Betrayed, Yet Bound To The Billionaire by Grace Madeline (Chapters 331 to 340)

Chapter 331

Since Edie was still considered part of the Stewart family, this matter needed Percival’s decision.

“In that case, inform her about it, and then let the Bennett family know. Make sure they understand that Hannah’s old friend is pregnant with her son’s child,” Percival said coldly. He no longer considered Edie his mother, so her reputation was of no concern to him.

However, Edie still did not understand this and assumed the Stewart family would not abandon her.

“Understood,” Orson replied in a low voice, his mischievous smile undiminished.

He glanced at Percival, then lowered his voice. “Odalys really knows how to work the spotlight. During her livestream, 700 million people tuned in.

“Now, the trending topics online are all about her stream! Her followers on Twitter have increased by 600 million, with everyone rushing to follow her.”

“With her popularity skyrocketing, you’d better hold on tight, or someone might try to steal her away,” Orson added with a playful reminder.

Although he knew Odalys wasn’t the type to be fickle, Orson still felt compelled to say something.

“It seems you have time to meddle in others’ affairs. Need something to do?” Percival raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased with the gossip about Odalys.

“No, no, I’m busy enough. I’m out of here,” Orson quickly backed off, raising his hands in surrender.

As he turned to leave, he slipped away without looking back.

Percival held his phone, and he thought of Odalys. After a moment, he walked to his car. Just as he was getting in, Lee approached and lightly knocked on his car window.

Percival opened the car door, and Lee got in.

“Mr. Stewart, we’ve uncovered the problem! A large number of insiders within the bureau have been aiding these activities. Some are senior officials, while others are newer recruits. It’s a tangled web, and I haven’t reported this to my superiors yet.”

Lee clenched his fists. “The network is so intricate that any slight movement in the bureau would tip them off. They would already be on the run before we could take action.” They were supposed to serve the people, but now it seemed they were unwittingly opening back doors for criminals.

The more Lee thought about it, the angrier he became. He knew the world was unfair, but without someone like Percival standing up, uncovering such corruption would have been nearly impossible.

“No rush. Take your time removing them. Reassign the newer recruits and deal with the others afterward,” Percival said calmly.

The Stewart family wasn’t solely in business. They also held significant influence in politics. For Percival, these people were nothing. They were insignificant and easy to handle.

“Understood,” Lee replied, finally feeling a sense of relief. As long as they had backing from someone in power, dealing with these individuals wouldn’t be a problem. “I’ll have someone give you an official pass shortly. You won’t need to seek approval from higher-ups, and it will ensure no leaks occur,” Percival added.

Lee listened, feeling a little overwhelmed by the favor.

“Thank you, Mr. Stewart,” he said softly.

As he looked at Percival, memories of the rumors about his supposed death surfaced.

Back then, the news had caused quite a stir, with many even daring to target the Stewart family. Lee had believed something serious had happened until now, seeing Percival in person and understanding what it meant to be a true leader.

Percival stood at the pinnacle, commanding the entire situation as if he had laid a massive trap, waiting for those with ill intentions to fall into it.

With a complex expression, Lee gently closed the car door behind him. Still, he felt an unprecedented sense of joy. Since meeting Odalys, it was as if the world had started to change.

Justice would surely open its arms to the people again, restoring peace and stability. It had to.

*****

At Bennett Villa, the atmosphere was tense.

Early in the morning, the entire family had gathered in the living room, not daring to make a sound. Henry had been arrested the previous night, and it was Atlas who had secured his release.

“Henry, why would you get involved with an older woman?” Atlas finally snapped, unable to hold back his frustration.

The thought of Edie, widowed for so many years, now tangled with Henry, was beyond his comprehension.

Henry’s face darkened as flashes of last night’s scene with Odalys, livestreaming the event replayed in his mind. The memory alone made him furious.

Now, being interrogated by Atlas, he clenched his fists tightly.

“Exactly, Henry! Why would you get involved with her? You knew she was Odalys’s mother-in-law. Even if you wanted resources, you shouldn’t have entangled with her,” Caspian chimed in, fanning the flames.

The tension in the room rose again.

Sophia sat silently to the side, her head lowered as if deep in thought. She didn’t say a word but tightly clenched her hands, as though waiting for someone.

Hannah sat there, her usual arrogance gone.

The thought of her old friend sleeping with Henry disgusted her. She even found herself regretting giving birth to Henry.

“What is this?” Atlas’s sudden shout broke the silence.

His expression shifted dramatically as he connected his phone to the large TV screen. Moments later, the screen lit up, displaying startling footage.

“Isn’t that Lucian? He was arrested after his last show. What’s he doing in a hotel now?”,

“Wait, is this Odalys’s livestream? Why was she at the hotel?”

“Hang on, those men in the room. Aren’t they shareholders of our company?”

The family erupted into chaos, staring at the screen in disbelief.

The familiar faces of the shareholders appeared, disheveled and sprawled on the bed, avoiding the camera. The lens stayed fixed on them until they tried to escape, only to be stopped by people outside.

Then, the police entered the room, verifying their identities. “Henry, why were these shareholders fooling around with Lucian in a hotel?” Atlas asked, stunned.

While he wasn’t close to the shareholders, Henry certainly was, given his role as the company’s heir. He interacted with the shareholders frequently.

All eyes turned to Henry, who was utterly dumbfounded.

Just last night, he had been humiliated by Odalys’s livestream exposing his involvement with Edie. Now, his shareholders were caught in another livestream scandal involving Lucian.

This was the end. The Bennett Group was doomed.

“I…” Henry’s face turned ashen, his voice faltering.

For the first time, he felt completely powerless. Since Odalys’s arranged marriage, his downfall seemed inevitable. Caspian asked, “Why are these shareholders messing around with Lucian? Do they have connections with Lucian’s boss? But they’re shareholders of our company.”

He continued, “Our shareholders are cozying up to the boss of a competing company. Henry, what have you all been up to? Have you been transferring company assets or resources?”

Though Caspian hadn’t taken over the Bennett Group, that didn’t mean he would sit idly by while Henry drained their resources.

If the resources were transferred, it would also mean the assets were gone.

Without assets, the Bennett Group would be nothing but an empty shell, leaving them with nothing. No money meant no status, no luxurious lifestyle, and no indulgent feasts

Without wealth, they wouldn’t survive in elite circles.

Chapter 332

Humans were practical creatures. Once the money was gone, friendships would break down.

“Lucian has been released. Could he be planning to frame us?” Sophia suddenly spoke up.

Her eyes turned wet as she timidly looked at them, biting her lip before cautiously continuing, “Lucian tried to set me up and Atlas before. He might claim we were the ones who ordered him to target Odalys.”

“Now that he’s out, could he become a threat to us?” she asked softly.

She now prioritized her safety.

The fate of the Bennett Group was of little concern as long as she remained unaffected.

Her words cast a heavy silence over the room.

Hannah was so angry that she hurriedly swallowed several heart medication pills.

Even so, her hands continued to shake violently as disappointment filled her gaze while looking at Henry. Hearing Sophia’s remarks only deepened her heartbreak. The Bennett Group was on the brink of collapse, yet her daughter cared only about whether Lucian would retaliate against her.

“Enough,” Hannah said coldly, her voice carrying a sharp edge.

She hurled her water cup at Sophia’s feet, causing it to shatter into pieces.

Sophia froze, disbelief written all over her face as she stared at her mother. Her mind went blank. Hannah had always doted on her. That affection had ensured her brothers’ acceptance of her presence in the family.

But now, her mother seemed to turn against her.

Sophia snapped, “Mom, you yelled at me? You threw something at me! You raised me with your own hands. But you want to isolate me like everyone else when something goes wrong?

“Last time, you told me to contact someone to buy Love Spells. I got scammed and ended up falling for their trap. That man ruined my dignity and reputation.”

She added, “You didn’t comfort me at all. Instead, you blamed me for everything, making me bear it all!

“What did I do wrong tonight? I was worried that Lucian would hurt the Bennett Group. How is that a mistake? You think I’m useless, and Odalys has secured her place in the Stewart family. So, you’re turning to her!”

Sophia continued, “Don’t forget you told me not to marry. You said that if Percival died, I wouldn’t have a foothold in the family and might even be buried alongside him. Those were your words.

“And now that Percival is gone, Odalys is still protected by the Stewart family. So you’re angry, and you’re taking it out on me! What did I do wrong? Would you be happy if I died?” Sophia’s emotions spiraled out of control.

She stood up abruptly and strode toward the coffee table.

Everyone else stood there in stunned disbelief. This was the first time they’d seen Sophia lose her temper so fiercely. The girl who once seemed mild-mannered and composed now appeared utterly transformed.

“Sophia, what are you doing? Put down the knife!” Atlas exclaimed in panic.

He jumped up from the sofa, rushing toward her in alarm.

The rest of the family held their breath, their eyes fixed on the blade now glinting in Sophia’s trembling hand. Just as someone tried to speak, Sophia raised the knife without hesitation and slashed it across her arm.

“Sophia, stop!”

“Put down the knife!”

Caspian and Henry shouted in unison, their voices echoing in the tense room.

Hannah watched, her expression unreadable, as Sophia suddenly raised a knife and slashed it across her own wrist. Blood splattered into the air.

“You…” Hannah was visibly shaken.

She had thought Sophia was too cowardly to take such drastic action, but seeing her actually harm herself left her stunned.

Hannah stared at Sophia in disbelief. Sophia was drenched in her own blood and let out a mirthless, bitter laugh.

With the knife still in hand, Sophia pressed the bloodied blade against the side of her neck, its sharp edge glinting coldly.

“So you all want me dead? Fine, I’ll grant your wish!” Sophia bit her lip, her tear-filled eyes scanning the room.

Blood continued to seep from the wound on her wrist, dripping onto the floor.

The air in Bennett Villa was filled with the metallic scent of blood. The droplets trickled down the blade and fell to the ground as she tightened her grip.

Before anyone could react, the main door was kicked open.

A burlap sack was hurled inside, landing with a heavy thud. Sophia froze mid-action. She looked at the others’ terrified and anxious faces. She then smirked.

She had no intention of actually ending her life. It was merely a ploy to frighten others and keep them in line.

But just as she steadied herself, something charged at her with force. Sophia was knocked off her feet, crashing to the ground with a loud thud. The knife clattered to the floor beside her.

“Ouch! It hurts!” Sophia groaned in pain.

Something was pressing down on her. She struggled to push it away, but the pain in her recently cut wrist shot through her. Her vision went black, and she almost fainted.

Then, several more burlap sacks were tossed into the room. Atlas watched as the sacks hit the ground, something alive writhing within.

“What are those?” Atlas was scared out of his wits.

Henry’s brows furrowed as he exchanged a glance with Hannah.

“They seem to be alive,” Caspian said.

He picked up the knife Sophia had dropped and, gripping it firmly, approached one of the sacks. With a quick motion, he cut it open.

A scruffy, unshaven face was revealed. Caspian froze in shock. After a moment of hesitation, he exclaimed, “Isn’t this Uncle Federick?”

“Uncle Federick?” Atlas also rushed forward.

He yanked a gag out of the man’s mouth, his face twisting in disbelief as he recognized him.

“This… Mr. Atkinson?”

“Mr. Lang?”

“Mr. Cross?”

“Mr. Shepherd?”

As the sacks were opened one by one, Federick emerged, and the others were the Bennett Group’s board of shareholders.

The room fell into a stunned silence. The air grew heavy as everyone stared at the men crawling out of the sacks. The shock rendered them speechless.

“Where are we?” one of the shareholders, Gethin Shepherd, asked weakly.

Sophia’s wrist was slit, and she thought she would receive their concern. But unexpectedly, these men stole the spotlight.

She was utterly frustrated and stared at these people.

Federick said, “Hannah, you need to seek justice for me! Damn it! The Stewart family is a real piece of work! All I did was try to seduce their butler, and what did I get?

“They gave me 600 thousand dollars as they had promised. But then they tied me up and dumped me! And now they’ve taken the money back!”

He spat on the floor and struggled to stand.

“Shut up.” Hannah was startled.

She never expected Federick to survive, let alone walk into the living room. The fury in her chest made her breath quicken.

Federick retorted, “Shut up? Why should I? I’m injured! You should take your sons and storm the Stewart family to demand justice! This is all Odalys’s fault. That bitch!”

He added, “Your daughter dragged people into the room to beat me up! It was her idea to have me tied up and left for dead. My whole body hurts.”

Henry sat in silence, his deep gaze sweeping over the disheveled group.

“You were all at the Monolith Hotel. You got into trouble and then ended up being delivered to Bennett Villa,” Henry suddenly said.

He fixed his gaze on the shareholders. “You had sex with Lucian, and it was streamed live.”

“I remember when the police came to arrest people, you weren’t detained. Instead, you were sent here,” Henry said hoarsely.

The shareholders, who were just about to curse him for mentioning their scandal with Lucian, froze when they heard his last sentence. Their faces turned pale. “Something’s wrong. Close the door quickly!” Henry ordered. But he was too slow. Outside, a swarm of reporters had already gathered.

They surged forward, pouring into Bennett Villa. The disheveled living room came into view, revealing the barefoot men lounging about, along with those involved in the scandal with Lucian.

“Mrs. Bennett, that pervert just called you ‘Hannah. What is your relationship with him?”

“These men appear to have improper relationships with Lucian. How long has this been going on?”

“It’s said you’re all shareholders of Bennett Group. You committed crimes but weren’t arrested. Does this mean Bennett Group has powerful backing, so strong that even the police give you face?”

“Lucian isn’t even an employee of Bennett Group. But as shareholders, you’re involved with a male artist from another company. Does this mean Bennett Group and that company have improper business dealings?”

The reporters’ questions pushed the Bennett family into the eye of the storm.

Henry’s hands clenched into fists, his grip on the sofa’s armrest tightening. The constant flashes from the cameras. blinded him, leaving him feeling lost in a haze.

“Sophia, it’s said you aren’t even part of the Bennett family. Why is your surname Bennett, while the real Bennett

Chapter 333

He fixed his gaze on the shareholders. “You had sex with Lucian, and it was streamed live.”

“I remember when the police came to arrest people, you weren’t detained. Instead, you were sent here,” Henry said hoarsely.

The shareholders, who were just about to curse him for mentioning their scandal with Lucian, froze when they heard his last sentence. Their faces turned pale.

“Something’s wrong. Close the door quickly!” Henry ordered. But he was too slow. Outside, a swarm of reporters had already gathered.

They surged forward, pouring into Bennett Villa. The disheveled living room came into view, revealing the barefoot men lounging about, along with those involved in the scandal with Lucian.

“Mrs. Bennett, that pervert just called you ‘Hannah. What is your relationship with him?”

“These men appear to have improper relationships with Lucian. How long has this been going on?”

“It’s said you’re all shareholders of Bennett Group. You committed crimes but weren’t arrested. Does this mean Bennett Group has powerful backing, so strong that even the police give you face?”

“Lucian isn’t even an employee of Bennett Group. But as shareholders, you’re involved with a male artist from another company. Does this mean Bennett Group and that company have improper business dealings?”

The reporters’ questions pushed the Bennett family into the eye of the storm.

Henry’s hands clenched into fists, his grip on the sofa’s armrest tightening. The constant flashes from the cameras blinded him, leaving him feeling lost in a haze.

“Sophia, it’s said you aren’t even part of the Bennett family. Why is your surname Bennett, while the real Bennett daughter’s surname is Stone? Did you have some improper dealings to join the Bennett family?”

“The men of the Bennett family all defend you. Have you slept with them?”

The questions were vulgar and beneath contempt, but hit on the suspicions people harbored.

Sophia shrank into a corner, desperate to escape. However, the reporters blocked her in, shoving cameras into her face. In the past, she would have jumped at the chance to face the cameras, eager to steal the limelight. Now, she instinctively avoided them, her eyes betraying a simmering hatred she couldn’t hide.

It didn’t take a genius to see that someone was orchestrating this behind the scenes, using the moment to disgrace the Bennett family and humiliate her.

“You are journalists. You will be held legally responsible for slandering someone with such questions!” Sophia’s entire body trembled with anger.

The reporters, surprised by her outburst, chuckled. “What? Didn’t you rub up against Atlas during that variety show? We thought you were already sleeping with him.”

“Yeah, and didn’t you check into a hotel with Finnian? And that incident with the fake magician in the bathtub? We figured seducing men was your thing,” one of them mocked. Every word was a direct attack on her character.

Sophia’s lips quivered as she tried to contain her fury. She wanted to scream at them, even lash out violently.

“Enough! This is the Bennett Villa! You entered uninvited, which is trespassing. You’re attacking my family. Do you think the Bennett family won’t deal with you?” Henry’s cold voice rang out.

Though his company had faltered, his years as a CEO left him with an authoritative air that couldn’t be ignored.

Instantly, all the reporters fell silent. Everyone turned to look at him.

“Mr. Bennett, are you angry because we haven’t asked about your affair with Mrs. Stewart? She’s, what, fifty? What’s it like sleeping with someone her age?” one reporter smirked.

“Didn’t Mrs. Stewart used to be friends with your mother? So, were you cozying up to her to please your elders, or were you just lonely and looking for an outlet?” another chimed in mockingly.

Henry stayed quiet and gripped the armrest of the sofa. The reporters’ sneers and the cameras aimed at his face only deepened his humiliation.

“Get out! All of you, get out!” Henry roared, his voice cracking with a mix of anger and despair.

Ever since his scandal with Edie was live-streamed, his pride had been shattered. Now, he desperately wanted to piece it back together, but it was futile.

Even if the public eventually moved on, the internet would never forget it. Rebuilding his reputation and career would be nearly impossible.

“So, Mr. Bennett, are you just lashing out in anger? If you’re like this, and Sophia is like this, does that mean you’re the same kind of person? Have you slept with her?” the reporters pressed on.

The room fell silent. Sophia, who moments ago had considered self-harm to gain sympathy from the Bennett family, now regretted everything. Her injured wrist went ignored, and she felt a deep, gnawing regret.

“Do you all think the Bennett family will never recover?” Hannah asked coldly.

As soon as she spoke, the reporters turned to her, shifting their cameras.

“You must be Mrs. Hannah Bennett. It’s been said that Odalys is your biological daughter. Why does she carry the surname Stone instead of Bennett? Is it because you abandoned her back then, hoping she’d freeze to death outside?”

Hannah’s face instantly darkened.

She knew that these reporters were up to no good and were all targeting the Bennett family.

Someone must have been pulling strings behind the scenes, emboldening the reporters to ask such outrageous questions.

Her chest heaved with anger as she faced the cameras. Suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes. “Why do you believe the baseless rumors circulating online?” she said softly, her voice trembling.

She added, “Odalys is my daughter. How could I not love her? Bringing her back and letting her join Bennett Group was my way of familiarizing her with the company’s operations, a chance to groom her.

“It doesn’t matter if her surname is Stone or anything else. She is my flesh and blood! As her mother, how could I not love her?”

Hannah continued, “If only she could return, I wouldn’t care how much I’m slandered or misunderstood. I’d accept it all. “But she is married, and the Bennett family has fallen to this state! I know she wouldn’t do something like this. I just want to say, even if the Bennett family falls, my love for her will never waver.”

She pleaded, “It’s my fault for letting people misunderstand! I just want to use this opportunity to say to Odalys through your cameras. Odalys, I love you. Will you come home? I miss you.”

As she spoke, Hannah choked back sobs, her trembling lips and sorrowful eyes brimming with genuine pain.

Meanwhile, inside a nearby SUV.

Freya was furious when she saw the live broadcast.

“Damn it, I’m going to deal with her myself! She’s playing the pity card, trying to gain sympathy, and dragging Odalys into this mess,” Freya said.

Odalys was her sister-in-law. She wanted to protect Odalys.

With that thought, Freya threw open the car door, ready to jump out. But Odalys grabbed her arm.

“Odalys, don’t stop me! If I’ll tear her apart today!” Freya growled, her hair practically standing on end with anger. She struggled to break free, but Odalys pushed her back into the seat, holding her firmly in place.

Chapter 334

Odalys extended her arm, leaning against Freya’s side and trapping her within her grasp, rendering Freya almost immobile.

“The filming for your project is starting soon. It is not the right time for you to show your face. I will handle this matter,” Odalys said coldly.

Freya wanted to argue, but Selah tugged at her sleeve.

“Freya, listen to Odalys. This is her issue, and she needs to face it herself. Otherwise, people will think she’s hiding out of fear,” Selah whispered.

Francis and Stellan nodded in agreement, echoing the sentiment. “Yes, let her handle it herself.”

It wasn’t that they were afraid of trouble. They understood that if Odalys didn’t address this situation head-on, the Bennett family might use it as ammunition against her later. “Then, shall we go in with her?” Freya was still not giving up. She was worried that with so many people inside, they might resort to violence against Odalys.

At that moment, she seemed to forget how Odalys had once killed a wild boar barehanded on a deserted island.

“You can come in, but don’t interrupt,” Odalys said with a mix of exasperation and indulgence.

Freya exhaled in relief.

She grabbed the dagger on the side with her backhand and said, “If they dare to say anything out of line, I’ll stab them right there.”

Selah went speechless.

She shrank her neck silently. Freya was not the delicate and helpless, gentle and charming socialite anymore.

Back when she was a star-chaser, Freya had seemed innocent and delicate.

Now she spoke of stabbing people without hesitation, and she meant it.

“Should I get a dagger too?” Selah muttered.

Francis and Stellan exchanged glances and said nothing. Odalys opened the car door, jumped out, and strode toward Bennett Villa. From a distance, she could hear the commotion inside, as though a lively party was underway. As she stepped inside, she saw the reporters had cornered the Bennett family.

The shareholders and Federick, who had caused the earlier scandal, were now being trampled by the reporters, unable to move. Federick’s face was contorted in pain. “Help… help me,” he called out when he saw Odalys as if she were his savior.

At that moment, they realized how terrifying reporters could be. They were far worse than the gossipy women in a marketplace. The journalists had surged in, trampling people in their rush to secure better angles and capture more footage.

The shareholders looked even more miserable. They were once revered and addressed respectfully.

Not only were they being broadcast live, but reporters were stepping on them, leaving bruises all over their legs.

“Mrs. Bennett, you said you love me?” Odalys’s voice suddenly rang out.

The room fell eerily silent.

Everyone was shocked to see Odalys stride in. She stood there calmly with a faint smile, but her aura was impossible to ignore.

Upon hearing Odalys’ voice, Hannah’s eyes filled with distress.

She said, “Odalys, you’ve finally come home? I know I was wrong. You were lost for so many years, and we couldn’t find you. It was so difficult to find you. I wanted you to inherit the family business. Since you were living at home and didn’t need to spend money, I didn’t give you a salary.”

“Your older brother intended to toughen you up a bit so you’d be better prepared to manage the family in the future, but it was all misunderstood.” Hannah’s voice choked with emotion, her vulnerability almost pitiable.

Freya clenched her fists, ready to rush forward, but Selah held her back firmly.

“Don’t say anything yet.” Selah cautioned.

Her primary role was to keep Freya calm, fearing that the impulsive girl might truly charge forward and start a fight. “So that’s how it is?” Odalys chuckled and strode confidently ahead.

As she moved, the reporters immediately parted, creating a path for her to reach Hannah. Looking at the embarrassed faces of the Bennett family, her gaze fell on Sophia.

She saw Sophia clutching her wrist, the blood already clotting. Sophia’s face was pale, but it was clear she’d been careful not to cut herself too deeply. Even so, the injury was real.

Sophia fumed, meeting Odalys’s eyes. Seeing Odalys standing before her, so glamorous, made her feel utterly foolish.

She used to live a life of luxury, always proud and radiant. Now, she was nothing more than a shadow of her former self.

“Odalys, are you still mad at me?” Hannah asked, her eyes filled with longing.

Odalys let out a laugh, her gaze icy as she looked at

Hannah. Turning toward the cameras, she said, “Do you all know why I’m sharing my personal affairs during this live broadcast?”

She continued, “Because I don’t want to be bitten back! I’m the victim here, yet I’m about to be portrayed as someone who wants to sever ties with her family after marrying into a wealthy one.

“Now, let me show you something.”

The reporters’ eyes lit up, sensing a juicy scoop, and they held their breath in excitement, afraid of missing any crucial information.

“This is a formal disownment agreement. One minute ago, I posted this document on my social media. If you can’t read it here, feel free to check my profile,” Odalys said.

She pulled out the agreement she’d previously coerced the Bennett family into signing and holding it up for the cameras.

Upon seeing the signatures and date, they couldn’t help but gasp.

“Odalys, stop joking around. This agreement was just a prank, a way to tease you,” Hannah attempted to downplay, her tone still trying to sound pitiful. As long as she refused to admit the agreement’s validity, she believed no one could do anything to her.

But Odalys had anticipated this.

She turned and studied the other Bennetts. Their faces were pale, their bodies battered, and they radiated an air of misfortune.

Sophia’s constant stream of misfortune seemed to flow directly onto these members of the Bennett family.

It was clear that Sophia was the unluckiest. Because the Bennett family depended on her, they were also affected by her misfortune.

Now, their fates were tangled together because of her misfortune.

Sophia never seemed to have misfortune before, but now it was constant. Her true nature might have been hidden until she slept with that fake magician.

“I’ll show you something,” Odalys whispered.

She turned and switched on the TV in Bennett Villa.

The massive screen was impossible to ignore, and the Bennett family froze, dread creeping over their faces.

They tried to rush forward to stop her, but there were too many reporters. They found themselves surrounded and trapped in a corner. They could not escape, nor could they even stand up straight.

“What are you doing? Odalys, stop this madness!” Hannah’s voice was laced with fear.

Odalys stood there, projecting her phone screen onto the

TV. A video began to play.

“Mom, if Odalys marries him, I can stay with you forever.”

Chapter 335

“Odalys, you bitch! You have to marry him, as we say! Did you really think I brought you back to the Bennett family so you could enjoy life?”

“You filthy girl from the countryside! Letting you stay in the Bennett family will only pollute the air.”

“You shameless girl! How dare you eat the food? The food in the Bennett family isn’t for you! Get out! Get out!”

“Mom! Why is Odalys looking at me like that? Does she want to kill me? It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for you guys doting on me, Odalys wouldn’t be so angry.”

“Odalys, you bitch! If you weren’t still useful, I’d have sold you off by now!”

“Mom, isn’t this simple? Let her marry in place of Sophia. Once her husband dies, we’ll bring her back. There’ll be plenty of men willing to pay for her. We’ll auction her off, let them spend thousands of dollars for a night with her. It’ll sell like hotcakes.”

“If she dares to refuse, just drug her. Worst case, inject her with something addictive. When she’s hooked and penniless, she’ll crawl back to us on her knees,” Hannah added coldly.

Their vile words and smug expressions were all captured in the video, now playing for everyone to see.

Instantly, the entire Bennett Villa fell eerily silent.

Even the Bennetts hadn’t expected Odalys to have recorded everything they said.

“Odalys! You dare record us in secret?” Hannah’s face twisted in shock.

She had thought that playing the victim would absolve her of guilt, but she hadn’t expected Odalys to counter with such damning evidence.

Odalys said, “It wasn’t secret. This is just the Bennett family’s daily life. You not only plotted against me but also planned to inject me with drugs to control me.”

“You even wanted to sell me off to men for your own profit!” Her voice was laced with contempt.

Atlas’s face darkened. He stared at Odalys, his lips trembling as if trying to form words, but he swallowed them instead. Stumbling back a step, he collapsed to the floor.

Caspian’s words from earlier echoed in his ears, warning him not to do something he would regret for the rest of his life.

In disbelief, Atlas turned to Caspian and asked quietly,” Caspian, were we… too much before?”

He had never thought of himself as wrong, but as the video played, a wave of nausea swept over him. The Bennett family suddenly felt unbearably vile.

Seeing their faces from an outsider’s perspective, he felt an unexpected sense of shame and regret.

Odalys’s voice broke the silence. “So, the Bennett family is the reason I ended up like this. When I was little, you tried to abandon me, even kill me. Now that you’re in trouble, you want to use me.”

She declared, “Let me make this clear to everyone here and to all the media. I have long severed ties with the Bennett family. The disownment agreement was signed by them. The fact that they tried to harm me is undeniable.”

She continued, “If anything happens to me in the future, it will be the work of the Bennett family. No matter what the Bennett family does, it has nothing to do with me. I refuse to let my name be dragged into their affairs ever again.” As Odalys spoke, her tone grew colder. Then, she laughed. Turning to Hannah, she pulled out another document. “After I was abandoned, someone secretly filed a case on my behalf. The statute of limitations hasn’t expired. I’m now officially suing Hannah and Windsor for child abandonment.” She slammed the legal notice down in front of Hannah.

“Get ready for prison,” Odalys said coldly.

The room was deathly quiet. Even the reporters held their tongues, focusing on documenting every moment of the live broadcast.

That night, the livestream broke 200 million viewers. Initially, most tuned in to watch the Bennett family’s humiliation. But when Odalys appeared on camera, the numbers surged by an additional 300 million people. The audience came for Odalys. Her popularity was undeniable, and her legion of fans grew even more. Some admired her resilience, some were captivated by her beauty, and others sympathized with her plight, betrayed by her own family.

No matter the intent, this incident skyrocketed to the top of the trending charts once again.

[Shocking! The Bennett family plotted against Odalys.

[Framed even after being harmed, Odalys’s tragedy]

[Odalys’s severance agreement]

[Sophia, the ultimate manipulative schemer]

[Did Sophia and Henry really sleep together?]

The Bennett family became the center of attention, trending everywhere.

[Catfishing scammer asking for 600 thousand dollars turns out to be the Bennett family’s uncle]

[Bennett Entertainment shareholders and their dirty ties to the Bennett family]

The Bennett family’s notoriety now surpassed any previous business success they might have achieved. Their name was utterly tarnished.

Suddenly, a group of furious women barged in, causing chaos outside. “Bennetts! Come out!”

Reporters instantly turned on their cameras, rushing outside to capture the commotion. Some pressed their lenses against windows, determined to keep live streaming. Odalys turned slightly, seemingly unaffected by the chaos. Freya quickly grabbed her arm.

“I’m fine, don’t worry,” Odalys said softly.

Selah observed her closely. Seeing her calm demeanor, Selah exhaled a sigh of relief, reassured that Odalys was truly unshaken.

“How could you plot against your daughter? Do you even know what drugs can do? And you wanted to inject them into Odalys?”

“If Odalys doesn’t want to be your daughter, we’ll take her! From now on, she’s our national sweetheart. If you don’t love her, we will!”

“Exactly! And you, Sophia, you little tramp, playing innocent while sleeping around! You didn’t even spare Henry. You’re all despicable!”

The women hurled their accusations while pelting the Bennett family with eggs.

These shareholders wanted to get up and run, but a woman rushed forward and punched them.

“You ruin women, then go after men. It’s scumbags like you who ruin society!” Another woman shouted as she joined in, punching and kicking the fleeing shareholders.

Federick tried to escape but stumbled and felt dizzy.

With a loud “thud,” he fell, landing heavily on Sophia.

Sophia shrieked, nearly coughing up blood from the impact. Her chest throbbed painfully as if her internal organs were crushed.

She struggled desperately, but Federick pinned her down, his hands beginning to grope at her clothes.

Sophia froze in horror, realizing he wasn’t unconscious but deliberately pressing against her to take advantage of her. “Don’t move. My life is already ruined. The Stewart family won’t spare me, so let me enjoy myself for once,” Federick muttered.

Sophia stared at him in disbelief, her mind reeling. As her body was exposed to the cold air, she mustered all her strength to push him off.

“Oh my! You two are disgusting! Right in front of everyone…” someone exclaimed as they noticed the scene.

Everyone was stunned, even the Bennetts turned to look.

They saw Sophia being pinned under Federick, their bodies pressed scandalously close.

Chapter 336

As everyone remained stunned, the police arrived, led by Lee, who had just wrapped up matters at the hotel and rushed over with his team.

“Police investigation in progress. All unrelated individuals, please leave,” Lee announced.

The rowdy women immediately dispersed. Federick resisted, but a policeman yanked him up by the collar.

“You’re all coming with us,” Lee said sternly.

The shareholders, who thought returning to the Bennett family’s residence meant avoiding accountability, were shocked.

They didn’t know why the police initially allowed them to be brought here, only to show up now and arrest them. They pondered who had tipped off the police to humiliate them in front of everyone before taking them away.

These shareholders were not fools, and they realized something was off.

They turned their gaze toward Odalys. She walked away gracefully, ignoring the Bennett family.

“If we’d let her take charge back then, would Bennett Group still have fallen this far?” one of the shareholders murmured.

Unfortunately, no one answered the question.

Federick and the shareholders were taken away by the police. The remaining members of the Bennett family were escorted back to give their statements.

“Why are we being detained while she gets to walk free?” Sophia shouted angrily through her pain.

Lee paused, his gaze cold. “Because she is the victim, and she is not a Bennett.”

Hearing this, Sophia was utterly stunned.

The rest of the Bennett family didn’t feel well either.

The irony of Odalys not sharing their surname severed their connection completely.

Caspian watched Odalys’s retreating figure with a complex expression. Among the Bennett family, he alone remained clear-headed, relieved he hadn’t become further entangled in their schemes.

“Congratulations on truly breaking free from the Bennett family,” Stellan said, stepping forward to greet Odalys outside.

Francis smiled warmly. “The internet is crashing over the news of you cutting ties with them. Some people are even offering to represent you in court for free.”

“Thank goodness Odalys had a backup plan, or the Bennett family would have dragged her down with them,” Freya said, still fuming.

Selah nodded. Her earlier fear was replaced with relief. She thought Odalys was going to be detained as well. Severing ties with the Bennett family was indeed the priority. “Let’s go. This place is too ominous,” Odalys said.

She looked back at the Bennett Villa and noticed it shrouded in an eerie black mist as if the house itself was being consumed.

The same dark aura emanated from Sophia, a sign of her misfortune infecting the family.

But she had undergone transformations since childhood, so her appearance and destiny were altered, suppressing the misfortune that once clung to her.

Because Sophia had lived in the house before and the Bennett family had good luck, some of that good fortune passed on to Sophia when she moved back in.

Sophia’s countless misdeeds in recent years have seemingly shrouded her in misfortune. Now that her true nature was exposed and she was facing the consequences, she had become a truly sinister figure.

“Odalys, what are you looking at?” Selah asked curiously, noticing her fixated on the Bennett Villa.

Odalys didn’t say anything, but just stretched out her hand and wiped something off her eyes.

Selah froze, a chill running down her spine. Astonishment filled her eyes as she looked at Odalys, following her gaze to the Bennett Villa, which was shrouded in a black mist. “Holy crap! Is the Bennett family living in a haunted house?” Selah exclaimed, visibly shaken.

Freya also immediately leaned over. Although Francis and Stellan were men, they were also very curious, so Odalys opened their spiritual vision temporarily. Their vision would become normal afterward.

For that fleeting moment, they saw the oppressive black mist swirling above the Bennett Villa.

“Misfortune! It all started when they kicked me out of the Bennett Villa.” Odalys muttered.

Everyone in the car was stunned, turning to her in astonishment. “So, the Bennett family’s recent streak of good luck was because of you?”

“You could say that. But my destiny is incompatible with theirs. In other words, we were never meant to be on the same path.” Odalys said.

Those who were not on the same path would inevitably part ways.

But the Bennett family wanted her dead, so they had to pay the price.

“This is terrifying. No wonder the Bennett family has been in constant trouble living in that house,” Freya said in a low voice.

Dorian, who had been driving the car the whole time, remained silent.

He hadn’t left the car since arriving at the Bennett Villa. He reported the situation to Percival and Evander.

He immediately started the video call to show them the latest scene. He was still on a video call, the camera focused on Odalys.

“Dorian, please turn off the video call,” Odalys said, glancing at him.

She had noticed it long ago but chose not to address it until now.

Dorian was caught red-handed and scratched his head in embarrassment. He quickly turned it off and explained, ” Mrs. Stewart, they miss you. That’s why I video call them.”

“Or is it because you didn’t follow Percival but tagged along with us instead? Were you curious to see the drama unfold?” Odalys said with a faint smile.

Dorian’s lips twitched, his lie exposed.

“Ahem, I just wanted to protect you, Mrs. Stewart. You saved me today. Otherwise, I would still be deceived by that man,” Dorian said.

Thinking about his brief online romance with a man pretending to be a woman, he shuddered.

He’d spent days chatting with Federick, who sent “sexy” photos. The memory made him want to claw his eyes out.

“Dorian, tell us, what’s it like to be in an online relationship with a man?” Freya asked with a smile.

The others were also curious and turned their gazes toward him.

Dorian’s face flushed red. Embarrassed, he wished he could vanish into thin air.

“That’s nonsense! I was tricked. You already said I was under the influence of a Love Spell. It wasn’t my intention. I’m a good man, and I don’t do romance,” Dorian said defensively.

“Really? Is that so?” Freya continued to tease.

Selah noticed how Freya interacted with Dorian casually as if they had known each other before. She was suspicious but said nothing.

Then, Selah’s phone vibrated.

Looking at the familiar number, she couldn’t help but frown.

“What’s up?” Selah answered the phone irritably.

Whatever the person on the other end said caused her to freeze. “Impossible. I won’t help you.”

With that, she hung up the phone, her hand unconsciously tightening around it.

“Is something wrong?” Freya asked, curious. Selah rarely got angry, so this unusual display piqued her interest. Faced with the question, Selah hesitated, glancing at Odalys.

Chapter 337

Everyone’s eyes followed her gaze and landed on Odalys. “Why are you looking at me?” Odalys was confused..

Selah suddenly threw her arms around her.

“Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” Odalys was startled as Selah suddenly threw herself into her arms.

She quickly raised her hand and looked down at Selah. Her eyes were wet, and she was looking at her with a wronged expression. Odalys was taken aback.

The next second, Selah sat up in her arms and cupped her face.

Then, Selah kissed Odalys’s cheeks with several audible smacks.

“Hey, no kissing!” Freya exclaimed when she saw this.

If she had known Selah would take advantage of the situation, she would have stopped her earlier. But it was too late, and she could only watch as Odalys was showered with kisses.

If Percival learned that his wife had kissed, he would not forgive her for failing to stop Selah.

Freya shuddered at the thought and quickly leaned over. “If she gets to kiss, so do I,” Freya declared.

Regardless of Odalys’s reaction, Freya immediately leaned in and kissed Odalys on the other cheek several times.

After kissing Odalys, she turned to Selah with a huff and said, “You kissed her, and I kissed her too! Don’t think you can take advantage of her!”

“So, I deserve to be taken advantage of by both of you?” Odalys asked, rubbing her temples.

She had met bold individuals, but never anyone this shameless.

“But I’m different,” Freya retorted, clutching Odalys’s arm tightly.

Odalys was her sister-in-law, but she couldn’t say that aloud, which only made her frustration grow.

“Alright, spill it. What just happened?” Odalys asked, turning to Selah.

Selah held her phone tightly, her face lighting up with a mix of relief and excitement. “Lucian’s scandal about meeting with several men has gone viral, and Red Star Entertainment is under investigation.

“When I was signed by Red Star Entertainment, they kept suppressing me, not giving me any resources, and even threatened me.”

She continued, “Today, I overheard Lucian’s conversation and realized they had been monitoring me all along. My former assistant just called to say that after Lucian’s scandal broke, the boss got caught.

“The police found loads of incriminating evidence and arrested my ex-boss! Now, the entire company is in chaos. Everyone is scrambling to terminate their contracts and get out.”

“Apparently, Red Star Entertainment is implicated in harming many artists. Some victims are now banding together to sue them. My ex-boss is finished.” Selah’s voice cracked as she finished, tears welling in her eyes.

To outsiders, the entertainment industry might seem glamorous, but it is full of hardships.

Contracts were often signed under duress, scandals were fabricated, and many artists became scapegoats for others. Depression and even suicide were common outcomes for those who couldn’t bear the weight.

“Odalys, thank you,” Selah said.

Looking at Selah’s teary eyes, Odalys thought of the tragic news of Selah’s death in the previous timeline. Her lips moved slightly as she instinctively reached out to pat Selah’s head.

“Don’t mention it. If you really want to thank me, do a good job in this period drama. Give it your all,” Odalys said. Francis and Stellan nodded immediately and echoed,” Definitely!”

“By the way, didn’t your company have an issue with you signing this contract?” Odalys asked, curious.

Freya’s situation was manageable, and Francis had already terminated his previous contract, but Stellan was a top star whose schedule was tightly controlled.

Signing this period drama on his own would surely conflict with his existing commitments.

Stellan said, “I informed my company and told them it was related to you. My boss immediately approved it and even said the contract could be made private, with the earnings split between us, and the company wouldn’t take a cut.”

“So, does my boss know you?” Stellan hesitated before asking.

Such a lucrative project wouldn’t normally be given away so easily, yet his boss had approved it without hesitation.

“No, I don’t know him.” Odalys was also confused.

The group chatted as Dorian drove the car back to their company.

Once they got out of the car, Odalys glanced at the time and said, “I’ll call Mr. Bourn tonight to discuss selecting a date for the production launch.”

“You all get ready in the meantime. Things have been a bit chaotic lately, so it’s best to avoid going out unless necessary,” Odalys advised.

Having been involved in today’s events, there was concern about overly emotional fans causing trouble. Any accidents would be a major issue.

“Got it. We’ll stay in unless there’s something important,” Selah replied.

Stellan and the others stepped into the elevator.

Odalys watched them go upstairs before checking her phone, where she saw a message from Freya saying she had arrived home safely. Odalys let out a sigh of relief.

“Mrs. Stewart, it’s almost five o’clock. Would you like to go home for dinner, or…?” Dorian asked from the driver’s seat, turning to look at her.

Before she could respond, the car door opened.

Odalys instantly became alert, her hand instinctively reaching for a knife beside her. Then, a tall figure quickly slipped into the car.

The familiar scent hit her. She looked up with surprise to meet Percival’s eyes. She asked with a hint of surprise, Percival, what are you doing here?”

“Just finished handling things on my end. I came to pick you up for dinner at home,” Percival replied in his low, gravelly tone.

Seeing him settle into the car, Dorian immediately stepped on the gas and drove off toward the Stewart Villa.

Inside the car, Odalys and Percival sat in silence, both gazing out the windows, seemingly lost in thought as the scenery passed by.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up at the entrance to the Stewart Villa.

“Back already?” Evander stood in front of the mansion. Seeing the luxury car arrive, he hurried forward.

The setting sun cast its golden rays across the earth, enveloping Evander. Standing there, he seemed somehow out of place.

Odalys quickly stepped forward toward Evander.

“Evander,” Odalys greeted, taking his arm and helping him walk towards the house. “Why did you come out?” she asked.

“I saw the livestream. I’d heard that the hotel had issues, but I never imagined it was a hub for criminal activity. You handled today’s situation well. Well done,” Evander praised her.

As they walked inside, Percival followed behind, carrying some items.

“It was nothing that impressive,” Odalys said.

Sensing her humility, Evander gently patted her head and said, “But you saved Dorian, helped the Stewart family avoid trouble, and uncovered connections to the Bennett family. That’s something.”

Odalys couldn’t help but laugh at his teasing tone.

Behind them, Dorian’s face turned red as he mumbled, “Mr. Stewart, let’s move on from that. I promise I’ll never try online dating again.”

“You dare?” Evander snapped, his expression darkening slightly.

Dorian quickly retreated toward the kitchen, calling out, “Is dinner ready yet?”

Chapter 338

Evander watched Dorian’s retreating figure as he fled, then picked up a plate of fruit and handed it over. Odalys took the plate, used a skewer to pick up a piece, and popped it into her mouth.

“Was room 878 special?” Percival asked in his gravelly voice.

Odalys fell silent at his question.

Room 878 had been isolated, and the police hadn’t searched it. She had known something was being covered up. Later, when she saw Percival, she realized he had helped her handle the situation.

“Do you believe in time travel or alternate timelines?” Odalys suddenly asked.

Evander and Percival exchanged glances before sitting on the sofa, their gazes fixed on her, clearly unprepared for the topic.

“What do you mean?” Percival pressed further.

Odalys sat there, idly twirling the skewer in her fingers. She said, “I saw what would happen to Selah. From the moment we started filming the reality show, I kept her close and gave her the chance to break free from Lucian. “We have a certain connection, and room 878 in that hotel is crucial to her.”

She continued, “Selah died in room 878. The way she died is exactly what happened to Lucian today. She was assaulted by a group of men, leaving her physically damaged and humiliated. Unable to bear the shame, she hanged herself in room 878.”

“That’s why she felt uneasy near room 878 today. Sensing this, I decided to help her by taking her inside with me, closing a karmic loop of sorts,” Odalys explained.

Breaking the chains would free Selah from the nightmares that haunted her.

When they shared a room during the reality show, Odalys hadn’t mentioned it, but she had always known Selah was troubled by her memories from the previous timeline.

“So, the reports against Red Star Entertainment and the evidence the police received were all sent by you?” Percival asked in his low voice.

Red Star Entertainment hadn’t even had time to clean up the mess from today before their boss was taken away. The speed of it all made it clear someone had planned this in advance, aiming right for them.

“Yes. Since he harmed others, it was only fitting to make him fall during such a high-profile moment. Better now than letting him hurt more people in the future,” Odalys said coldly.

She was willing to help those in need.

“Well done! I support you!” Evander exclaimed, slapping his thigh in approval.

He poured her a cup of coffee and handed it to her. “The Stewart family must have courage! We don’t seek trouble, but we certainly don’t fear it. What you did today was excellent. I’ve already heard all about it,” Evander said with a hearty laugh as he slowly stood up.

“Let me make you some lamb chops,” he added, turning to leave. Before heading to the kitchen, he glanced at Percival. Seeing him sitting there, upright and steady but utterly humorless, Evander gave him a disappointed look.

“Percival, you have to learn this from Odalys! Be more sympathetic and don’t be so serious all the time.” Evander walked towards the kitchen after giving him a lesson.

After being scolded by Evander, Percival touched his nose sheepishly.

“Odalys,” he said, his deep, raspy voice breaking the silence. Odalys’s thoughts were pulled back, and she looked at him, puzzled.

“What is it?” Odalys asked, puzzled by Percival’s sudden call.

Percival looked at her delicate face. His Adam’s apple moved slightly. In his husky voice, he asked, “Can you show me what happened to me in the previous timeline?”

“What?” Odalys was stunned.

She had thought he was about to say something serious, but she hadn’t expected him to bring up past lives.

Thinking about the nonsense she had just made up, Odalys instantly felt awkward.

“Is it that you can’t see it, or that it’s not allowed to be seen?” Percival asked again, intrigued by her discomfort.

Odalys propped her chin on her hand, looking into the deep, cold gleam in his eyes.

“How about tonight?” she suggested with a raised eyebrow. She was curious about what had happened to Percival. If her guess was correct, given the severe poisoning and his body’s eventual resistance to treatment, he must have succumbed, possibly in a violent and gruesome way. “Alright,” Percival nodded without suspicion.

At that moment, Callum entered the room, leaned close to Percival, and whispered something in his ear. Percival frowned slightly, then said, “Understood.”

“I’m heading out,” Callum said, turning and walking away briskly, clearly off to handle something urgent.

In the kitchen, Dorian and Evander were busy. Before long, they came out with dishes, while the servants set the table with bowls and utensils.

“Odalys, come eat!” Evander beckoned her over.

After a long day, Odalys was famished. The aroma of the food made her stomach growl, and she quickly got up to wash her hands.

Percival served her half a bowl of soup. Without looking back, he heard her approaching and pulled out a chair for her, placing the soup in front of her.

“Have some soup first,” Percival said hoarsely.

Evander and Dorian exchanged a glance as they watched her sip the soup Percival had served.

Then, Evander suddenly groaned.

Dorian immediately rushed to his side to support him. What’s wrong?”

“My back hurts a bit. Help me upstairs to lie down,” Evander said.

Odalys was about to get up, setting down her bowl.

“No need, I’m fine. You all eat. I’ll go rest for a bit. Dorian, make me something later,” Evander said, waving her off as he was helped upstairs.

Odalys turned her head in confusion, watching Evander being escorted up.

Without even checking his pulse, she could tell from his complexion that there wasn’t anything seriously wrong. “Your grandfather looks healthy. He doesn’t seem like someone with back pain,” she remarked.

Percival’s expression grew complicated as he watched Evander’s retreating figure. Just as they turned a corner, Evander suddenly sped up the stairs, with Dorian chasing after him.

This was no backache. Evander obviously didn’t want to eat with them.

“He’s just like that. Don’t mind him,” Percival said.

Odalys’s attention shifted back to the table, which was laden with her favorite dishes. Without hesitation, she began eating, while Percival ate little, spending most of the time adding food to her plate.

Half an hour later, she finally finished her food, feeling stuffed.

“After you take a bath, I’ll meet you in the study,” Odalys said, standing up to head upstairs.

Hearing this, Percival immediately put down his utensils and followed her.

The servants quickly moved in to clear the table.

By the time Odalys finished her bath, it was already 7 pm. Drying her damp hair and changing into a white casual outfit, she retrieved an item from her bag and made her way to the study.

Chapter 339

“Percival?” she called softly from outside.

The study door was slightly ajar.

Odalys pushed the door open and saw Percival coming out of the bathroom. He was wearing a loose robe, his hair slightly damp, and droplets of water rolling down his forehead.

The dim light of the study, combined with the moonlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, cast an ethereal glow over him.

Odalys’s gaze followed the trail of water. The droplets moved down his sharp jawline before disappearing under his robe.

Her eyes lingered on his throat, watching the subtle movement of his Adam’s apple. It took her a moment to collect herself and look away.

“You wanted to know what happened to you in the previous timeline, right? Are you ready?” Odalys asked softly.

Percival dried his hair, hung the towel on the rack, and tied his bathrobe. “I’ll go get changed,” he said in a low voice.

As he brushed past her, Odalys instinctively reached out and grabbed his arm.

Her fingertips brushed against his warm skin. The heat was so intense it seemed to scorch her touch. Flustered, she quickly let go.

“You don’t need to change. We need some fragrant incense before we access your consciousness,” Odalys said.

She glanced at the incense on the table, picked it up, and gestured for him to sit.

Percival settled on the sofa, watching her apply something to the incense before lighting it and placing it in a grapefruit rind.

The fragrant smoke spiraled upward, filling the space between them.

“Give me your birthdate and time,” Odalys instructed.

He recited it calmly, and she quickly wrote it down on a piece of red paper. Holding the paper near the incinerator, she let it catch fire.

Through the smoke rising from the red paper, her fingertips lightly tapped.

“Close your eyes and focus on my voice,” she said softly.

Before Percival could prepare himself, he felt a sudden pull as though his thoughts were being yanked from him.

He exclaimed involuntarily.

Odalys grabbed his arm just as he disappeared into a dark abyss.

Drawn by intense light, the two moved through the darkness until it enveloped them. Before they could make out their surroundings, familiar voices filled the air. “Damn, how did she die?” Atlas rushed onto the balcony.

Henry stood above, looking down. He could see a figure lying on the floor below, blood steadily flowing from the woman’s head.

The woman’s hair was messy, and she clutched a newspaper tightly in her hand.

Henry said, “Pathetic. Dying like this is too easy for her.”

“Mom! Odalys is dead. What should I do? Should we inform the Stewart family? Maybe we can arrange a posthumous marriage?” The voice of Sophia came.

Hannah glanced at her with disdain and said, “She’s dead, so be it.”

“This wretched girl! The Stewart family wouldn’t want her even in death. Just toss her out and let the dogs have her. She’s not even fit to pollute our courtyard.”

Odalys was shocked, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists.

She didn’t expect that using Percival’s birth date would actually bring her back to the moment of her death in her past life.

Percival, equally shocked, stood beside her. His eyes were fixed on the body below. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

“That is?” Percival asked.

He seemed to have guessed what was going on, but he refused to believe it.

“It’s me,” Odalys said in a low voice.

Her eyes were fixed on the newspaper in her hand, which reported the news of Selah’s death.

Percival’s gaze fell on the body below and the paper it held. The words seemed to burn themselves into his mind, vivid and unrelenting.

As Odalys had said in the afternoon, Selah died in Room 878, defiled by a group of men.

“Remember to throw her out and don’t let anyone see,” the Bennetts ordered.

They drove away. Just as a servant was about to deal with the body, a figure stepped forward, blocking their path. He said, “I’ll handle this.”

“But…” The servant wanted to say something more.

Caspian glared at them coldly and said, “I am the second son of the Bennett family. Are you questioning me?” The servant hesitated for a moment and hurried back.

Caspian stood there, looking at Odalys lying on the ground, covered in blood. He was silent for a moment, then took off his coat and tossed it over her body.

“Someone paid a hefty price for a posthumous marriage. Mom also wants you to marry into the Stewart family as a substitute. Alive or dead, Odalys, you’re destined to be someone’s property. This is your fate,” Caspian said.

He picked up Odalys’s body and saw a call reminder on her phone.

“She’s dead. I’m bringing her body over now,” Caspian said.

He picked up Odalys’s body and strode away, throwing it into the trunk before driving off.

Odalys stared at Caspian’s car. She didn’t expect that after her death, they would sell her for a posthumous marriage. But it was impossible.

If she were in a posthumous marriage, she wouldn’t be able to travel back in time.

With that in mind, she and Percival strode after him.

Watching Caspian’s car drive away, as the car was turning, an SUV sped towards them and slammed into Caspian’s car with a bang.

With a bang, Caspian’s car was overturned.

Faintly hearing Caspian’s scream, a figure stepped out of the opposite car.

Odalys’s pupils shrank slightly as she saw Percival’s figure. “It’s you? Why are you here? I don’t remember knowing you.” Odalys became nervous. She didn’t expect to see Percival here.

Percival stepped forward and opened Caspian’s trunk. A corpse rolled out.

Seeing the corpse roll to his feet, he bent down and picked it up, then strode away without looking back.

“Don’t take her away.” Caspian crawled out of the car. He was wounded. He wanted to chase after Percival, but he fell to the ground again, coughing up blood.

Helpless, he watched as Percival disappeared with Odalys. Inside his car, Percival discarded the coat Caspian had used and wrapped Odalys in a clean blanket.

“Mr. Stewart, you really want to save her? But there’s only one chance. If you give her the opportunity, too, I’m afraid you won’t be able to wait any longer.” Callum turned from the driver’s seat and looked at Percival.

Percival sat in the car, looking at the scenery outside the window.

He said, “My grandfather once told me that my life was saved by someone else. A debt of life must be repaid by the Stewart family.”

Callum fell silent after hearing this.

His car stopped at the foot of the mountain, unable to go any further. Percival carried Odalys’s body up the mountain alone.

Just as they tried to follow, a loud bang rang out as something seemed to hurtle toward them.

Odalys instinctively reached out to shield Percival, but both of them were flung back with tremendous force.

Chapter 340

Odalys screamed involuntarily, cold sweat dripping from her forehead as she jolted awake on the sofa. Instinctively, she reached out beside her.

Percival’s eyes snapped open from where he sat on the opposite sofa. Their gazes met.

A heavy silence filled the study as they stared at each other, neither speaking a word. Time seemed to stop until the fragrant incense burned out.

“I saw you just now,” Percival’s hoarse voice broke the silence, low and steady in the dim room.

It felt like a dream, yet it was so vivid it seemed as if he had lived through it himself.

Odalys grabbed a bottle of water nearby, twisted it open, and took a large gulp. Catching her breath, she said, “I saw you too.”

Percival studied her panicked expression for a long moment before speaking. “So, in the previous timeline, before you married me, you saw the newspaper about Selah’s death, were shocked, and jumped off a building?” “Yes,” Odalys replied softly.

A sense of unease welled up within her. This was a technique her master had taught her, but she had never used it before. Today was the first time.

She hadn’t expected that using Percival’s birth date would reveal their connection in the previous timeline.

No wonder she had decisively married Percival on the day she was forced to be a substitute bride.

In the previous timeline, he was the only one who came for her, who draped a clean blanket over her lifeless body and carried her up the mountain without hesitation.

It seemed she was able to travel back in time thanks to Percival.

However, she didn’t know why, after he carried her body up the mountain, he was never seen again. She wondered if Percival died as well.

“Why did you come looking for me? Whose debt were you repaying?” Odalys asked, her curiosity piqued as she looked at Percival.

Percival rubbed his temples and met her gaze.

“When I was five years old, a fortune teller passing through Crownridge read my fortune. According to my grandfather, that fortune teller saved my life,” Percival explained.

He continued, “The Stewart family has always repaid its debts. As for what we just saw, where I appeared outside the Bennett Villa after your death and came looking for you, I can’t explain it either.”

His gaze grew more complex as he looked at Odalys.

From the moment she married into the Stewart family as a substitute bride and began testing boundaries with him, he’d felt an inexplicable trust in her. Now he understood. It was all predestined.

“Maybe the person you met was my master,” Odalys suggested.

Her master had never mentioned any of this, but when the Bennett family brought her back, it was her master who told her she had a destined calamity to face, one that required her to leave.

Whether this calamity was her forced marriage into the Bennett family or Percival’s appearance, she still couldn’t say.

“Regardless, we knew each other in the previous timeline,” Percival said.

As soon as he finished speaking, Odalys’s phone buzzed with a notification.

She glanced at the familiar number on the screen. Though she hadn’t saved it, she knew it belonged to Caspian..

“Caspian messaged me,” Odalys murmured.

After her death, the Bennett family treated her with disdain. Only Caspian had bothered to cover her with a cloth, yet he was also the one who wanted to bring her into a posthumous marriage.

Whether in the previous timeline or this one, not a single one in the Bennett family was a good person.

“He wants you to go back?” Percival frowned.

Odalys didn’t answer but handed him her phone instead. Percival read the message on her screen. It said: [Don’t show yourself for now. Dad is coming back, and he will make trouble for you.]

A brief sentence, yet it conveyed the situation to her. Odalys didn’t reply.

Just then, Percival’s phone also vibrated. Seeing the caller ID, he quickly answered the phone and asked, “What’s up?”

After hearing the other person’s response, his gaze instinctively shifted to Odalys.

Odalys had planned to return to her room, but when her eyes met his, she paused and sat back down.

When Percival ended the call, he turned to her and said, ” Orson just called. Edie had a miscarriage at the hospital and asked if I would go.”

“Are you going?” Odalys asked.

Percival remained silent for a moment before standing up and saying, “Why not take a look?”

“Then I’ll go too,” Odalys said.

As she spoke, Percival turned and headed to his room. Shortly after, he emerged in a black casual outfit, while Odalys hadn’t changed her clothes.

The two of them were dressed in low-key casual suits. Odalys was in white, while Percival was in black. But for some reason, it gave the illusion of a couple’s outfit.

“Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart, are you heading out?” Dorian quickly approached as he saw them heading for the door. Percival grabbed his car keys and replied, “Tell Grandpa we’re heading to the hospital and make sure he eats his dinner.”

“Of course. I’ll bring him down right away,” Dorian said, rubbing his nose sheepishly.

Evander had indeed been starving earlier, but had refrained from interrupting the couple’s meal together. Instead, he’d hidden in his room, munching on chips. It was not healthy for his age.

Percival drove Odalys to the hospital.

When they arrived outside the VIP ward, they could hear Edie’s screams from afar.

“Odalys, you bitch!” Edie’s curses rang out repeatedly. Percival’s expression turned cold as a flicker of anger surfaced.

Instinctively, he felt a strong need to protect Odalys. Hearing someone insult her made him inexplicably irritated, and a faintly murderous glint flickered in his eyes.

“Still has the strength to hurl insults? Looks like she isn’t dying yet.” Odalys sneered. “I’m curious about the curse inside her.”

She couldn’t understand why Edie hated her so much. Edie placed the curse worm in her body herself. Odalys merely killed it, which caused a backlash. If Edie hadn’t used the curse worm, none of this would have happened.

Everything was simply karma. No one else was to blame. “What will happen if the curse worm stays in her body?” Percival asked in a deep voice.

Odalys’s eyes lit up with a touch of excitement.

Odalys explained, “Death, of course. Nurturing a curse worm inside the body means it burrows into the flesh and feeds on its host daily. If the host becomes too weak and the worm senses its survival is threatened…”

She continued, “Then it would try to escape the host’s body. The life veins of the host would become the worm’s only exit. To survive, the worm would devour the host’s internal organs, causing their death. Only then would the worm leave and seek a new host.”

Her voice was calm but loud enough for those inside the ward to hear.

Edie was in so much pain that she rolled around. She struggled to crawl out, cursing, “Odalys, you bitch! Why did you kill the curse worm? Why did you make me suffer this backlash?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Percival stood in front of Odalys.

He stood tall, looking down at Edie with cold indifference. His expression was calm as if he didn’t even know her.

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