Chapter 481
Odalys didn’t hide anything and explained everything to them in detail.
“My father’s soul wasn’t just trapped there; there was also a shrine dedicated to the ancestors of the Stewart Group, and under the incense burner in front of the altar, my astrological signs were being suppressed.” Odalys’s eyes grew dark as she spoke, still unable to fully believe what she had witnessed.
She was just an ordinary person-why would someone go to such lengths to manipulate her? “It seems like someone has been watching the Stewart family for a long time. As for the suppression of your astrological signs, it looks like they’re closely tied to the Stewart family,” Evander said, his voice thoughtful.
“The Bennett family must have had some hand in your abandonment. Perhaps someone was working behind the scenes to drive you away from Crownridge, or even make sure you died out there. But it seems you survived despite their efforts,” he added after a long pause. Clarence, who had been quietly listening, interjected. “So the people behind this couldn’t kill Odalys directly, so they tried to get rid of her in other ways?” His tone was skeptical, as though this entire situation sounded increasingly strange.
Evander nodded gravely. “If they feared Odalys’s fate or her astrological signs, and used Sophia to replace her, there can only be one explanation.” He paused again, as if weighing his words.
Both Odalys and Clarence instinctively looked at him, waiting for the rest of his thoughts.
“The Bennett family is also special, but they are more easily controlled than the Stewart family,” Evander concluded.
Odalys remained silent, contemplating the implications of his words.
She stared at the car they were in for a long moment, then reached out to open the door. But to her surprise, the door remained immobile. “It seems that once you’re in the time tunnel, whatever happens, happens. You can’t change anything, and even though you’re inside the car, you can’t get out,” Odalys muttered.
Evander, still staring at the door, frowned.
“If you can’t open it from the outside, maybe we can from the inside.” He said with determination. “Since we’re already in this situation, I don’t want to just sit here and watch my son die. Even if this is a dream, I want to save him at least once.”
Clarence nodded in agreement. “I feel the same way.”
He was deeply pained. He had watched Percival grow up, seen his incredible talent and potential, and it broke his heart to see that young man die in his prime, a victim of someone’s malevolent plans.
“You should try,” Odalys urged.
She stepped back, watching as Evander began pushing against the door.
At first, it didn’t budge.
The second time, it seemed to shift slightly.
Evander kept trying, again and again. Finally, exhausted, he gave one last push-and with a loud clang, the door creaked open. Evander stepped out.
“Can you really get out?” Odalys asked, her eyes filled with unease.
She had an unsettling feeling in her gut. The time tunnel was supposed to be unchangeable, so how could Evander be the exception?
“But the moment Evander’s feet touched the ground, everything seemed to change.
His healthy, robust body began to wither right before their eyes. He grew thinner, his body resembling nothing but skin and bones, as if he were on the verge of becoming a dried-up corpse.
“Evander!” Clarence exclaimed, horrified. He was about to step out of the car, but just as he was about to move, he saw the horrific transformation happening before him.
Evander, now frail and weakened, began coughing violently. His once strong voice was now a mere rasp.
He looked at Odalys with vacant eyes, his expression full of confusion and fear. His body trembled as he tried to speak, but his words were barely audible.
“I…” He wanted to say something, but before he could, Odalys rushed forward, pulling a talisman from her pocket and throwing it towards him without hesitation. The talisman surrounded Evander, wrapping him in a protective glow. “Grandpa, get back in the car!” Odalys’s voice was choked with emotion. Her eyes were red, filled with tears.
She knew that the Time Tunnel couldn’t be altered, but she hadn’t expected this-death-to be the outcome.
Evander stood there, barely able to lift his head. He turned to look at the overturned Cayenne, his eyes filled with grief as tears began to pour.
“Son, I want to save my son…” Evander’s voice cracked, barely a whisper.
He had never cried before. Even when his son died, he had not allowed himself the luxury of tears.
As the leader of the Stewart family, he could never show weakness-he couldn’t let others see that his family had vulnerabilities. He had to protect the family’s legacy, even if it meant suppressing his own emotions.
For the Stewart family. For Percival. He had never shed a tear for his son.
But now, trapped in this Time Tunnel, he was forced to watch his son’s death unfold again and again. He saw the car crash, the explosion, the horror, and all he could do was stand there, powerless.
“His heart felt like it was being torn apart, the pain unbearable. Inside, his protective instincts for his son had reached their peak.
Now that Percival had been raised by him and was with Odalys, he had no regrets.
If there was one thing he could consider a regret in his life, it was his son.
He hadn’t been able to get to him in time, hadn’t been able to see him one last time before his tragic death in a car explosion-his son’s body was never found.
“Son, I’m coming to be with you,” Evander struggled, his body wracked with agony.
His gaze faltered, unable to stay steady. His eyes fixed on the fallen Porsche, his strength failing him. He desperately tried to break free from everything holding him back, wanting to reach the car, to open the door with all his might. “He wanted to drag his son out, even if he couldn’t save him. He just didn’t want his son to die alone.
Evander’s son had been only 27 years old when he died.
Even in death, he wanted to be with his son, not wanting his son to pass away all alone. His son had been a kind and generous soul, yet he was betrayed and killed. Before his death, he had done no wrong; he only wanted to save others. “Son…” Evander’s voice was strained, as though his throat were on fire.
Yet he kept calling out, his vision becoming hazy, as though his son was there, but also not. It was as if a fog had descended over his eyes. Was he losing his sight, or was his son disappearing?
He couldn’t let his son go again. Even if he had to die, he wanted to die with him. He wanted to be with him.
This thought kept repeating in his mind, urging him forward.
“Evander.” Clarence, watching his old friend in such agony, couldn’t bear it anymore. He rushed forward, attempting to pull Evander back into the car. But the moment his hand touched him, he was horrified-he only grabbed a layer of skin. Clarence recoiled in fear, his heart pounding in his chest. It wasn’t that he was afraid of death. It was that touching Evander felt as if he could easily pull his skin off. If he used any more force, would Evander’s body fall apart?
He stared blankly at the blood and flesh in his palm, then at the spot on Evander’s shoulder, where his own finger marks were imprinted, as though his friend’s body was already giving way.
Chapter 482
“What should we do? We can’t just let him die here, can we? If we’re in this together, either we all go back, or we die here together,” Clarence said, his voice trembling.
He didn’t even realize how much his emotions had cracked. Watching his old friend, once so full of life, reduced to a dying figure was almost too much for him to bear.
The feeling of helplessness and confusion overwhelmed him, consuming his thoughts. Meanwhile, Odalys stood by, watching as Evander fought against the golden light of her talisman. He was desperate to break free, to reach his goal, but she knew all too well that if he succeeded, it would mean his death.
Seeing the deathly aura around him, her fingers trembled.
“Grandpa…” Percival’s voice suddenly rang out, soft yet magnetic, as though it had awakened something in Evander. The old man’s glazed eyes slowly focused, and he lifted his head, dazed and confused.
Percival stepped forward with heavy strides, glancing around before moving behind Odalys to stand at her side. His eyes fixed on Evander, filled with uncontained anguish.
“Odalys, what’s going on? Why is Grandpa here?
What happened to him? Why does he look like this?” Percival asked, his voice laced with fear. A fear unlike any he had felt before.
He was terrified of losing the one person who had raised him, his last remaining family member.
Odalys answered quietly, “We must have accidentally entered the time tunnel to the moment and place where your father’s accident occurred. Time in the tunnel is frozen. What happened before keeps happening over and over again. Every second changes, but the outcome is fixed. Outsiders can’t alter it. But your grandfather… he tried to save your father.” “He drove in, and once inside the tunnel, he couldn’t leave. If he steps out, he will die for sure. But he’s determined. I can’t stop him.”
The only thing Odalys could do was protect him with the talisman, trying to push him back into the car. But even when she forced him in, Evander refused to go back.
Once someone has lost their will to live, there’s no turning back. Evander’s desire to save a man who was already dead would only result in him dying too.
“Grandpa can’t leave the car, but you and I… we can,” Percival said, his words momentarily filling Odalys with surprise.
She hadn’t considered it until he said it. They were able to act freely in this time tunnel, something neither she nor Percival had fully understood until now.
Odalys’s eyes lit up as she realized the possibility.
“Son!” Evander’s voice broke with raw emotion, calling out desperately. Tears streamed from his eyes as he stared at the car, trying to move toward it.
In that moment, both Odalys and Percival stepped forward.
“Go back,” Odalys commanded, her voice firm. Percival nodded, stepping in sync with her.
Together, they used the golden light to forcefully pull Evander back into the car.
With a loud bang, Percival slammed the car door shut.
Before Evander could react, Percival reached in through the window and locked the door. This was a custom-made car, with a hidden switch that only Percival could activate.
Once activated, no one inside could get out or alter anything-only the car could be driven.
Evander was yanked back inside the car with a shriek, his body crashing into the driver’s seat. Sweat poured down his face as he tried to understand what had just happened.
“The pain began to hit him in waves. He felt a strange sensation on his shoulder, as though his skin were peeling away. He reached up and touched it, finding blood and flesh in the place where his skin should be.
Evander turned his head, meeting Clarence’s concerned gaze. He felt as though he had just awoken from a nightmare, as if he had been controlled by someone else.
“Evander, if you’re going to die, at least don’t do it in front of me. Do you really want to die this badly? Do you realize you almost died just now?” “Where is this? This is a time tunnel. What are you trying to do? If you want to save your son, what about Percival? If something happens to you, do you think Percival can handle all the mess of the Stewart family on his own? Do you really want him to bear it alone?
“We agreed to share both the good and the bad together. If you go off and die, what am I supposed to do? You want me to die with you? At least my grandson is married, but mine is still single!”
“Next time, if you insist on dying, at least wait until my grandson is married. Otherwise, I won’t be able to rest in peace!” Clarence raged, his words dripping with frustration.
He was truly heartbroken. He couldn’t believe how stubborn and reckless Evander was being.
Though he was old, he still couldn’t bring himself to think about what had just happened.
“I…” Evander’s lips moved, wanting to explain, but his face was drawn and haggard, avoiding Clarence’s gaze. He quickly turned away.
He glanced at Odalys and Percival standing outside the car. He tried to push the door open, but it was locked tightly, leaving him unable to move.
“Stay inside,” Percival’s voice came from outside the car.
Evander froze, his heart pounding in his chest. Percival wasn’t listening. In fact, he was walking toward the Cayenne with purpose, and Evander could only watch, paralyzed with fear.
“Percival!” Evander shouted, panic flooding his senses.
Evander had nearly died just by stepping out of the car, and now he couldn’t bear to think about what might happen if Percival acted recklessly. His anxiety was palpable as he stomped his feet in frustration.
He wanted to rush forward to stop him, but he felt completely helpless.
“Percival!” Odalys called out, noticing the danger, and quickly stepped forward, matching his pace. The sound of their footsteps echoed around them, hollow and eerie, sending shivers down their spines.
Percival strode ahead, standing in front of the Cayenne. He extended his trembling hands and gripped the car door, yanking it open with all his strength. Odalys, frantic, grabbed his arm.
The two of them peered inside, but the darkness within was impenetrable. Before they could make sense of it, they felt an enormous hand reaching out toward them. Without thinking, Percival instinctively shielded Odalys, but the hand pushed him away with terrifying force. The impact of the unseen hand sent Percival flying. He had no chance to fight back, his body hurled away by the powerful push.
Instinctively, he reached back and pulled Odalys toward him, his broad hand pressing her head against his chest, trying to protect her.
Then, in an instant, a flash of white light exploded around them.
Percival swayed unsteadily, his body rocking as the force of the light pushed him back. Odalys lost her balance and slammed into his chest with a painful grunt.
Her face pressed against his broad chest; she could hear his heartbeat-loud, strong, and rapid, like it could burst from his ribcage. The heat of his body was almost surreal.
“Odalys, what happened to you?” Blossom’s voice called out, piercing through the silence.
Chapter 483
Odalys froze, and Percival’s body stiffened. “Both of them abruptly turned their heads to look at Blossom, who was standing nearby.
Then they glanced around at the familiar living room, seeing Sienna, Dangelo, Harvey, and Celeste standing there as well.
“Odalys blinked and quickly pulled away from Percival’s embrace.
A sharp “honk” broke the silence, coming from a car not far away. The intense glare of the car’s headlights made them instinctively turn their heads to avoid the blinding light.
As the car came to a halt, they saw none other than Evander and Clarence inside.
“Grandpa?” Orson’s eyes widened as he looked at the luxury car. He quickly stepped forward. Inside the car, the two elderly men sat frozen, staring blankly at the Tillery Villa. After a moment, they exchanged a glance, disbelief written all over their faces.
“We actually made it back?” Clarence muttered, his eyes filled with shock.
The moment Evander stepped out of the car, he was convinced he was going to die, thinking his life was about to end. Yet, here they were, back again.
He reached out to open the car door but found it wouldn’t budge. It seemed all the functions of the car were locked, and he couldn’t unlock it. “Percival noticed this and strode forward. Reaching inside the car, he pressed a button. Once the car’s functions were reactivated, the doors unlocked with a soft click.
“Grandpa,” Percival said in a low voice.
It took Evander a while to come back to his senses. He looked at Percival’s figure, his lips trembling.
“I almost got you killed back there,” Evander said, his voice tinged with guilt.
Percival said nothing, simply extending his hand to help Evander out of the car. When Evander’s feet touched the ground, he finally felt like he had truly returned.
“Everything earlier had felt like a dream, too surreal to be real.
“Evander,” Odalys called out softly, stepping forward.
She stood in front of him, the faint glow of the streetlamp falling on her, elongating her shadow. Her beautiful face tilted upward, appearing especially striking against the dark night.
“You saved me just now.” Evander’s voice was very bitter. If not for Odalys, he would have died.
“Odalys took his arm and, along with Percival, helped him walk toward the living room. Harvey and the others watched this scene unfold and quickly spoke up. “Since everyone is here, let’s start dinner. The food is still warm,” Harvey said. “Yes, yes, let’s eat,” Sienna added hastily.
“The moment Percival and Odalys returned, the eerie fog around the Tillery Villa dissipated, as if it had all been an illusion.
“Had they not witnessed Odalys and Percival vanish into the fog, had they not been rooted to the spot, trapped in the living room, perhaps they wouldn’t have believed it.
“Everyone took their seats and began eating, but no one spoke.
“Orson, who was the least able to hold back, finally broke the silence. After taking a bite of meat, he asked, “What just happened? Why did Odalys and Percival suddenly disappear into the mist?”
He added, “And, Grandpa, why were your phones out of service? I had someone investigate. After you left Magic Entertainment and headed this way, the car disappeared midway.”
“He couldn’t hold it in anymore, no matter how hard he tried.
“He had looked into the surveillance footage after learning the car disappeared.
The footage showed a fog appearing halfway through the journey. The same fog had engulfed the Tillery Villa. Once the car drove into the fog, it vanished without reappearing on the road ahead.
This scene was too bizarre.
“That was likely a fog formation, and beyond the fog formation was a time tunnel,” Odalys explained softly.
When the words “time tunnel” were spoken, everyone stopped eating, their movements frozen in shock.
They looked up abruptly, instinctively glancing at the group, their eyes filled with shock as if they’ d misheard. After all, this kind of thing only existed in novels and TV shows.
“Time tunnel? Odalys, is it what I think it is? A tunnel that can take you to the future or the past?” Blossom’s eyes lit up with excitement.
She immediately put down her fork, her face filled with eagerness as she gazed at Odalys.
“At this moment, her admiration for Odalys reached its peak. Odalys had always been the role model she had always idolized.
Because Odalys was extraordinary, because she seemed omnipotent, and because she knew everything Blossom longed to know.
“You could say that,” Odalys replied calmly.
“Orson, stunned, dropped the piece of meat he had just picked up into his bowl. He quickly wiped his mouth, his disbelief evident.
“Grandpa, did your car vanish in the fog because it drove into the time tunnel?” Orson asked breathlessly, almost tearing up from regret.
“Just hearing about it was thrilling. He was fuming that he couldn’t experience it himself. “Yes,” Clarence answered succinctly.
Hearing this, Orson tilted his head back, covering his forehead with his hand and giving it a few regretful slaps.
“Why didn’t anyone take me along? I should have gone with Percival earlier!” he lamented, so full of regret he wished he could turn back time.
To miss out on such an extraordinary event was maddening.
“Do you think you could have gone in? When Percival walked directly into the fog, you did try to follow him. But you got bounced right back,” Blossom retorted without hesitation.
“Orson looked a bit embarrassed, even annoyed. “If he could get in because he’s a virgin, then so can I. I’ve never been with a woman either! Why could he go in, and I couldn’t? And don’t get me wrong. I’m a perfectly upright man,” Orson declared, straightening up with a serious expression.
Odalys’s mouth twitched, and she instinctively turned her head to glance at him.
“Faced with everyone’s puzzled gazes, Orson straightened his back even further. His face flushed slightly, and he coughed awkwardly.” Maybe I’m just too pure,” he muttered.
Blossom was speechless.
“The meal had already lost its original charm.
“The food was delicious, but no one was in the mood to eat. Everyone’s attention was focused on the mention of the “time tunnel.”
“The fog and the time tunnel earlier were probably connected to the Stewart family,” Odalys explained. “You’re not a Stewart, so you couldn’t enter. As for your grandfather, it might be because he’s an elder. He treated Percival’s father like his own son in the past, so he was an exception and allowed entry.”
She had a strong feeling that it was the familial bond that pulled them in. There seemed to be an invisible thread tugging them forward.
“This is related to the Stewart family?” Sienna asked, puzzled.
“Odalys didn’t hold back and recounted what had happened inside the tunnel. Dangelo and Harvey immediately put down their fork, nervously clutching their napkins as they listened intently.
“Whatever happens in the time tunnel cannot be altered or changed. The way you enter is the way you must leave. If you try to make changes, it will inevitably lead to death,” Percival said gravely.
Odalys nodded.
She said, “Exactly. Earlier, when Evander tried to get out of the car to save someone, he was nearly burned alive. The air outside the car seemed to form a harmful barrier, attacking him directly.”
Chapter 484
“When you opened the door of the Cayenne earlier, did the hand that reached out feel familiar to you?” Odalys asked again.
Percival’s fingers tightened around the water cup in his hand as the image of that arm reaching out replayed in his mind.
Percival finally said, “It was my father’s hand. He loved coffee, always holding a cup. Over time, the heat left faint marks on his fingertips.”
Recalling the scene, those hands had forcefully pushed him and Odalys back. Percival frowned. A strange feeling swelled in his chest. It was stifling and uncomfortable.
“Percival wondered if his father, Morpheus, was trying to save him. He wanted to alter the trajectory of events, but it would come with a cost. Hence, his father stopped him.
“You’re saying the person who pushed you out of the time tunnel was your father?” Evander’s voice grew hoarse.
“Though Evander appeared composed, his tone betrayed his emotions.
“Yes,” Percival said.
“Orson rubbed his smooth chin, a hint of confusion flashing across his striking features. So, why did the time tunnel appear tonight in the first place?”
Odalys stayed silent, seated quietly as the events they had just experienced replayed in her mind, looping over and over, each detail magnified.
“She pressed her lips tightly together, leaning back into the chair. Her long, black hair arched into an elegant curve behind her as her movement sent it flowing like silk.
The soft light in the living room bathed her figure as if gilding her in gold.
“Perhaps some things can be changed,” she said finally.
“Maybe the Stewart family’s ancestors left a safeguard,” Odalys added. She wasn’t sure if her hunch was right, but the feeling was undeniable. “What do you mean?” Percival asked, his heartbeat quickening. A faint sense of hope sparked within him as if something miraculous might happen. No matter what it was, it had to be good.
Odalys turned her head and looked at him.
“Her gaze met his eyes. For a moment, it felt as if their souls touched, revealing their innermost thoughts.
Odalys said, “Perhaps it starts with my astrological sign. My astrological sign was pressed under the thurible of the Stewart family. Thuribles are meant to offer prayers. But if misused, they can harm.
“Although I haven’t rested much since returning from the junction of energy, I feel surprisingly energized.”
She added, “And then today, the time tunnel appeared. I was the first to enter, which suggests there’s a connection between me and the Stewart family. I could open the tunnel, but I could only enter the moment when Morpheus had his accident.”
Odalys’s words sent a ripple of shock through everyone present.
She continued, “I’m not certain my speculation is correct, but I feel everything ties back to my astrological signs. Someone wanted to twist my luck, but it seems their actions backfired.
“Just like how we were supposed to meet disaster at the junction of energy earlier, but Morpheus shielded us. In doing so, we unexpectedly saw him.”
Odalys concluded, “Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, many things are already predetermined.”
It wasn’t arrogance but an absence of any other explanation that made sense to her.
“Odalys, does this mean you and Percival are destined to be together?” Blossom’s imagination ran wild. “Since you’re fated to marry him, is that why the Stewart family’s ancestors protected and guided you?”
Her gaze darted between Odalys and Percival, already crafting an entire modern romance novel in her head featuring a domineering CEO and his fated love.
“I don’t know. Maybe,” Odalys replied lightly. “In the previous timeline, she never had the chance to meet Percival before her death, though he came to collect her body afterward. “Around the 1920s, the couple tragically died during their wedding.
It seemed something had happened then to make someone want to kill both her and Percival. And in this timeline, everything seemed to revolve around the Stewart family.
“Odalys couldn’t figure out what she meant to the Stewart family.
“No matter how it all came to be, at least you two got married, and Percival successfully dispelled the misfortune! That is a good thing. Odalys, you are not only a blessing to the Stewart family but also to the Lark family,” Clarence said warmly.
“Come, let’s not dwell on it. Let’s have a drink,” he added, pouring himself a glass.
Seeing this, Evander perked up as well.
The group shifted their focus back to enjoying the meal, which lasted three hours. It wasn’t until 11 pm that they finally wrapped up.
Orson drove Clarence home.
“Sienna and Dangelo returned to the hospital since Dangelo’s condition had yet to fully recover, and he refrained from drinking tonight.
“Harvey and Celeste stood by the entrance, watching as Percival drove away.
“Blossom, leaning against the wall nearby, gazed at Percival’s departing car and murmured,” Mom, I feel like Percival and Odalys have a mysterious connection.”
“Just now, I kept getting this strange feeling. They don’t seem like a couple who just got married to dispel bad luck. It feels like their bond runs deep. It’s like they’ve shared a long and profound history together,” she added quietly.
Celeste, hearing this, tapped her daughter’s forehead lightly.
“You’ve been reading too many romance novels. Your brain’s full of nonsense! You’ve always been overly sensitive, thinking up all sorts of wild things,” Celeste chided, though her tone was indulgent.
Harvey didn’t argue but gave a slight nod instead.
“If the time tunnel is real, and the junction of energy does exist, then what Blossom said isn’t entirely impossible. Regardless, our Tillery family must do everything we can to help the Stewart family through this calamity,” Harvey said after a moment of thought.
“If the Stewart family falls, the entire Crownridge could collapse with it. Our family wouldn’t be able to stay safe either. The people involved in this have far-reaching influence. We must be vigilant,” he continued, his gaze sharp and calculating.
“As a businessman, his insights were naturally precise.
The Tillery family had always remained neutral, never taking sides. Yet this time, he chose to stand with the Stewart family. It was not for power or favor, but because he refused to let others trample over them.
The grudge from when Blossom was nearly killed by Sophia’s Love Spell was something he could never let go of.
“Dad, I saw on the news that Sophia is pregnant. They’re saying she’s involved with Windsor and even a few other men in the Bennett family. Is that true?” Blossom asked, her confusion evident.
“And whose child is she carrying?” she added, her eyes filled with disbelief. The tangled relationships were too chaotic for her to unravel.
“I don’t know. Don’t waste your time with this nonsense! Go shower and head to bed,” Celeste interjected, pulling her daughter toward the house.
“Harvey remained silent, standing quietly where he was. He looked up at the sky, noticing how the once-clear night had been swallowed by looming dark clouds.
“It seems like a storm is coming. I hope everyone is safe,” he said, his tone laden with meaning.
“Though his words seemed to be a monologue, they were a warning to himself, a reminder to tread carefully. He only hoped that the choice he made this time would protect the Tillery family.
Chapter 485
Percival drove the car in silence. Odalys sat in the passenger seat while Evander occupied the back. None of them spoke a word during the journey.
When they arrived at Stewart Villa, Percival pulled over and parked by the side.
“Evander, take it slow,” Odalys said as she got out of the car, walking around to open the door for Evander.
“Percival joined her, helping Evander out.
The three of them stood in the courtyard, not stepping further inside.
“Odalys, you said you brought him back. Is he here?” Evander’s voice trembled.
He glanced around, an indescribable feeling welling up inside him. His gaze naturally fell on the century-old tree in the courtyard, a place he had never paid much attention to before.
But as he stepped out of the car, something about this place felt different. It was a mix of sorrow and unease. It was a feeling he couldn’t quite articulate, but it weighed heavily on him.
“As an old soldier, Evander had endured blood and hardship without shedding a tear, but tonight, he felt inexplicably hollow.
“In the time tunnel, he had thought of his son, Morpheus. Now, back at Stewart Villa, he thought of him again.
Evander regretted not having more conversations with Morpheus when he was alive, always caught up in family matters. Even after Morpheus passed, he hadn’t given him a proper farewell. The guilt gnawed at him.
“Evander, under the tree,” Odalys said softly.
“With Percival’s support, Evander took careful steps toward the tree.
They stood there together, saying nothing, as though silently accompanying someone, or perhaps silently speaking to someone.
“The wind rustled through the leaves, its cool touch carrying the chill of night. A few yellow leaves drifted to the ground, landing quietly.
“Good, it’s back,” Evander murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
He seemed to age visibly in that moment, his once-straight back now hunched. Slowly, he bent down, brushing away the fallen leaves and weeds with his hands.
“Leaning against the tree trunk, he let himself sit on the ground.
“Dad’s here to keep you company,” Evander said softly.
“He sat there in silence, gently touching the soil as if stroking something precious.
“Odalys turned her head, feeling a lump in her throat. Percival stood still, quiet and steady. “Time ticked by. Evander muttered something under his breath, perhaps speaking to himself. He leaned against the tree, eyes closed, his voice carrying faint laughter mixed with choked sobs.
At 1:30 am, Percival looked at Evander’s closed eyes.
“Grandpa,” Percival called out, his voice hoarse. There was no response.
“Percival called out to Evander in a deep voice, but Evander remained silent, causing him to panic.
“Grandpa,” Percival called out again.
Odalys noticed his sudden alarm and saw him stumble forward. Standing in front of Evander, Percival extended a trembling hand to check his breath.
“He felt a faint warmth and heard a soft hum.
“He’s asleep,” Odalys whispered.
“Percival was a little embarrassed. He had been terrified that his grandfather would die right then and there.
“He had never considered his grandfather old until this moment, when he was suddenly struck by his grandfather’s age.
“Yes, he’s asleep,” Percival said, his voice heavy with mixed emotions.
“Percival was always stoic, consumed by the Stewart family business. However, seeing Evander in such a state tonight made him realize he’d never truly been present for his family.
“Percival crouched down and carefully picked up Evander.
“This was the first time Percival’d ever held his grandfather. He’d always thought Evander was so full of energy that he didn’t need anyone’s protection, but now he realized how old Evander was.
Despite Evander’s usually imposing physique, when Percival lifted him, he felt weightless.
Percival held Evander tightly as they walked towards Stewart Villa. Odalys remained silent, quietly accompanying him.
“After Percival carried Evander upstairs, she hurried ahead to open the door, and Percival gently laid him on the bed.
“He’s likely overwhelmed with grief,” Odalys said softly, lowering her voice as if afraid to wake Evander.
“As Percival softly responded, they noticed a collection of photographs neatly arranged on a table by the window while turning to leave.
Odalys stepped forward and stood before the table.
She saw numerous photographs displayed across the entire wall, featuring Percival, his father, his great-grandfather, and many other figures, both familiar and unknown.
“One year, two years, three years,” Odalys read the simple labels beneath the photos. Her gaze wavered.
“Odalys’s gaze flickered as she took in the marked years, struck by the bitterness in Percival’s voice when he said, “These mark the years since my father passed.”
“Unbeknownst to them, Evander had quietly documented the passing years, fearing that one day he might grow too old to remember.
They stood there together, saying nothing.
“After a long while, Percival reached out and tightly grasped Odalys’s hand. Though he said nothing at first, the strength in his grip conveyed everything he felt.
“Odalys, I want to be with you,” Percival said.
“He lowered his gaze to look at her, taking in her delicate features, her flawless appearance. Never before had he felt such an overwhelming urge to hold on to someone.
“He believed he was nearing death and wanted to ensure her freedom, even meticulously planning her future without him. However, now he yearned to live, to truly embrace life.
He wanted to live to protect her. He wanted to live to stay by his grandfather’s side through old age. He wanted to carry the weight of their world on his shoulders.
There were too many things to do. But no matter how difficult it was, he wanted to live.
“Alright,” Odalys responded, smiling up at him. At first, marrying Percival had been nothing more than a means to escape the Stewart family. Healing him had been an unexpected detour.
“But walking this path together had shown her something unexpected. She wanted to be part of the Stewart family. Or perhaps, deep down, she had always belonged there. Everything they had endured together had bound her too tightly to walk away.
“You’re tired, aren’t you? Get some rest,” Percival said.
“Whatever emotions lingered at the moment, there was plenty of time to face them later. Life stretched out long before them.
“At his suggestion, Odalys became aware of her dirty clothes. Nodding, she quickly turned to leave, heading back to her room.
“Percival watched her retreating figure until she disappeared into her room. Only then did he make his way to the study.
After her shower, Odalys dried her hair and leaned against the bed, her gaze drifting to the moonlight spilling through the floor-to-ceiling window.
“Time tunnels, the junction of energy… If the two are connected, does that mean only I can open the time tunnel?” she murmured.
“The night’s mysteries and the time tunnel weighed heavily on her mind. She held her breath, trying to stop herself from thinking about it further.
“But the scene from tonight kept replaying in her head. Unable to shake it off, she hurriedly
climbed out of bed and saw a figure standing outside the window. When she focused her gaze, she recognized it was Percival’s father, Morpheus.
“He was holding a cup, tilting his head slightly as he met her eyes. Then, he raised his hand and gestured for her to come closer.
“Morpheus,” Odalys whispered as she walked barefoot to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Although Morpheus was sitting under the tree in the courtyard, his figure seemed to be right outside her window. Oddly enough, she didn’t feel afraid. Instead, she reached out and took the cup he offered her.
Chapter 486
The cup rested in her hand as she saw Morpheus raise his own for a toast. Despite the distance between them, she inexplicably felt as though he were there.
It was an eerie sensation, yet Odalys still raised her cup and clinked it against his.
The two drank together across the void. She finished her coffee and looked back at Morpheus.
Suddenly, she saw his hand reach toward her. His broad palm shielded her eyes, and when it covered her gaze, she was plunged into darkness, overcome by a wave of sleepiness. “That night, she slept unusually well. Her mind felt emptied, and she experienced an unprecedented sense of relaxation.
Odalys stretched lazily, lying comfortably in bed. The next second, she opened her eyes abruptly, staring at the ceiling and then glancing around, breaking out in a cold sweat.
“I actually fell asleep?” Odalys murmured in disbelief.
She hurriedly took out her phone and found it was already noon.
Last night, around 1 am, she and Percival stayed with Evander under the tree until he fell asleep.
Percival had then carried him back to his room.
Afterward, Odalys returned to her room to shower and prepare for bed. She seemed to recall seeing Morpheus’s figure then.
“He seemed to have handed her a cup, which she accepted and drank with him. Afterward, he had covered her eyes, and she had blacked out. “Was I dreaming?” Odalys found it unbelievable. Climbing out of bed, she walked to the floor-to- ceiling window and looked out.
“Odalys stood there, gazing at the big tree for a long time before turning around to freshen up. Then, she noticed something unexpected. It was a delicate ceramic cup resting on the table near the window.
On the edge of the cup, a word seemed to have been written with water, “Wait.”
Staring at the word, Odalys turned and walked to the neighboring room, knocking on the study door.
“Percival, are you home?” she called out.
Dorian heard her voice and hurried upstairs from downstairs, saying, “Mrs. Stewart, they have gone out.”
“They’ve gone out?” Odalys asked, puzzled.
Only then did she recall that she had overslept. It was already midday, so naturally, they wouldn’t still be home.
“Yes, Mr. Evander Stewart went to Magic Entertainment, and Mr. Percival Stewart went out with Callum. They both asked me to stay behind so I could prepare your meal,” Dorian explained.
Usually, Evander would take him along to Magic Entertainment. But since Odalys had overslept, he had been left behind to attend to her.
“Dorian, come with me,” Odalys said.
“She beckoned him to follow her, leading him into her room. Standing by the window, she pointed to the cup and the word written on its side. “Do you recognize this?” she asked.
Confused, Dorian followed behind her, somewhat bewildered.
“As his eyes fell on the word, he moved closer and studied it carefully. After a moment, he let out a startled gasp. “This… isn’t this Mr. Morpheus Stewart’s handwriting?” he exclaimed.
“Without waiting, he rushed out and soon returned, carrying a book. Flipping through its pages, he held it out to Odalys.
“Look! This is a notebook from when Mr. Morpheus Stewart was alive. Mr. Evander Stewart couldn’t bear to part with it, so he kept it,” Dorian explained.
“The handwriting really is the same,” Odalys remarked, taking the book and examining it.
Dorian’s face turned pale, and he hesitated to say something.
“Mrs. Stewart, Stewart Villa isn’t haunted or anything like that. Please don’t be frightened. Maybe… maybe Mr. Percival Stewart wrote this as a prank. Don’t you think?” he stammered, clearly uneasy.
He was panicking. If Odalys thought Stewart Villa was haunted and got scared away, it would be a disaster.
Percival’s marriage was supposed to bring good fortune to the family, and losing her now would undo all their efforts.
At that moment, Dorian really wanted to slap himself to stay alert.
“Got it,” Odalys said.
“Closing the book, she turned her gaze back to the word “wait” on the cup. Though it was written in water, it showed no signs of disappearing.
“Mrs. Stewart, are you hungry? What would you like for lunch? I’ll prepare something for you,” Dorian asked, his voice filled with nervous energy.
Odalys looked out at the large tree through the window, her expression unreadable.
“Just spaghetti. Keep it simple,” she replied. Dorian responded quickly and turned to walk out, not forgetting to close the door behind him.
Odalys took out her phone and snapped a photo, sending it to Percival.
When no reply came, she put her phone away and massaged her temples before heading to the bathroom. Looking at herself in the mirror, her skin was flawless with a healthy hue. Her eyes looked sharper and more vibrant than ever.
Then, Odalys winced in pain.
“She accidentally brushed her hand against the edge of the counter, causing blood to bead up from the small cut and drip into the sink.
The next moment, to her astonishment, the wound healed itself.
She repeatedly rubbed the wound and found that the scar was gone. Odalys made another cut, and blood continued to ooze out. She put it on the faucet and washed it. After the blood was washed away, the wound healed again.
“This is incredible. How do I have this ability?” Odalys murmured, astonished.
“She had always been in good health with a strong constitution, recovering quickly from injuries with minimal rest. However, this was beyond anything she had experienced before.
“She wondered if this had something to do with her retrieval of the astrological signs from under the thurible when she was trapped at the junction of energy.
“She figured it might related to the coffee she drank from Morpheus last night. She also pondered why he wrote the “wait” on the table beside the cup.
Everything felt mysterious as if an unseen hand was guiding her to uncover the truth.
“After finishing her morning routine, Odalys opened her wardrobe and selected a pair of high -waisted jeans and a white blouse. Grabbing her phone, she headed downstairs.
The mouthwatering aroma of food greeted her as soon as she descended the stairs, prompting her to quicken her pace.
“It smells amazing. What delicious food have you made, Dorian?” Odalys asked with delight.
After the exhausting events of the previous night and eating sparingly at the Tillery family’s residence, coupled with her long sleep, her stomach had been growling incessantly since she got up.
“I made spaghetti with sloppy Joe, along with some salt-and-pepper shrimp and roasted broccoli,” Dorian said as he brought out the food.
The table was already set with a spread that looked, smelled, and promised to taste incredible.
Odalys eagerly pulled out a chair and sat down. Dorian, your cooking is amazing,” she praised as she began eating.
Embarrassed by the compliment, Dorian quietly wiped his hands.
“You’re not eating?” Odalys asked.
Dorian scratched his head and waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll eat with Mr. Evander Stewart later.”
“Evander just called me. He said Mr. Clarence Lark and a few other friends are meeting him at Magic Entertainment for a meal. He told me to join them later,” Dorian explained, sounding slightly self-conscious.
Though he was a butler, he had accompanied Evander through countless trials over the years. The family never treated him as a mere servant and often included him in their gatherings.
“Oh? Then you’d better hurry along. No need to wait for me. I’ll clean up after I’m done eating,” Odalys said, waving her hand.
Seeing her insistence, Dorian quickly removed his apron and prepared to leave.
Chapter 487
“Just leave your bowl on the table after you’re done eating. I’ll take care of it when I get back tonight,” Dorian reminded her as he headed out the door.
Watching his retreating figure, Odalys couldn’t help but chuckle.
She enjoyed the food while pulling out her phone to browse social media. Ever since her account surpassed a hundred million followers, her private messages had been flooding in nonstop, with fans even begging her to start a livestream.
[Beauty, it’s been so long! Please, start a livestream, I’m begging you.]
[Odalys! I need a reading. Urgent help!]
[The talisman I got from you last time brought me luck. I won the lottery!]
[Wow, I struck it rich too! Our family has moved to a better neighborhood, and now I’m loaded.]
[Please, do a livestream! Grant us your blessings!
“The constant barrage of messages almost caused her phone to freeze.
Odalys glanced at the comments asking her to go live, then quietly set her phone aside. After a moment’s thought, she tapped the livestream button. The camera focused on her, and within seconds, thousands of fans flooded the stream.
It was clear that many had her livestream notifications turned on. As soon as she went live, they reflexively clicked in, doubting their eyes until they saw her bare-faced yet beautiful appearance.
[Oh my gosh, it’s really Odalys!]
[Goddess, are we doing fortune readings today?]
[Do you still have talismans? I’ll pay 300 dollars for one.]
[Odalys, can you help me check on my child? He’ s been sick for a long time.]
“The chat was moving so fast that Odalys couldn’t keep up with the flood of comments.
[Stop spamming! She can’t read our comments!] “Hearing this, the fans calmed down instantly, letting the stream of comments slow down.
“Odalys said, “Sorry, I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to stream! I did promise free fortune readings for ten people daily over at the Magic Entertainment platform.”
She announced, “Recently, I’ve finished all those readings and haven’t had time to schedule more, so today I’ll draw ten people for free readings right here.”
“Her words sent the audience into a frenzy, with more fans rushing to join, all vying for a chance at the readings.
Some viewers were there purely for entertainment, but many were genuine believers in Odalys’s abilities, having become fans after her stint on a popular reality show. Her followers ranged from young adults to middle-aged and even elderly viewers.
With a soft “beep,” the system randomly selected the first viewer.
“The screen revealed a disheveled woman with empty, almost lifeless eyes staring nervously into the camera.
“Hello, did I get selected?” the woman asked in a hoarse voice, sounding as if her throat was strained.
She seemed to be crouching, and the background showed a dilapidated home with cracks in the walls, suggesting it was an old and leaky structure. Her clothes were worn and shabby.
“Yes, it’s you,” Odalys said.
“Upon hearing this, the woman dropped to her knees before the camera. Tears streamed down her face as she choked out her words.
“Ms. Stone, please save my son,” the woman pleaded, her voice choked with sobs. Facing the camera, she broke down in tears.
Odalys watched the woman sobbing, then set her bowl aside and looked into the camera. What happened?” she asked calmly.
The woman said, “My son has been sick for ten years. It started with a fever, and the doctors said it damaged his brain. Later, they diagnosed him with cerebral palsy. We’ve spent all our money on treatments and seen countless doctors, but nothing has worked.”
“She choked up. “Last night, he started acting strange, mumbling nonsense and staring out the window, laughing. Then, in the middle of the night, he ran outside.
“I asked someone for help, and they told me my son doesn’t have long to live. Please, I beg you, see if there’s any way to save him.”
“The woman pleaded, “My neighbor told me about you. He said you helped his grandchild when something was stuck in her head, and no one else could figure it out. You saved that child. Please, save mine too.”
“Odalys’s expression darkened as she saw the woman’s despair. She spoke with patience, though her voice was firm. “Bring the child here so I can take a look.”
[That’s right, hurry up and show the child so she can check.]
[I remember that story about the kid with the needle in her head! Saw it live before!]
[That happened in my neighborhood! I saw Odalys save that kid in person. She’s amazing!]
The chat exploded with excitement, flooding with praise and anticipation.
“Okay, okay,” the woman stammered, scrambling to bring her child into view. She adjusted the camera, revealing a frail boy. He had a skeletal frame, hollow eyes, cracked lips, and a pale face.
Odalys stared at the boy, her fingers gripping the edge of the table.
“This is my son,” the woman said, her voice cracking as fresh tears fell.
Odalys’s hand curled into a fist. Her gaze was sharp and unyielding as she fixed it on the child.
“Does your husband have an older brother?” Odalys asked suddenly.
The woman blinked in surprise, nodding. “Yes, my husband does have an older brother.”
“Has he been giving your family financial support?” Odalys continued.
The woman looked stunned but nodded again. Yes, my brother-in-law is a kind man. We’re poor, and if it weren’t for him helping us out, my child and I would have starved.”
When Odalys heard this, a hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes.
She said, “Did your son start falling ill around the time your brother-in-law’s son was born? And has your child’s condition worsened every time your brother-in-law gives you money? Last night, before your son’s condition worsened, did your brother-in-law visit you?”
The woman’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. She was too shocked to respond.
[Holy crap! I have a chill.] The fans were shocked. “Fans familiar with Odalys knew she would only ask this because she suspected the brother-in- law was involved and may be connected to the child’s illness.
“The woman nodded hesitantly. “Yes, he did visit last night. He brought some candied apples, mushroom soup, and some eggs.”
“Odalys let out a cold laugh. “You’ve been accepting his ‘curse’ and still feel grateful toward him.”
“She continued, “His son was born deathly ill and would have died, so he offered you a “gift” in exchange for your son’s life. You accepted the gift meant to save his son. While your son narrowly escaped death, he is severely ill.”
Odalys didn’t beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
“How could this happen? My brother-in-law has always been very nice.” The woman murmured in a low voice, obviously unwilling to believe the fact.
“Odalys continued, “Since your son became ill, your family’s finances have suffered, while he’s thrived, even going into business.
But it seems the wealthier he becomes, the poorer your family gets. And the healthier and more successful his son is, the sicker your son becomes?”
The woman stared at the camera, speechless, her face pale as realization began to dawn. Odalys added, “He’s rich, yet he only gave you those food items. Why would he give those things at night? They were probably used for dark rituals.”
Chapter 488
“Odalys’s tone was calm yet piercing as she continued, unfazed by the potential backlash. The woman muttered incoherently, her
demeanor teetering on hysteria. “How could this be?”
She refused to accept the grim reality. Someone she once trusted and even saw as a benefactor was now revealed to be the very person harming her child.
“Impossible! You’re lying! My brother-in-law would never harm me or my son! He gave us money! He paid my son’s medical expenses!” The woman yelled hysterically at the camera, her voice full of despair.
Odalys responded coldly, “That money was a curse. He used it to “buy” your son’s life. And you used that same money for your son’s treatment. You don’t have to believe me.
“But if you don’t act soon, your son won’t survive three days from the night you accepted his so- called gift.”
Odalys paused before continuing, “If you want to save your son, return the items he gave you immediately. Place them in his living room and set them prominently in the center. Leave a clear sign that you’ve refused his ‘offering”.”
“The woman let out a piercing scream and flung her phone to the ground, disconnecting the call. The woman disappeared from the camera as her phone fell, Odalys fell silent, and the fans in the live broadcast room also fell silent. Some sympathized with the woman, and some thought she deserved it.
Odalys tried to help her, but she refused to believe it.
“Suddenly, the livestream chimed with the connection of the next viewer.
A stern face appeared on the camera. The old man looked to be about 80 years old, with sharp, piercing eyes. He was wearing casual sportswear, but it couldn’t hide the aura of dominance emanating from him.
“Hello, Ms. Stone.” The old man greeted her.
“The chat froze momentarily. The viewers were curious, sensing this old man was rich and intimidating.
“Hi.” Odalys glanced at him.
Then she took her phone and sent a message. The old man looked at her on the screen. His demeanor was calm yet tinged with curiosity, as though testing the waters.
“What do you want to ask?” Odalys smiled faintly. She stared at the man in the camera and saw him frown, obviously not liking her smiling at him.
“I’ve heard you’re remarkably skilled at fortune- telling, a true seer. I thought I’d indulge in the trend and have you read my fortune. Tell me, will my business endeavors today be successful?” the old man said politely while drinking a cup of coffee.
The watch on his wrist was a Rolex, a new model worth 1.5 million dollars.
Although he was drinking, his eyes were glancing sideways, observing the situation outside.
“You can’t leave,” Odalys simply said.
The old man’s face darkened as he listened. He slammed his cup heavily onto the table, locking eyes with her in what seemed like an invisible standoff. After a long pause, he finally leaned back in his chair.
The old man said, “It seems that your fortune- telling isn’t as impressive as they claim. I just watched you earlier. You seemed so confident with the first viewer, but now you’ve hit a wall with me.”
He sneered slightly before continuing, “I’m afraid this is where your act falls apart. Today, in my case…”
Before he could finish, Odalys interrupted, her voice cool. “It seems you’re quite bold. You know the authorities are currently cracking down on smuggling and drug operations, don’t you?”
She continued, “You think testing the waters in my livestream is a good idea? Do you believe the police can’t catch you? Or do you think that since you’re already at the docks and your ship is ready to sail, you’ll be long gone before they arrive?”
The viewers gasped in shock.
[What’s going on? Is this guy a drug dealer?]
[She said he’s at the docks? I live near the docks. Should I check it out?]
[Is this guy provoking the authorities live on stream? Police, are you watching this?]
The stream’s 50 million viewers now focused intently on the old man on their screens.
“The moment Odalys stopped speaking, the old man lowered his cup and eyed her with suspicion.
“His calm facade cracked. He instinctively looked out of frame, his movements betraying a growing unease. Panicking, he reached to end the call.
“His fingers jabbed at the screen repeatedly. However, no matter how much he tried, the connection wouldn’t disconnect.
“Cut the internet! Now!” he barked.
He called someone offscreen. As he spoke, he tried to stand up, but he found his body seemed glued to the chair. With great effort, he struggled to get up.
“Boss, we can’t shut it off!” someone nearby replied.
“The old man grabbed his phone in desperation, attempting to smash it, but it slipped from his hand and clattered back onto the table. He reached for it again, but his movements were labored, sweat pouring down his face from the effort.
Then, he groaned in pain.
He reached for his waist and was about to speak when he heard sirens in the distance.
“Oh no! Get the boat ready.” The old man panicked.
He shouted urgently, and the people around him also panicked. They could faintly hear footsteps approaching, many people running, and even the sound of gunshots.
The old man struggled to get up, but his waist was in excruciating pain, and it felt like he was paralyzed, unable to leave the chair.
At that moment, the old man looked at Odalys with fear in his eyes. On the screen, he saw her stand up, grab a bottle of mineral water, unscrew the cap, and take a sip.
“Didn’t you want to expose me? Too bad. I told you wouldn’t get away. If you had left earlier, you might’ve actually escaped,” she said, resting her chin on her hand and watching his futile struggles.
The old man glared at her furiously.
“Impossible! How could someone so young be this powerful? The true masters are all in Southeast Pathil! There’s no way anyone here in the country could be this skilled! You’re just acting!” he bellowed, unwilling to accept his defeat.
“Before he could say more, heavy footsteps echoed closer.
With a loud bang, one of his henchmen was kicked through the door, collapsing at the old man’s feet.
The rest of the crew, who had been trying to escape, were driven back into the room by armed officers.
“Mr. Jacobson, fancy meeting you again. The last time you escaped was 20 years ago! I didn’t expect to run into you again after your plastic surgery.” Lee’s voice came from the other end of the video.
Seeing the armed police, the old man’s face drained of color as he slumped back in his chair. “Lee stepped forward, handcuffed the old man, and effortlessly lifted him. As he was being lifted, the old man’s mind went blank.
Just now, he had struggled to couldn’t get up, but now the restraints on his body seemed to have disappeared.
At that moment, he felt a pang of regret. He glared at Odalys as he said, “Did you do something to me? Is that why I couldn’t get up earlier?”
“Thanks,” Lee said, turning toward Odalys on the other end of the livestream.
“The moment the old man connected with her, she discreetly sent a message to Lee, who immediately mobilized a nearby team to raid the location.
A manhunt that had lasted twenty years ended without resistance, thanks to her intervention.
Odalys smiled but said nothing. Lee reached out and ended the video call.
[Wait, that’s Officer Hersey! He’s in charge of so many recent high-profile cases. I’ve seen him on the news!]
[This is insane! I just witnessed a live drug bust!]
[The police just confirmed it—this guy was a wanted drug dealer!]
Chapter 489
Fans hadn’t expected Odalys, who had been offline for a while, to come back with such a bang. They’d already witnessed countless bizarre incidents in her livestreams before and thought they’d seen it all, but today’s events brought yet another surprise.
“Next,” Odalys said casually as she opened the next connection.
To everyone’s astonishment, the person who managed to reconnect was the first viewer from earlier. The woman appeared on screen with tear -filled eyes.
“Odalys, I was wrong to offend you earlier. I’m so sorry. I got overwhelmed and lost my composure,” the woman apologized, her voice trembling.
She continued, “After I smashed my phone, I thought about it and decided to follow your advice. I returned the things my brother-in-law gave me to his house. Then, my son’s condition suddenly became better.”
Her voice was a mixture of disbelief and relief. Not only did his fever disappear, but he started talking again! He seems so full of energy now!” “Initially, she had been furious when Odalys criticized her brother-in-law.
“But now, just half an hour after following her instructions, her son had miraculously recovered.
She had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on his treatment, but it had no effect. But after she followed Odalys’s free advice, her son returned to normal.
Odalys remained calm as she responded, ” Waking up and recovering are two different things. For ten years, you’ve been spending your brother-in-law’s money on your son. These past few days were the critical tipping point. To put it simply, your son’s life force has been mostly taken away.”
She continued, “Even if you return the cursed items now, it’s hard for your son to fully recover. If you want to save him, you’ll need to find your brother-in-law’s son.
“On his son’s birthday night, you must have his son say that he’ll return the borrowed life to your son.”
Borrowed life required a willing return. After ten long years, the borrowed life had already deeply rooted itself. Even if returned, it couldn’t fully restore the original balance.
“His son’s birthday? It’s today,” the woman mumbled in a panicked voice, her composure crumbling again.
Odalys observed her flustered state and calmly said, “If you don’t want your son to die, go now. There’s still time. But you must make him agree to return your son’s life force himself.”
“Yes, yes, I will!” The woman nodded frantically before cutting off the connection.
“The viewers were stunned. Ten free readings, and Odalys had spent a full hour handling them. By the time she was preparing to end her livestream, the viewership had skyrocketed. What started as 50 million online viewers had surged to 80 million, with people still pouring in.
[Wait, are those actual police officers joining the stream?]
[Did the court personnel show up?]
[Am I seeing things? Even the broadcasting authorities are here!]
“The fans were dumbfounded. This was the first time they’d ever seen so many official accounts flooding into a live stream, not just the police, but even firefighters.
“The time’s up. Today’s livestream ends here. I’ll come back when I have the time,” Odalys said, glancing at the clock and preparing to log off. Several police officers hurriedly flooded the chat with messages. [Are there any more drug dealers in the country? Please let us know.]
“The police were utterly stunned. Higher-ups had even issued orders for officers to monitor Odalys’s livestreams and compete to connect with her for tips. Everyone wanted to share in the glory.
“Just moments ago, Lee earned top commendations for capturing one of the most dangerous drug lords in the country. Countless resources were spent searching for him, and he was finally captured.
“Lee had been solving a lot of cases, with Odalys providing most of the clues.
“Odalys reportedly also messaged Lee about the man who had just been apprehended.
“This incident shook the entire police force. Many officers regretted not reaching out to Odalys earlier. If they had known she was this extraordinary, today’s glory might have been theirs.
“Goodbye,” Odalys said, turning off the livestream.
As soon as Odalys ended her livestream, the events from her stream shot straight to the top of trending topics, dominating the top five spots. [Shocking! Odalys busts a drug lord live.]
[Someone tries to expose Odalys and gets arrested.]
[Malicious curse exposed by Odalys.]
[Odalys reminded everyone online not to take money that doesn’t belong to them.]
[Odalys ate spaghetti.]
“Each trending topic had over 100 thousand comments, with even more shares. The sheer volume of activity caused the entire Twitter platform to crash.
“Meanwhile, Odalys’s fan base continued to grow at an astonishing rate, but she remained completely unaware of the chaos online.
“After ending her livestream, the atmosphere in Bennett Villa was heavy and oppressive.
“Odalys has time to stream, but she doesn’t have time to help us,” Henry muttered angrily, smashing a glass against the floor.
“Last night, a water and electrical leak occurred in his apartment, nearly costing him his life. Thankfully, he escaped quickly but was shocked to find that the hotel refused him accommodation.
He and Edie had to move back to Bennett Villa overnight.
“Caspian was even more unlucky. The house he purchased was an illegal construction and was demolished last night, leaving him with no compensation.
“Caspian, call her.” Henry assumed the attitude of an elder brother.
The memory of being scolded by Odalys over the phone still left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Henry called her for help that night, but she ignored him, not considering whether he was in danger. If he had really died at Edie’s hands, she would not have come to his rescue.
Odalys was his sister, but she was nicer to strangers than to him.
She even took time out of her lunch break to do live streams, giving free fortune-telling sessions and even helping the police catch drug dealers. However, she ignored her own family.
“Why should I call her? She blocked me after leaving the Bennett family, and I’m ashamed to contact her,” Caspian said irritably.
He had planned to move out of Bennett Villa, but he didn’t expect to be forced to move back.
“The moment he stepped into the house, a deep unease settled over him. Although this was where he had grown up, it now felt cold and menacing.
“By the way, where’s Atlas? Why didn’t he come back?” Henry looked around the living room. He was getting impatient when he noticed that Atlas was still missing. As he was about to go outside, he heard a car pull up.
Two bodyguards carried a man over and tossed him into the living room.
Henry shouted, “Hey, what are you doing? Catch them! What is this? Are you dumping a body at my house?”
Henry was furious. He tried to chase after the men but was forced to stop after just two steps, wincing as pain shot through his legs. Frustrated, he looked down at the person who had been thrown in, only to realize it was Atlas.
“Atlas’s face was pale. As he hit the floor, the impact jolted him awake.
“Dazed, he looked up to see Henry’s face, his mind completely blank. Flashes of the previous night surged back.
Sophia kicked him to the ground, pinning him down, tearing his T-shirt, and even jabbing at his chest with her fingers.
“How… how could this happen? Am I dreaming?” Atlas mumbled to himself, terror flickering in his eyes.
“The scene felt so real that he couldn’t help but question his reality.
“What happened to you? Who were those people?” Henry demanded, slipping back into his self- imposed role as the big brother.
Chapter 490
Atlas winced as he pushed himself up from the floor, clutching his chest. He glanced down, pulled at his shirt, and saw gauze wrapped around his chest, faintly stained with blood. “It’s a real injury? Then last night wasn’t a dream It was Sophia, she…” Atlas mumbled to himself, utterly dazed.
“He was visibly shaken, muttering incoherently as he struggled to stand.
“Just as he managed to get up, the sound of high heels echoed from outside. Turning his head, he saw Sophia entering gracefully, dressed in a sensual camisole, her curvaceous figure moving with elegance.
The strong scent of her perfume wafted into the room as she walked in.
“Henry, Caspian, Atlas, why are you looking at me like that?” Sophia looked at them pitifully, shrinking back with a weak look on her face.
As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes as if they were about to spill out in the next second.
“I, I’m going upstairs.” Atlas saw her and backed away in fear.
Sophia’s smile terrified him, and he hurriedly ran upstairs. Even though he was injured, he was desperate to get away.
Caspian sat thoughtfully on the sofa, sipping his coffee, his eyes darting between Atlas and Sophia.
“What are you doing here? Haven’t you caused enough chaos in this family?” Henry roared.
After being yelled at, Sophia bit her lip lightly, carefully stepped forward, and gently tugged at Henry’s sleeve.
“Henry, you scared me,” she said in a sweet, coquettish tone that sent a shiver down the spine.
The way she clung to his sleeve made Henry instinctively take a step back, recalling the time she had pinned him down and demanded his heart’s blood.”
“Suddenly, Sophia clutched her mouth and ran to the side, retching violently.
Hearing her vomiting, Henry’s face instantly darkened; he stared at her coldly, thinking of his body clinging to hers that day.
Henry slowly closed his eyes, his hands clenched into fists.
“I don’t care whose child you’re carrying. If you still want to stay in this family, get rid of it now.” Henry ordered.
He had seen her passionate encounter with Windsor in the study last time. He couldn’t look at her the same way anymore.
Coupled with the way she had wildly pressed herself on him before, constantly saying that she wanted his blood from his heart.
“Henry couldn’t stop thinking about where Atlas’s chest was bandaged. It was right on his chest. He glanced at Sophia thoughtfully.
He suspected Atlas’s injury had something to do with her.
“He even started to question who Sophia actually was. Everyone who got involved with her ended up in trouble.
“Henry, the hospital must have made a mistake! How could I possibly be pregnant? It’s a misunderstanding! Windsor and I didn’t do anything. I was young back then, and he forced me!” Sophia sobbed.
“Is Mom home? I want to explain everything to her. If you don’t believe me, then I might as well die!” she cried, turning her head away in defiance. “Her tears flowed freely as she spoke, but neither Henry nor Caspian moved to comfort her. They merely watched her coldly, their irritation growing.
“Why all the shouting?” Windsor’s voice came from the doorway. “Have you no decency? Do you want to shame the Bennett family even more? Aren’t you worried about what people will think?”
He walked in, briefcase in hand, looking weary from his journey. Then, Windsor strode in and flung his briefcase onto the sofa.
Hearing his voice, Sophia stiffened. She instinctively took a step back, feeling a sudden wave of pressure upon her as Windsor returned. This feeling was unfamiliar to her, and she was confused. Glancing at Windsor, she felt that he seemed like a stranger now.
“What are you staring at? Make me some coffee.” Windsor demanded, noticing her bewildered gaze. He walked over to the sofa and sat down. Sophia hesitated for a moment at his words before turning to fetch the coffee.
Henry said with frustration, “Dad, you’re still letting her make coffee for you? Mom is so furious with you over your affair. Do you really want to be with Sophia?”
“He added, “Our family is already at the end of the line. We can’t afford any more scandals. Even if we have money, we won’t be able to recover from this.”
He couldn’t understand what Windsor saw in Sophia.
Even if he wanted a woman, a mistress, or an affair, he could easily find some woman. Yet, he entangled with Sophia.
“Henry even regretted investing all the family resources into Sophia, wasting so much money for nothing in return.
“Dad, have some coffee,” Sophia said, bringing the coffee to him after she made it.
Windsor didn’t take it. Instead, he grabbed her arm and forcefully pulled her closer.
“Sophia screamed in fear as the cup slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor and spilling coffee everywhere.
Panicked, she tried to escape, but Windsor pulled her into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her, trapping her in his embrace.
“What are you afraid of? I’m not going to eat you.” Windsor chuckled, pleased with her fear.
Then, he reached out and pressed his hand against her stomach, as if searching for something.
“Are you pregnant?” Windsor asked quietly, his wrinkled face not showing any warmth as he casually stared at her flat stomach.
Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine as she sat on his lap.
“I don’t know.” Sophia shook her head.
“She tried to push herself off his lap, but just then, a mocking laugh came from upstairs. She looked up to see Hannah standing at the top of the stairs, glaring at her.
“How shameless! Are you getting aroused in broad daylight? Flirting in front of my sons? Animals!” Hannah sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
Hannah was furious as she watched Windsor holding Sophia in his arms. He hadn’t held her like this for a long time.
“Even after being abroad for three years, he had never slept with her, yet he was now holding Sophia in his arms.
“This was the man she had lived with for decades, who had changed his heart.
“Mom.” Sophia quickly scrambled to get out of Windsor’s arms when she saw Hannah.
“She stepped away, creating some distance between herself and Windsor.
Windsor, however, stood up from the sofa, shaking out his coat and picking up his briefcase as he walked toward the stairs. As he brushed past Hannah, he deliberately shoved her with his shoulder.
“Windsor! You bastard!” Hannah was almost knocked off the stairs.
“Struggling with her injured waist and legs, she could barely stand when he shoved her violently. Wincing in pain, she watched as Windsor headed straight to his study without a backward glance.
Hannah trembled with anger, gripping the handrail tightly.
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