goes, who she meets, and how she gets those talismans,” she instructed coldly. “Understood,” a bodyguard replied.

Hannah watched Sophia’s retreating figure with a mocking sneer. “Did she really think I’d pave the way for her? She ought to look in the mirror and see what she really is,” Hannah muttered disdainfully.

“If there’s a prize for conquering the Stewart family, why shouldn’t it go to me?” she murmured, her lips curling into a cunning smile.

For Hannah, it didn’t matter which Stewart heir-Evander or Percival-she seduced. Either way, it would secure her a future of power and prestige.

She raised her hand gracefully, and a bodyguard stepped forward to assist her upstairs.

Sophia, oblivious to Hannah’s schemes, drove cautiously. Noticing a car trailing her, she stopped at a corner, parked, and vanished into the shadows.

“She escaped,” the bodyguard muttered, staring at the abandoned car.

After inspecting the vehicle and finding no sign of Sophia, he tightened his grip on his phone and reported, “Madam, Sophia’s gone.”

“That’s fine,” Hannah replied coolly. “Just intercept her on the way back and take whatever she’s carrying.’

Her tone was devoid of any motherly affection, as though Sophia were no more than a pawn on a chessboard.

*****

Meanwhile, outside the Bennett Villa, Odalys shook her hand and shot a cold glance at the others before she turned to walk out.

The Porsche Cayenne was waiting outside. Callum, leaning casually against the driver’s side door, was engrossed in his phone. Odalys walked past him and opened the back door.

Inside, Percival sat, his imposing figure radiating a commanding presence that filled the car with an almost tangible pressure.

Her lips curled into a smile. Just moments ago, he had been following her, waiting outside while she entered the Bennett Villa. He was ready to act when Henry raised his hand against her.

Chapter 249

And now, Percival sat in the car, as if he had never set foot inside the Bennett Villa.

“Finished?” Odalys’ eyes lingered on him, watching him as he slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze sweeping over her. He reached out and gripped her wrist, helping her into the car beside him.

Odalys settled in next to him, her smile still playing at the corners of her lips.

“Feeling good?” Percival raised an eyebrow.

The smile in her eyes deepened as Percival’s lips tightened, and he finally asked, “You didn’t… do something to them, did you?”

“A little trick here and there. I tapped into what Sophia and Hannah both desire most deep down. Those two are masters of playing pretend, so I decided to drag those dirty thoughts out into the light,” Odalys murmured softly.

Percival frowned slightly at her words. After a pause, he asked in a low voice, “You want them to fight each other?” “Exactly.” Odalys nodded, her eyes lifting to the direction of the Bennett Villa.

The atmosphere around it had changed-heavy, suffocating, almost as if the very roof was about to collapse under the weight of dark energy. That thick, wicked aura, all she needed was a little nudge, and they would be tearing each other apart for quite some time. “I left the Bennett Villa not long ago, and it was just eerie, but coming back today, I find the wicked energy is suffocating. It’s a presence I recognize-the very same energy that was siphoned from the Stewart family.”

She paused for a moment, letting the tension build before continuing, “It means when we blew up that old tailor’s grandson’s grave, we broke the Stewart family’s wicked energy. What’s worse, the fragmented energy from the Stewart family is now gathering here.”

“That means the clothes they made passed through the Bennett family’s hands. And when the Stewart family was overwhelmed by wicked energy, the Bennett family benefited from it.”

“Check if the Bennett family has started turning things around since your father’s incident,” Odalys added in a low murmur.

Callum, sitting at the driver’s seat, immediately grabbed his iPad and started searching. A few moments later, he exhaled sharply. “It’s true. After Mr. Stewart’s incident, the Bennett family’s variety show-the one they had been pushing-blew up.

Percival’s eyes darkened dangerously. He lifted his gaze towards the Bennett Villa, bloodlust flashing across his face like a storm brewing.

“The Bennett family couldn’t possibly be the mastermind,” Percival said, his voice low and thick. “They’re probably pawns, just like that tailor. Used by someone else to strike at the Stewart family. Even if the Stewart family catches on, they won’t be able to trace the true culprit.”

“It means that, after we blew up that grave and the Stewart family’s wicked energy broke apart, it converged here. Does this mean the Bennett family is about to face the same suffering the Stewart family once endured?” Percival suppressed his fury, trying to get his thoughts straight. Odalys reached for her coffee and took a small sip, unfazed.

“Exactly. That’s why the Bennett family is in for even worse luck now. And I just purposely injured Henry’s hand-his blood flew into the air, mixing with the wicked energy.

“Even if someone tries to reverse this, to bring the energy back to the Stewart family, it will backfire. Now that the wicked energy has absorbed Henry’s blood, it’s fused with the Bennett family. Unless they’re powerful enough, they won’t be able to break this.”

“Everything I’ve done is carefully calculated,” Odalys said, her voice soft but resolute.

Percival raised an eyebrow. “The Bennett family has been in contact with Oliver, trying to take the emerald pendant from you. If they find out their luck is being affected, they’ll likely hurry to deal with you. You’re walking into the storm, Odalys.”

Odalys shrugged, her expression indifferent. “Oliver is no match for me. If he tries to deal with me, he’ll be courting death.”

She paused for a moment, her voice dropping lower. “I led the police to that villa today. They’ll probably dig into it and find something soon. Anyone connected to that place will start to panic.

“Let’s see if anyone gets desperate enough to turn to people who can read energy fields or practice magic. Some might even come looking for me.”

Percival nodded in agreement. “I’ve already stationed people at that villa. As for the families on the list, our people are keeping an eye on them too. We’ll see if anyone makes a move against them-or if they retaliate against others.

Everything was in his control. If he moved, it would shift everything.

“Odalys,” Percival spoke her name, his voice deep and serious. She turned to face him, raising an eyebrow, her voice dropping as she added, “I’m glad I didn’t make a move on you. Otherwise, I’m sure you could kill me with a snap of your fingers.”

Her words hung in the air for a moment before Percival reached out, gently tilting her chin upwards to meet his gaze.

The tension between them thickened. The air in the car seemed to freeze as their eyes locked. The beat of their hearts echoed in the stillness, and Odalys found her reflection in the depth of his eyes.

“Afraid of me?” Percival’s voice was low, almost a growl.

Odalys quickly turned her head, as though the tension was too much to bear. She grabbed her coffee and took a sip, trying to shake off the feeling. Her fingers brushed against his chest, and she smirked. “Your heart’s beating a little too fast. You should get that checked. Could be heart disease.”

Percival fell silent, his lips pressing into a thin line. He shifted his focus outside the car, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

As the car sped towards the Stewart Villa, Callum occasionally glanced in the rearview mirror. He noticed Odalys picking at something while Percival frowned, before reluctantly reaching out to peel a few nuts for her. Suddenly, her phone buzzed. Percival glanced at the screen. It was a call from the Stewart family. He answered it quickly.

Before he could speak, Evander’s voice rushed through the line, urgent and concerned. “Percival, how’s it going? Have you picked up Odalys? Dorian said you two haven’t come back for dinner.’

“Odalys is still growing, Evander. Make sure she’s eating on time, don’t let her starve.” Evander’s voice was sharp, almost as if accusing Percival of neglect.

Percival sighed, rubbing his temples. “Grandfather, we’re handling something, but we’re on our way home now. Dorian’s already prepared dinner. We’ll eat as soon as we get back.

“Evander.” As Odalys heard his voice on the other end of the call, she leaned in eagerly, her tone softening unconsciously.

Hearing her voice melted Evander’s heart instantly.

“I’m here, I’m right here. Don’t worry. If that guy dares to let you go hungry, I’ll make sure he regrets it,” Evander said. Seriously, his protective nature is evident.

Odalys leaned in, her voice soft but teasing. “I was just out with him at the Bennett family. He was covering for me.”

“To the Bennett family?” Evander’s voice instantly grew tense. “What happened? Did they cause trouble?” Odalys couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at his concern.

She was trying hard to keep a straight face, feeling the weight of her words, yet wanting to laugh all the same.

Chapter 250

“No, I just wasn’t feeling well today, so I went to the Bennett family to blow off some steam. It was an accident that I slapped Sophia, and I kind of stabbed Henry’s palm with a fruit knife,” Odalys whispered.

The phone line went silent.

Evander, who had been sipping coffee, choked on it.

He coughed a few times, then grabbed the phone, his voice trembling with excitement as he said, “Good job. That’s how it’s done. If anything happens, grandpa’s got your back.” “A small fry like the Bennett family? If they dare to make you uncomfortable, we, the Stewart family, will just make them disappear,” Evander’s tone was nothing short of arrogant.

Percival, who had been listening intently, furrowed his brows in irritation.

He clicked the phone to speaker mode and threw it onto the nearby table, growling in a low voice, “Grandpa, the Stewart family is a law-abiding citizen.”

“You? A law-abiding citizen?” Evander scoffed, not sparing Percival any face.

Odalys, who had been feeling a bit bored, immediately perked up at the conversation.

“What’s this about?” Odalys leaned closer to the phone.

Percival glanced at her, his lips tight as he saw her mischievous smile. It was obvious she was enjoying this gossip. He could only shake his head and feel that the combination of an elderly man and a young woman was truly a pair of troublemakers.

“A few days ago, Caspian bought trending topics claiming you were being kept by someone and exposed your scandal.”

“He found out, so he rushed to the hospital that night. Outside Hannah’s room, he intentionally opened the door, had Caspian beaten half to death, and set the dogs on him,” Evander casually spilled the beans.

“He got over 300 stitches, but didn’t dare to make a sound.”

Odalys gasped. She knew Caspian was hurt, but she hadn’t known it happened this way.

She glanced at Percival, who turned his head away, closing his eyes as if pretending not to understand.

“That really happened?” Odalys couldn’t help but laugh. “Otherwise, why do you think the hospital suddenly stopped accepting the Bennett family? It’s because that brat and Orson thought you were wronged and took it out on them. They even used an ambulance to throw him back to the Bennett Villa that night,” Evander continued.

“That’s why no one is talking about it, and I’m dying to tell someone. Don’t worry, I’m not missing any opportunity to gloat,” Evander said proudly.

Odalys, with a mischievous smile, replied, “So, this has to do with Mr. Stewart?”

Evander chuckled. “Of course. That brat is terrified of his wife. Don’t fear him. If he dares to cross you, just let grandpa know.”

Odalys burst out laughing.

Percival snatched the phone away and hung it up abruptly.

Watching Odalys’ face blush with laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement, Percival’s lips tightened, and he gave her a sidelong glance.

“Don’t listen to grandpa’s nonsense,” Percival said seriously. Odalys quickly nodded, and her phone screen lit up with a message from Evander on WhatsApp. She glanced at it and read the message, her lips curling in amusement.

“Let’s talk tonight, so he doesn’t find out,” Evander had texted.

Percival narrowed his eyes as he watched the two of them whispering in secrecy. He saw Odalys send an “OK” and Evander reply with a facepalm emoji.

He fell silent. He could handle everything except for Evander.

Evander had just crushed his carefully cultivated image in that single moment.

Callum, driving the car, nearly burst out laughing but managed to control himself, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as his lips twitched in a smile.

The sports car headed toward the Stewart Villa.

Odalys, still holding her phone, seemed to remember something and spoke quietly, “After my little scene at the Bennett family tonight, Sophia will definitely be cornered. “She tried to use the Love Spell to trap Finnian, but she’s not content with that. She’ll probably try to get her hands on more Love Spells.

“When I slapped her, I embedded a talisman in her face, triggering the chaos inside her. As soon as she seeks out someone knowledgeable in the occult for more Love Spells, I’ll sense it,” Odalys murmured.

She thought it was important to tell Percival in advance. After all, with Sophia’s current state of madness, she’d likely try to target wealthy men, and Percival would probably become her next target.

“Mm.” Percival’s voice was low and calm.

Odalys watched his composed expression, slightly puzzled. Callum, noticing her confusion, turned the steering wheel toward the Stewart Villa and explained, “Don’t worry, Mr. Stewart has already assigned people to keep watch.”

“Our team has split into two directions. We’ve confirmed that Sophia is indeed driving out alone, and Caspian has taken Henry to the black clinic. Both situations are under control,” Callum reported.

Odalys fell silent, satisfied with the information.

At that moment, the car pulled up outside the Stewart Villa, and Dorian, who had been waiting outside, rushed over as soon as the luxury car appeared. The elderly man quickly opened the car door with respect.

“Mrs. Stewart,” Dorian said, his eyes red.

It had only been a week since they’d last seen each other, but now that she was back, Dorian’s emotions overwhelmed him.

Odalys stepped out of the car and noticed Dorian’s red eyes. She raised an eyebrow in concern. “Dorian, are you okay? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s just… seeing Mrs. Stewart again, I’m so happy,” Dorian said, trying to compose himself.

Earlier, he and Evander had been talking about how Percival had finally married, and how, after almost dying, Percival’s poison had been suppressed. They felt so proud of him. Seeing him and Odalys together made them wish they could hug their great-grandchild immediately.

Odalys smiled and said softly, “Happy as you are, don’t drink too much secretly.”

Dorian quickly covered his mouth, nodding in understanding.

“Are you hungry? Let’s go eat first,” Percival said, stepping out of the car and walking toward Odalys.

They walked side by side, and Odalys glanced up at the tall figure of the man beside her. Her expression flickered with something else-she had felt his unstable breathing in the car earlier.

Yet, he didn’t speak a word about his condition. The medication she gave him could only suppress it for a week. Under normal circumstances, anyone would have been panicking, but Percival remained as composed as ever.

If it weren’t for her sharp senses, she might have believed he wasn’t sick at all.

“Dorian, go prepare something for me,” Odalys turned and whispered to Dorian.

Dorian, hearing her request, could almost guess that Percival’s poison might be acting up soon.

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