Chapter 231
Orson tilted his head, glancing back at the rear seat as he spoke, “I heard his injuries aren’t too severe, but strangely, both his arms and legs are fractured, and his left hand was severely burned in the explosion.”
He paused, then continued, “Also, when they tested his blood, they found something suspicious, though it’s not confirmed yet. They’re planning a follow-up test.”
Odalys gave him a sidelong glance before setting the iPad aside. “No need for further tests. It’s cancer.”
The air in the car shifted immediately, as if a cold, heavy fog had descended.
Percival quickly pulled out the list that Callum had made earlier, scanning it until he found the name “The Drake Family” at the bottom. He looked up at Odalys.
Their eyes met for a brief moment before Percival handed her the list.
“It’s on here-the Drake family,” he said in a low voice.
Odalys didn’t say anything, but her gaze darkened slightly, her mind echoing with the words her master had once told her: “You need to return to the Bennett family. Root yourself in Crownridge.”
“Your tribulation is tied to many lives.”
She hadn’t understood it before, but now, having lived through her second chance at life, she began to grasp the meaning. She hadn’t chosen death, but instead, she found herself uncovering these mysteries, even meeting Stellan on a variety show.
It seemed everything had been planned long before, pulling them together like an invisible thread.
From meeting Stellan, to coming to this village, to encountering the old man, to discovering the poison buried beneath the ground, and even seeing the giant snake.
Everything, every event, had been a string pulling them closer.
How foolish she had been in her past life to seek death. Her death had set everything into motion, triggering the chaos that followed.
Perhaps, in that past life, everyone involved had perished- The Stewart family was gone?
A strange, bitter feeling settled in her chest. She slowly closed her eyes. She hadn’t felt the weight of responsibility before, but now it was clear-this wasn’t just her life; she carried the fate of others on her shoulders.
Magic wasn’t just about peering into fate-it was about saving the people.
“Once we get back, take the soil with the blood and poison you just dug up to the lab and compare it with Dangelo’s blood sample, see if they match,” Odalys instructed.
Orson nodded, his face now serious. “Got it.”
After the brief exchange, Percival spoke up, “I’ve already had people look into the cause of the accident. If Dangelo’s cancer is connected to it, then today’s crash wasn’t an accident.”
“Nothing is really an accident. Most ‘accidents’ are engineered,” Percival said, making his assessment.
Odalys gave a quiet, cold laugh. “No, it wasn’t an accident. He was targeted, his fate sealed. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have arranged for you to have that private line to get them back in time.”
Percival said nothing more, dialing his phone.
The car pulled over, and the group boarded a helicopter, returning to Crownridge.
By the time they arrived at the Stewart mansion, it was already 8 PM. Orson, eager to return to the hospital, left in such a rush that he didn’t even take a meal. Callum, seeing this, immediately grabbed the car keys to drive him back.
Percival arranged for several bodyguards to follow, just in case of any unexpected events.
“Odalys,” Evander called from his wheelchair, spotting her from a distance. He almost jumped to his feet, but remembered her instructions to pretend his leg was still broken.
If it weren’t for that, he’d have been up and running by now.
Seated in the wheelchair, only moving around in his room, he’d been cooped up far too long. Seeing Odalys return felt like the first light of dawn after a long, dark night.
She had promised him that once she returned, she would pretend to treat his leg and then announce it was healed.
“Evander,” Odalys called as she approached him after disembarking the plane.
Seeing Evander’s eyes glisten with tears, his hands grasping hers tightly, shaking them with fervor, he said, You’re finally back.”
Odalys could see through his little act. Despite his age, his behavior was like a child’s, and she could easily read him. Evander’s face flushed as he struggled to find words. Before he could speak, Odalys pulled out a talisman and slapped it onto his leg.
“Grandpa, I’ve drawn a bone-setting talisman for you. Let’s see if it works,” she said loudly, winking at him playfully. Evander, catching the hint, was just about to get up. Before he could, Percival rushed forward, supporting him on one side, while Odalys helped from the other. They carefully helped Evander rise to his feet.
Having been sitting for so long, Evander’s legs felt numb, and for a moment, he nearly lost his balance. It was only thanks to Percival’s steadying hands that he regained his footing.
“Be careful you don’t fall,” Percival advised, concern evident in his voice.
Evander waved him off, taking a few tentative steps. Every movement was a triumph, and he nearly stamped his feet in joy.
Since his leg had been broken, he had endured much suffering. Constantly in the wheelchair, unable to go outside, he hadn’t left home since Odalys’ last visit.
“Is it really healed?” Evander asked, walking back towards Odalys. He raised his leg in front of her, his eyes filled with a blend of foolish innocence and affection. “How much for this bone-setting talisman of yours?”
“It’s not for sale,” Odalys chuckled softly.
They say that as people grow older, they become more like children. Evander’s reaction was proof of that.
Upon hearing her answer, Evander turned to the Stewart family staff and proudly announced, “You all heard that? My granddaughter-in-law’s bone-setting talisman just healed my leg!”
“This is a momentous occasion, and I want you all to witness it!” With a sweeping gesture, he added, “Tonight, everyone who’s here gets a reward-go to Dorian later and pick up your 30,000-dollar bonus!”
The servants and bodyguards looked stunned for a moment before breaking into applause, filled with excitement.
“Thank you, Evander. We are honored, Evander,” they chorused in unison.
Evander, standing with his hands behind his back, now wearing a serious face, added, “This is all thanks to the little girl. You should be thanking Mrs. Stewart.”
The servants and bodyguards quickly turned to Odalys, speaking in unison, “Thank you, Mrs. Stewart. Wishing Mrs. Stewart and Mr. Stewart many children.”
Evander could hardly suppress his joy at hearing this. His face nearly broke into a grin.
“Are you all hungry? Let’s go eat,” he said, motioning for Odalys and Percival to follow him.
The staff marveled at Evander’s energetic steps, and word of this event quickly spread.
Evander, still basking in the excitement, continued to send messages to his old friends, boasting about his recovery. He even sent them a video of himself walking.
His friends immediately called, but Evander, now content, ignored their calls.
‘Want to know the secret? Too bad, he thought to himself, his satisfaction evident as he pocketed his phone.
As they walked, Evander casually asked, “Odalys, are you staying here tonight, or are you going back to the Stewart Villa?”
“It’s too late to go back, so staying here works,” Percival said, glancing at Odalys.
Odalys, unconcerned with where they stayed, shrugged.” Either works. But I do need to go to the hospital in the morning,” she murmured.
Chapter 232
When Evander heard this, he eagerly asked why she was going to the hospital. The two of them conversed animatedly, while Percival quietly pulled out a chair for Odalys, serving her food as they chatted. Their ease with each other made it seem like they were long-time friends, with endless topics to discuss. Percival, however, couldn’t help but study them, silent and thoughtful.
It wasn’t until they finished eating that Evander continued to try and draw Odalys into more conversation.
“Grandpa,” Percival interjected quickly, stepping in front of Evander, “She’s had a long day’s travel, she’s exhausted. Maybe it’s better if she heads upstairs to rest after a bath?” Evander glanced at the time, realizing it was already ten o’clock at night. He waved his hand dismissively. “Ah, I got too excited and lost track of time. Go ahead and rest, both of you. We’ll talk more when you’re free.”
Odalys nodded, heading upstairs. Percival walked ahead and opened the door to her room.
The vintage-styled bedroom greeted her, and there, on the bedside table, was a small bouquet of roses, giving off a faint but pleasant fragrance.
“Are these roses?” Odalys asked with a smile.
She leaned in to smell them, and indeed, they were roses. They weren’t just for decoration-they could also be used as medicinal herbs.
It was clear that Evander had put thought into this, wanting to bring beauty to her room while also providing something useful for her knowledge of medicine.
“If you like them,” Percival said, his voice low.
Odalys paused, glancing at the flowers before turning to him. “Did you have someone prepare this?”
“Mm.” Percival’s reply was brief but firm.
He moved to the wardrobe and opened its massive doors.” All the clothes inside are new. Take a look, see if you like any. If not, I can have someone bring more options over.”
Odalys glanced inside-it was a full wall of clothing, all of the style she would wear.
“This is plenty, you don’t need to bother,” she replied. “I’m not picky about clothes. As long as they’re comfortable, that’s fine with me.”
The wardrobe was packed with clothes, with shoes and bags neatly arranged on one side, including five handbags and several canvas bags. On the other side, there were undergarments and pants.
“If that’s the case, then after you’ve freshened up, you can rest properly,” Percival said, finally letting out a sigh of relief, having been worried she might be too particular.
Once Percival left the room, Odalys unpacked her bag, organizing her things on the coffee table. She then picked out a silk sleepwear set and went into the bathroom for a bath. Afterward, she climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep.
Perhaps it was the peaceful atmosphere at the Stewart family’s estate, but when Odalys awoke, she felt completely refreshed. She rose early, just as the first light of dawn broke.
After washing up, she picked out a pair of high-waisted jeans and paired them with a loose T-shirt. She casually tied her hair into a ponytail, grabbed a canvas bag, stuffed her things inside, and headed downstairs.
Evander, clearly up early, heard her footsteps and quickly rushed out of the kitchen, waving excitedly. “Odalys, you’re awake! Come here, come here!”
Surprised by his energy, Odalys placed her bag on the sofa and walked toward the kitchen.
There, she saw Evander holding a stalk of green vegetables, and in the corner of her eye, she spotted another figure.
“Percival?” she asked, a bit taken aback.
It was hard to picture the man in the kitchen. After all, with so many bodyguards and servants at the Stewart estate, when had it ever been their job to cook?
Curiosity piqued, she stepped inside. Evander was chopping vegetables, and Percival, dressed in a gray home outfit, was cooking.
“It’ll be ready soon,” Percival said in his usual deep tone. You go ahead and wait outside for now. After breakfast, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Odalys peeked over and saw him stirring beef with celery in the pan.
Soon, the beef stir-fry was done and served, and Percival began working on something else. Odalys didn’t pay much attention, but before long, she was ushered out by Evander.
“Go on, go sit outside for a bit. Have some fruit. It’ll be ready soon,” Evander said with a wave, closing the door behind her.
Odalys sat down while Dorian came forward, placing a plate of fruit on the table.
“Mrs. Stewart,” Dorian began, standing respectfully. Evander is clearly eager to show off Percival’s cooking skills. It’s a rare sight to see Mr. Stewart cooking for someone else. You must be special to him.”
Odalys picked up a strawberry, biting into it. She glanced back toward the kitchen but decided to change the subject.
“By the way, where’s Percival’s mother? I don’t think I’ve met her yet.”
The last time she was here, she hadn’t seen her. And this time, it seemed like she was also absent.
The woman seemed mysterious, as if she didn’t treat the Stewart estate like home.
Dorian’s expression became a little awkward. “Mr. Stewart’s mother rarely comes around. Ever since Mr. Stewart returned, she’s hardly been back. She only comes when there’s something important.”
Odalys paused, thinking, but didn’t push further.
Evander reappeared, carrying a tray of bread. Dorian quickly followed to help, and soon the table was full of home-cooked dishes: pumpkin cereal, stir-fried beef with celery, shrimp stir-fry, and some simple braised dishes.
The spread was simple but delicious, and Odalys found herself quite hungry. Evander took the initiative and began serving her food.
“Here, Odalys, eat more! It’s rare that Percival cooks-if you like it, we’ll have him cook again next time,” Evander said, adopting the tone of an elder.
Percival also served her some dishes and filled her bowl with pumpkin cereal.
“We kept it light this morning,” Percival said, glancing at the table.
The two of them took turns serving her, and Odalys quickly found herself full.
After breakfast, Percival offered to carry her bag as they prepared to leave, but Evander hurried over, rubbing his wrists nervously.
“Evander, what’s the matter?” Odalys asked, confused. Evander, who was usually composed, seemed unusually awkward. He stood in front of her, his hair a bit grayed, dressed in a simple gray suit.
“Well…” He hesitated, clearly wanting to show off but unsure how to broach the subject. “My old friends know that Percival has gotten married, and they’re eager to meet you… And see that bone-setting talisman of yours. Would you mind?”
Odalys raised an eyebrow, understanding that Evander was eager to boast, but unsure if it was the right time.
“Grandpa,” Percival interjected, his brows furrowed.
He knew that Odalys didn’t like being put in the spotlight, especially not with people of influence.
She wasn’t fond of mingling with the powerful, and he didn’t want her to feel pressured into dealing with these matters.
“Fine, if there’s time later, I’ll meet them,” Odalys said, not rejecting the offer outright.
When Evander heard her agreement, his face lit up with a smile that could’ve rivaled the sun. “Great! You go ahead and take care of your business, and after that, come back to see me!”
He personally walked her to the door and opened the car door for her. The servants and bodyguards were stunned. It was unheard of for Evander to open a door for anyone, let alone for Odalys.
“Take care. If you want to come back for dinner tonight, just let Grandpa know,” Evander called out as he reluctantly closed the door, his voice full of affection.
♡
Chapter 233
It was clear that Evander genuinely cared for Odalys, but not because she had healed his leg.
No, it was because of something deeper-Percival’s condition had worsened, and others were distancing themselves, yet Odalys was the only one who remained by his side.
Whether the treatment would work or not, Evander was grateful and respected her for it.
“Alright,” Odalys replied softly.
Evander stood there, watching as Percival drove off, his eyes growing misty. He remained motionless for a while, until Dorian hurried over, offering support.
“Evander?” Dorian’s voice broke through.
Evander snapped out of his thoughts, his stern demeanor softening slightly.
“Odalys is a good woman. I just wonder if Percival has the fortune to be with her. I wish for nothing more than for Percival to get better and have a happy life with her. All I want is for my children and grandchildren to be healthy, to live a long life,” Evander murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Everyone would want their children and grandchildren by their side.
But his son was gone, and now Percival was suffering from poisoning-his days seemed numbered. As for Odalys, would she be able to save him? That thought lingered, leaving Evander anxious and uneasy.
“Don’t worry, Evander. He will get better,” Dorian reassured him quietly.
After the car disappeared from sight, Evander finally allowed himself to look away, his mind still unsettled.
At the hospital, in a VIP room, Percival had driven Odalys to the hospital but didn’t accompany her to the VIP room. Instead, he headed to the lab to meet with Orson, parting ways with her there.
The nurse led Odalys down the hall and stopped in front of the door to the VIP room.
“Ms. Stone, this is Mr. Drake’s room, and here are the results from earlier,” the nurse said respectfully, handing her the documents.
It was clear that Orson had arranged for special treatment. Knowing Odalys’s impressive medical expertise, the staff treated her with extra warmth. After all, they’d seen her on the variety show, and she had an almost mythical aura in their eyes.
“Thank you,” Odalys replied and entered the room.
The room was eerily quiet.
In the VIP suite, there was a lounge area, and two beds were placed just outside. Dangelo and Sienna lay in one each, while Stellan reclined on the couch. At the sound of the door opening, Stellan quickly sat up.
“Odalys, you’re here?” His voice was hoarse from just waking up. He grabbed a glass of water to clear his throat. “I came to check in. Just got through the danger zone?” Odalys asked quietly.
Stellan nodded and walked over to the beds. His father, covered in bandages stained with blood, had sustained injuries throughout his body-evidently, it had been a severe ordeal.
“Yes, he was just moved here to the VIP room,” Stellan confirmed.
Their conversation stirred Sienna from her sleep.
As soon as she saw Odalys, she recognized her immediately and tried to sit up, though the pain in her body made it difficult. Weakly, she called out, “Odalys…”
“Mrs. Drake, good to see you,” Odalys greeted her gently.
Upon hearing Odalys’s voice, Sienna broke down in tears.
“I’m so sorry… It’s all my fault. When I got the call from Stellan, I didn’t take it seriously. I didn’t stop him… I thought
it was just superstition.” Sienna sobbed, the regret suffocating her.
“If I had trusted you even a little, none of this would’ve happened, and my husband wouldn’t be lying here like this,” Sienna lamented, her voice filled with sorrow and self-blame.
Sienna had never regretted anything as much as she did now.
She had been reminded countless times not to go out, to stay in her room at home, and not wander. But for the sake of that deal, she chose to leave.
If she could secure this order, handing over the Drake Group to Stellan would carry no more risks. But this one time, it nearly cost both their lives.
Odalys sighed softly, unsure of how to console her. “Mrs. Drake, you don’t need to blame yourself. This is the best outcome we could hope for.”
Sienna nodded tearfully. “Yes… as long as they’re alive, this is the best we could hope for. Stellan told me that.”
“Yes, it’s because you gave him that talisman that he survived. Otherwise, neither my husband nor my son would have made it through the second explosion.” Sienna’s gratitude was overwhelming.
“Thank you. Thank you so much,” she whispered.
She quickly turned to Stellan. “Hurry, get Ms. Stone a chair.”
Odalys waved her hand, seeing the woman’s frantic movements. “Mrs. Drake, please, calm down. Focus on recovering, and we can talk later.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Sienna said, nodding eagerly.
For now, she would believe anything Odalys said.
Yesterday, she had seen the light in the car and thought Stellan was doomed, but when he emerged with only a few scratches, her doubts were completely erased. Now, she trusted her completely.
“I’m just here to check in. I have some other things to take care of, but I’ll be back later to talk,” Odalys said politely. Sienna, still emotional, nodded vigorously. “Of course, take care of what you need. We’ll talk later.”
“Stellan, see Ms. Stone out,” she called after them.
Stellan watched his mother, a mix of frustration and sadness on his face. She had once been so proud and dignified. Now, her anxiety was hard to ignore.
Odalys lowered her voice as they stepped outside the room. “I heard from the hospital that, aside from the physical injuries, your father has been diagnosed with cancer.”
“We need to confirm the results again. If my suspicion is correct, then your dad’s car accident and his cancer were both deliberate,” Odalys stated plainly.
Some things just couldn’t be kept hidden.
If they kept lying, things would only get worse.
“If the car accident was staged, we can investigate, but cancer being man-made? Are you sure?” Stellan’s handsome face darkened slightly, taken aback by this revelation.
“I’m almost certain. Your family is being targeted, Stellan. Think about how you’ll explain this to your mother, but remember this cannot get out. No one can know about this, not even close friends or family,” Odalys warned, her tone serious.
Stellan clenched his fists, silence stretching between them for a moment. Then, he nodded slowly.
“I’ll figure out how to tell her. Don’t worry. My mother understands the stakes, especially when it comes to life and death,” he said, his resolve hardening.
“Good. You go back to the room now. I’ll check on you later,” Odalys said quietly.
Stellan opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately said nothing. He turned back toward the room, and Odalys was about to find Percival when a sudden figure rushed toward her, blocking her path.
“Odalys, so this is where you’ve been?” Sophia’s voice rang out, frantic and wild. Her hair was disheveled, and she wore a sleek black dress, her makeup immaculate but unable to hide the desperation in her eyes. She glared at Odalys, her eyes bloodshot and fierce.
Odalys frowned, confused by Sophia’s sudden outburst. What’s going on?” she asked, taken aback by the confrontation.
Sophia’s voice trembled with accusation. “You left us behind yesterday, put us on a different flight, just to humiliate us, didn’t you?”
Chapter 234
Odalys stood there, dumbfounded, watching Sophia throw her tantrum.
Sophia was glaring at Odalys, her eyes filled with malice, taking in the sight of Odalys in simple clothes that-on closer inspection-were clearly custom-made from fine fabrics.
The canvas bag she carried was one she had seen at an auction before.
‘Why was Odalys dressing so ostentatiously in the hospital, if not to intentionally provoke her?’ The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, recalling how, when she came back last night, she found Hannah, Henry, and Caspian all at home-seemingly thrown out of the hospital. At first, she didn’t believe it, but when she went to register, the hospital directly told her they couldn’t help the Bennett family and suggested she go to another hospital.
After being turned away, she spotted Odalys. The pieces fell into place. She was convinced Odalys was behind it all. “My mom is badly hurt, Atlas is injured too, and the hospital kicks them out in the middle of the night and says they won’t treat us? I was turned away when I tried to register. Is this all because of you? Why are you doing this? You know I’m hurt too. Are you trying to drive us to our deaths? Why strip us of our right to medical care? On that variety show, you already went after me, making things difficult at every turn. And now you come back and pull this again? Is this your revenge?” Sophia’s voice cracked with desperation, her eyes red from tears, her accusation laced with vulnerability.
The hospital lobby was bustling with people, and Sophia’s loud outburst made everyone stop in their tracks, their gazes drawn to the scene.
The crowd began to gather around them, curiosity piqued as they watched the drama unfold.
“Sophia, how big of an ego do you have to think everything is about you? Do you really believe everyone else is like you, scheming and plotting behind people’s backs?” Odalys responded coldly.
“The hospital doesn’t want you here because they know what you’ve been up to. The Bennett family has caused chaos in the hospital, bringing bad luck upon themselves, and now they want to blame it on the hospital?” Odalys continued, her voice growing sharper.
“Isn’t it true that it’s your own actions that brought the thunder? Isn’t it your wrongdoings that caused the storm to smash the windows of the hospital, destroying the equipment in the VIP ward?
“Or is it that Caspian messed with someone, leading to a fight in the hospital, bringing even more trouble?
“Do you even know what a hospital is? It’s a place for healing, not a playground for your family to cause chaos. So, ask yourself why the hospital won’t treat you.
“Others can get treated, but not you. Maybe you should look in the mirror and ask if you’ve done so many terrible things that it’s finally catching up to you?”
“And don’t go blaming me for targeting you. I’m sure there are some people here who’ve seen the variety show. Ask them if I’ve ever targeted you,” Odalys shot back, her words cutting through the tension.
“In contrast, it’s always you causing trouble, trying to manipulate things, like when you hid Rafael in our room. Do you even have any self-awareness? Do you think that just because the show’s over, people have forgotten?”
“With all your shady dealings, have you lost your mind? Should I help you book an appointment with a psychiatrist?” Odalys’s words struck hard, leaving Sophia speechless, her face reddening in anger and shame.
Sophia stood frozen, staring at Odalys, unable to respond. In the past, no matter how harsh her words were, Odalys had always backed down, but now, Odalys was publicly humiliating her.
She thought that after filming the variety show, Odalys was just desperate for fame, trying to steal the spotlight on camera. But to her surprise, even after the show ended, Odalys remained just as relentless.
“You!” Sophia hissed, grinding her teeth, ready to lash out.
But before she could speak, Odalys pulled out her phone and dialed the police. “Hello, is this the police station? Someone is causing a scene at the hospital, physically assaulting me and making false accusations.”
Sophia’s face went pale. She hadn’t expected Odalys to call the police right then and there. Panicked, she rushed forward to grab the phone.
Odalys kicked Sophia in the stomach, sending her crashing to the floor. Sophia groaned, looking up at Odalys in disbelief.
Before she could react, a couple of officers appeared from behind, seemingly patrolling the hospital.
Sophia’s eyes widened as the officers stepped forward, presenting their badges. “Ms. Bennett, we’ve heard your verbal attack and witnessed the harassment. Please come with us.
“What? It was her!” Sophia screamed, losing control, but the officers simply moved in and escorted her away.
As she was dragged off, a few onlookers whispered, pointing at the spot where Sophia had just fallen. “Is that urine? Did she just pee herself?”
Sure enough, as people glanced at the spot, a faint yellowish liquid was visible, leaving the crowd stunned. The onlookers, always eager to share news, quickly flooded social media with hashtags, [Shocking: Sophia wet herself in the hospital], [Sophia causes a scene at the hospital], [ Odalys dismantles Sophia in public], [Why did the Bennett family get kicked out of the hospital?]
The viral news spread quickly, and soon, many people interested in Odalys’s star readings began flocking to the hospital. But by the time they arrived, Odalys had already left.
She took the VIP elevator up to the research lab.
“The results are in.” Orson stretched, his bloodshot eyes showing the effects of an all-nighter. As soon as the results came in, he nearly leapt from his chair.
When he saw Odalys enter, he quickly handed over the documents. Percival, holding a cup of coffee, stepped forward to offer it to her.
“Thanks,” Odalys said quietly, taking the coffee as she examined the results.
Percival leaned in and looked at the test data, and his face darkened. The findings were almost identical to what had been found in Stellan’s father’s cancerous body.
“It looks like someone really is targeting the Drake family,” Odalys said coldly, her voice low.
Percival handed her another document. “Here’s the list I got from my people. Every city’s wealthiest people have had incidents-car accidents, cancer, or other fatal diseases. Some died on the spot, others were left paralyzed. It’s all too convenient.”
Clearly, it was all aimed at the wealthy.
The goal was to control their wealth, to possess what they already had.
“Has anyone in the political world experienced similar accidents or illnesses?” Odalys asked, her voice firm.
Percival poured her a glass of water and gestured for her to sit down, then slowly replied, “I’ve asked Callum to check, but many political figures have their medical conditions classified as secrets.
♡
Chapter 235
Odalys sat silently, her fingers wrapped around the glass of water as she listened to Percival’s report. “Some individuals in high positions… if their illnesses are exposed, it could throw the country into chaos. That’s why so many cases are covered up. It’ll take time to uncover the truth,” he said, his voice thick with urgency.
She took a sip from her glass but didn’t respond immediately. Her mind was still processing the bombshells they had uncovered.
“I thought this was just about the Stewart family,” Orson added, his voice low with surprise. “But now it looks like we’ve stumbled onto something much bigger-a conspiracy not just against the rich and powerful, but one that could shake the very foundation of the country itself.” He was shaken, clearly aware of the weight of what they were dealing with.
Odalys gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable. She wasn’t going to discuss their findings further without evidence.
“By the way,” she changed the topic quickly, “I saw Sophia downstairs. She was causing a scene, claiming the hospital had kicked the Bennett family out. She even said they refused her registration when she tried to sign in.”
Odalys’ eyes narrowed. She knew the Bennett family had been up to no good, and now it seemed like their disruptive behavior was pushing them even further.
“I did order the hospital staff to have the Bennett family escorted out,” Orson admitted, his voice firm. “They were using up resources, and I was worried they might cause trouble. I don’t trust them, especially given the Bennett Group’s current state of disarray. If they caused problems at the hospital, it could affect both the Lark family and the hospital itself.”
Odalys didn’t need to hear more. She had a long history with the Bennett family, and their schemes never ended well.
“Speaking of which, you might not know, but the Bennett family actually brought Oliver in recently,” Orson added, an eyebrow raised. “You remember him, right? He’s connected to that magic business. I thought you might want to know.” Odalys froze for a moment, her expression darkening. The Bennetts. Oliver? What’s he doing with them? He’s never been a fan of
“He’s trying to get his hands on your emerald pendant,” Percival spoke up, his tone revealing his disgust. “He’s working with the Bennett family, hoping they can help him remove the bad luck surrounding them. In exchange, they plan to give him your pendant.”
A low, mocking laugh escaped Odalys’ lips. “So, this is what it’s come to. The Bennett family is conspiring with Oliver-he must be more desperate than I thought. No true person of integrity would covet someone else’s treasures like this.” Percival’s expression grew grim as he spoke again. “I’ll have someone investigate his connections. If he’s working with the Bennett family and others, we’ll find out.”
Odalys nodded in approval.
Just as Percival dialed a number, Orson spoke with some concern, “Odalys, I’m worried the Bennett family won’t stop at this. You should consider hiring a bodyguard when you’re out. It’s not safe for someone like you, always go out alone.
She gave him a small, confident smile. “I’m fine. They won’t be able to touch me. And honestly, even all the Bennett family combined wouldn’t stand a chance against me.” Her voice was calm, but a glint of confidence shone in her eyes.
Orson raised an eyebrow, recalling her impressive feats on the reality show. “I almost forgot about that. You killed a wild boar with your bare hands and dealt with that snake like it was nothing. I can’t even imagine how you did that.”
Before Odalys could respond, her phone rang. Seeing was Selah, she quickly picked up.
“Odalys! I heard from Stellan that you’re at the hospital. Are you still there?” Selah’s voice was bubbly, filled with excitement.
Odalys smiled faintly. “I’m on my way to the VIP room. I know Freya, Francis, and Selah are all there. I didn’t want to disturb them earlier, but now it’s clear they’re awake.
Selah squealed on the other end. “Great! Come quickly!” After hanging up, Odalys smiled at Orson and Percival. “I’ll step out for now. You both continue with your work.”
Orson nodded. “Take care, Odalys. Oh, and my dad wanted to meet with you if you’re free.”
She smiled slightly. “I’ll see when I have time.”
As Odalys left the room, Orson couldn’t help but think of her fierce independence and strength. She didn’t need protection from anyone-certainly not from the likes of the Bennett family.
*****
At the Bennett Villa, the atmosphere was heavy. The entire family sat in the grand living room, silent and tense. “How do we handle this?” Atlas asked, his voice breaking the silence.
The phone call from the police had shaken them all. Henry had gathered the family together in the living room, and now it was clear they were in a crisis.
“The police aren’t letting Sophia go. They say she made a scene at the hospital, falsely accusing Odalys and even physically attacking her. They say the reason we were kicked out of the hospital is our own fault, not Odalys.”
Henry’s face was grim. “Sophia’s actions have only made things worse. The police saw everything, and now she has to stay detained for 24 hours. After that, we can pay the fine and pick her up.”
“I can’t believe she went to the hospital,” Caspian muttered, a disgusted look crossing his face. “The Bennett family is already under fire. We should be laying low, but she just keeps dragging us into more trouble.”
He turned a cold stare toward Atlas. “You were supposed to keep an eye on her during the show. What happened? You were with her, too, causing all the trouble. Now, the business deals we had lined up are falling apart because of her.
Atlas felt the sting of Caspian’s words, frustration bubbling inside him. “How is this my fault? She’s the one causing chaos, and I can’t control her! Just like with the hospital- did you think I could stop her from making a scene?”
When he got home last night and found his family had been sent back from the hospital, he was stunned.
He had never heard of something so absurd in his life, and it was the first time he’d ever heard of a hospital kicking someone out. It was a huge embarrassment.
“And what about Sophia going to the hospital? Can’t she get treated? When she was recording that variety show, both she and I got hit by Odalys, and that snake struck her several times!”
“The giant python even slithered across her body. That snake was so thick, and its full weight was on her. How could she not get hurt?”
“We’re her older brothers. She’s been spoiled by us since she was a child. When something happens to her, you all are here making sarcastic remarks?” Atlas couldn’t take it anymore.
Chapter 236
Though she felt a sense of aversion toward Sophia, Odalys couldn’t shake off the guilt of ignoring her.
“Then you go… weren’t you the one who showed so much affection while filming the variety show with her?” Caspian spat, his voice filled with disgust.
Atlas, caught off guard by his outburst, immediately clamped his mouth shut.
He sank into the sofa, his body slumping in defeat. The moment he returned home last night, his manager had informed him that all his schedules were canceled.
He had some fame before, but now it felt like he had been cast into oblivion.
He stayed up late watching the variety show clips, only to find the online backlash drowning him, some even calling him a fool. Enraged, he threw his iPad against the wall.
“It seems Sophia still doesn’t get it…” Henry’s voice interrupted the tense silence. “What we need to do urgently isn’t to go after Odalys, but to find a way to expose the forced marriage situation to the Stewart family.”
“Odalys, with her public display on the variety show, has effectively sealed off the Bennett family’s escape route,” he continued.
“If we acknowledge our relationship with her, she’ll expose the Bennett family, and we’ll be crushed by public opinion. She’s been working to sever all ties with us from the start.”
“Some people even uncovered that the house Knox was looking at originally resembled the Bennett Villa. There are paparazzi following this lead.”
“She’s trying to corner us, to completely sever any connection between the Bennett family and herself. Odalys is ruthless.” Henry gritted his teeth as he spoke, the words coming out with a sharp venom.
He never expected her to take things this far.
Before, he worried about her getting involved with the Bennett family; now, she was trying to sever all ties. Henry felt like he had swallowed a fly-he couldn’t swallow it, couldn’t spit it out.
It was impossible to say he didn’t feel hurt.
“That bitch, I’ll make her beg for mercy one day.” Atlas punched the sofa in frustration.
He was furious. How could Odalys act so smug, stepping all over them? It was infuriating.
Facing their anger, Caspian remained silent.
He had a vague feeling that there was someone behind Odalys, someone so powerful that no one dared to touch them. The Bennett family was unlucky enough to do so, and that’s why they were paying the price. His own wounds were proof of that.
To save his life, he had even given up shares.
Though it was humiliating, he was waiting and watching.
If things went his way, he could use it as leverage to make Odalys owe him a favor. If not, he’d find another chance to force her to give up the shares.
But now wasn’t the right time.
At that moment, Henry’s phone buzzed.
He answered the call, his face darkening with each passing second. After hanging up, he opened the phone and looked at the documents sent to him, quickly clicking to view them.
“Henry, what’s wrong?” Atlas noticed his expression and felt a bad premonition.
Henry gripped his phone tightly, a chilling look in his eyes. “I had someone investigate. The plane Odalys chartered was backed by military power. The military had connections with the airport. And, I checked the footage where a man in a Cayenne came to pick her up after the live broadcast. I had my people look into it-there are only three of those limited edition Cayennes in the world,” Henry said.
He paused and continued, “One of them is registered under the Stewart family’s name. This means that the plane really was arranged by the Stewart family, using military connections to clear the way for Odalys. After the show ended, Odalys was picked up in that Cayenne, which belongs to the Stewart family. After leaving the airport, the car disappeared. My people couldn’t track their whereabouts, and then there was an accident on the road- one of my men was hospitalized after being hit.”
As he spoke, he was angry. “Clearly, someone did this on purpose, knowing our people were following them and intentionally ran them into the hospital. This suggests that the Stewart family is indeed involved. And the person who picked Odalys up from the airport-he’s the same one who crashed my and Sophia’s car into a power pole.
“No matter who that person is, they can’t be separated from the Stewart family.” Henry analyzed the situation in detail.
Atlas could feel a chill crawl down his spine. The realization that they had been too arrogant around Odalys earlier filled him with dread.
“Henry, are you saying… Odalys is recognized by the Stewart family now? The Stewart family knows we don’t have a good relationship with her, so they’re deliberately suppressing us? If that’s true, then the Bennett Group is finished!” Atlas’s voice trembled with fear.
He never imagined Odalys had this much power.
“Calm down,” Henry replied, his voice steady but cold. What we need to do is make the Stewart family aware that Odalys is just a substitute. She forced Sophia to give up her chance at marriage. We need them to see her for the scoundrel she really is. With their views on family reputation, the Stewart family will kick her out of the
picture. But before that happens, we need to confirm if their patriarch is close to death. If so, we need to get Sophia in there before it’s too late.”
Henry’s words carried an air of cold calculation, making it clear that everything was under his control.
Meanwhile, in a room on the first floor, the door creaked open. Hannah, seated in a wheelchair, wheeled herself out into the hallway. Her face was pale, but her eyes burned with an unmistakable, vicious gleam.
She glanced at her broken leg and the still-healing fracture in her back. Even the slightest movement was excruciating. But the voices of her sons’ conversation reached her ears, every word cutting through her like a knife.
“The most urgent thing right now is to trick Odalys back and take the emerald pendant she’s holding. We need to block the Bennett family’s bad luck and then expose their secrets. Since she took the emerald pendant, our misfortunes started piling up. She’s clearly been behind all of it. With her knowledge of magic, it’s easy for her to tamper with things in our home. She’s been hiding it so well for months. It’s clear now-she’s been planning our downfall from the very beginning. I wish I’d never given birth to her,” Hannah hissed, her fury nearly choking her. She could barely stand seeing how Odalys was being hyped up online. Now, many wealthy wives were eager to book her for a reading, and the prices were rising.
It was clear Odalys was stepping on the Bennett family to climb higher.
“Mom, she’s not even looking at us. Sophia tried to reason with her this morning, but she got sent to the police station,” Atlas grumbled bitterly. He was seething but had no way to counter Odalys.
“I don’t believe she won’t go out. The moment she does, we’ll find a quiet spot and force her to come back. If she doesn’t…” Hannah’s voice turned cold and menacing.
Caspian, who had been silent this entire time, suddenly stood up, gritting his teeth as he spoke. “Ugh, my wound’s acting up again. I’m going to take some painkillers.”
He walked away, his steps slow and labored as he made his way upstairs.
His body, still covered in stitches from the 300-plus wounds, felt itchy and painful. Though he hadn’t participated in their conversation, he felt something was off.
Back in his room, Caspian locked the door and retrieved a new phone from his drawer. After activating a new SIM card, he hesitated for a moment before dialing a number.
Chapter 237
The phone rang for a while before Odalys’s voice came through, asking, “Who is this?”
“It’s me.” Caspian’s grip tightened around the phone as he anxiously waited, dreading that she might hang up at any moment.
She had blocked the entire family-no way to contact her through WhatsApp or her phone number. It was as if she had completely severed ties with the Bennett family.
“Don’t hang up. I have something important to tell you,” Caspian said urgently.
Odalys, about to end the call, paused at his tone and coldly asked, “What is it? Found another way to kill me, or are you trying some new strategy?”
Caspian felt a lump in his throat.
He slumped on the edge of the bed, clutching a pillow, his eyes squinting at the harsh sunlight outside, feeling the weight of the moment suffocate him.
“I just want to tell you, Henry and the others are trying to expose your marriage substitution plan. They’re planning to use the Stewart family’s power to crush you.”
“You’re my sister, after all. As much as I don’t like you, I never wished for your death. Just be careful. Don’t go out alone,” Caspian said awkwardly.
He was scheming against Odalys now, but he also wasn’t sure if he could go through with it. He felt the urge to align himself with her.
“What do you want?” Odalys asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
Caspian, hearing her question, felt a sharp sting of irony. “Nothing. Just be careful.” Caspian quickly ended the call, panic creeping up on him.
He removed the SIM card and stashed it in his drawer, locking it away.
He then grabbed his regular phone, scrolling through the relentless online frenzy videos of Sophia in the hospital, slandering Odalys like a madwoman.
Odalys was the trending topic everywhere-seven spots on the trending list, all centered around her. Some people were even going to the hospital, hoping for a glimpse of her. Many of them were wealthy wives.
Caspian’s injury throbbed as he sat there, his mind racing. Downstairs, the argument continued, but Caspian felt an overwhelming urge to break away from the Bennett family. Things were beyond repair now.
If he didn’t find a new way out, he would be doomed.
It wasn’t until he’d been injured that he realized how close death had come.
Staring at his phone, Caspian’s mind wandered back to Odalys. Since the day she was brought into the Bennett family, he had never truly seen her-she was a discarded pawn in their game. But now, she had somehow turned things around, making a name for herself after leaving them behind.
‘Has she planned this all along? Or was it just a coincidence?’ Odalys thought.
At the hospital, in the VIP ward, Odalys hung up the phone, her gaze thoughtful. She hadn’t expected Caspian to try and make amends.
Of all the Bennett brothers, Caspian was the sharpest and most calculating.
Atlas was clueless, and Henry was as deep as a well, but Caspian knew how to weigh the pros and cons.
“Odalys, you’re here?” Francis said in a panic as he rushed out of the lounge.
Seeing her, he almost lunged forward as if she were his savior.
Fortunately, Stellan stepped in, grabbing him by the arm to stop him.
“Calm down. Don’t scare Odalys,” Stellan whispered, wary of disturbing the sleeping parents.
The VIP room was large, but the sound still carried, and with her parents resting-her father still unconscious, her mother doped up on medication- any noise could wake them.
“Sorry, I got too excited,” Francis said, rubbing his wrist, trying to regain his composure as he sat across from Odalys.
Odalys couldn’t help but smile at his flustered appearance. “What’s got you so nervous? Your manager tracking you down again?” she teased.
The comment hit too close to home, and Francis froze, staring at her in disbelief. He opened his mouth, then hesitated, finally stammering, “How did you know?”
Had it not been for their past association, he might have thought she was a spy.
“From Star Readings. That woman always finds you. The way she appears at the perfect moment, in your favorite places. Do you really believe some stranger can pull that off?” Odalys said with a faint smile.
“You’re an international model, and your schedule is under strict confidentiality agreements. Even a regular assistant wouldn’t know your movements. Your manager’s got a problem,” she continued with a matter-of-fact tone.
Her words made Francis nearly lose it. His fingers tightened around his phone, turning pale, his handsome face drained of color.
“Ever since I landed, my manager’s been blowing up my phone, asking where I am. She’s in Crownridge now. I had a feeling something was off,” Francis confessed.
“Normally, she wouldn’t be in Crownridge, and if I’m not working, she never asks about my schedule. But now she’s been calling non-stop.”
“If Selah hadn’t warned me, I’d have fallen for it. After thinking it over, I got suspicious. I had someone check, and I found out she met up with that woman,” he said, swallowing hard.
Nothing was scarier than realizing you were being watched by someone close.
“Give me your phone,” Odalys ordered, extending her hand.
Francis hesitated but eventually unlocked it and handed it over.
The group gathered around as Odalys quickly swiped through the phone. In no time, they spotted a red dot on the screen.
“Is that a tracker?” Freya gasped.
She recognized it instantly-it was the same thing used against her when she was almost kidnapped. The moving red dot stood out like a sore thumb now.
“Yeah, someone installed a tracker on his phone. If I’m right, the person is probably on their way here to the hospital,” Odalys said with a cold smile.
The person had been trailing him so tightly that it was clear they were eager to take action.
Francis’s face hardened, and he gripped the armrest of the couch, his voice low. “Should I call the police?”
“Call the police now, and do you think they’ll believe you? In this picture, your manager’s meeting up with that woman, and the truth will come out. She’ll just say she was trying to find you and asked your manager about your schedule.”
“You won’t be able to explain yourself, and given how desperate she is to track you, that man’s probably on his last legs,” Odalys said, biting her lip as she thought it over.
Stellan, who had been standing with his arms crossed, walked up to the door and locked it securely.
“We’ll stay here together. I don’t believe they can break through a VIP ward door, not while your parents are still inside,” Stellan said, his voice full of determination.
Odalys glanced at him, an eyebrow raised.
“The hospital’s full of doctors and nurses in white coats and masks. How will you tell them apart from the impostors?” she asked, her tone cool.
“If they’re smart, they can say they’re just changing shifts.
What if they target your parents instead?”
Stellan was silent, clearly considering her points.
“I agree with Odalys. Some people aren’t bound by the law,”
Freya added. “And when you’re in the public eye, the biggest threat is your own team.”
Chapter 238
They knew everything about the artist’s schedule-the exact times, the people they met, their next stop, what car they were taking, even the license plate number. It was all laid out in meticulous detail.
If the person meant well, it would be one thing, but if they had darker intentions, it would be too easy to destroy you. They could even make you disappear without a trace. Once the police started investigating, they could always claim you had something to do, somewhere to be. Who would suspect the people closest to you? During this time, they could clean up everything, leaving no evidence behind. “If it comes to that, I’ll rent a place next to the police station. That way, if something happens, I can call for help immediately.” Francis mulled over his thoughts, his voice tinged with fear.
He couldn’t trust the bodyguards.
How could he be sure they weren’t on the other side? And the idea of being carved open alive, with his organs stripped away… that gruesome scene was enough to make his blood run cold.
“It’s not that complicated. We just need to turn the tables on them,” Odalys said calmly. “Francis, your phone has a tracker, right? Let’s lure them out and let them expose themselves.”
Freya and Selah exchanged quick glances. “We need to charge your phone, though. If things go sideways, we need to capture everything on video to expose them,” Freya said, her voice low.
While they were discussing their next steps, Sienna, who had just fallen asleep, suddenly woke up.
Even Dangelo, who had been unconscious, stirred. The pain was unbearable, but he said nothing, just listening to the conversation around him. His eyes fell on Odalys, a mix of emotions in his gaze.
He couldn’t hold it in anymore and coughed, a sharp sound that interrupted the room’s tense atmosphere.
Stellan, his eyes wide in relief, turned around to find both of his parents awake, looking exhausted but alive. His eyes welled up, and he rushed forward.
“This is Ms. Stone, right?” Dangelo raised a hand, stopping Stellan in his tracks. He remained still, not wanting to aggravate his injuries, his expression unreadable as he regarded Odalys.
“I’ve heard him talk about you before. He warned me to stay indoors. I thought it was just superstition, but now…” His voice trailed off.
“When everything went wrong, he ran over, gave me a talisman, and said it would protect me. I saw it with my own eyes-when the explosion happened again, that talisman shielded me from the flames.” Dangelo’s voice softened as the weight of the memory hit him.
“It was you who saved me and my son. If you hadn’t given me that talisman, I would’ve died. And Stellan… he might not have made it either.”
The gratitude was clear in his voice, and the depth of the situation settled over the room like a heavy fog. Dangelo’s sharp, businesslike mind had come to realize the gravity of what had just happened.
“Stellan, Odalys saved our lives, both my son and I. Remember this. If she ever needs help, no matter when or where, you stand by her. She gave us a second chance, and that’s something we can never repay easily.”
He paused, then reached for his phone. “How much did that talisman cost? I’ll pay you back.”
Unfortunately, his entire body ached so badly that he didn’t even have the strength to hold his phone.
Odalys watched as Dangelo woke up. Though he was covered in injuries, his spirit seemed intact. Only then did the weight in her chest begin to ease.
Odalys shook her head, her voice steady. “Mr. Drake, no need to worry. Stellan already gave me 1.5 million dollars in advance. I’ve accepted it.”
The words were simple, but the effect was immediate.
Francis froze, his face blank as he scrambled to transfer more money. He quickly typed in 3 million dollars, his hands shaking slightly.
Odalys’s phone buzzed with the incoming transfer.
She glanced at the screen, confused by the sudden generosity. She turned to look at Francis, who looked a little embarrassed, scratching his head nervously.
“You show me divination, and now you’re offering money to save me? This is life-saving money, isn’t it?” Francis said, trying to keep his tone light, though it was obvious he was feeling the weight of the situation.
Odalys’s lips twitched, but she didn’t respond. It was the rule: no refunds for divination services.
Coughing again, Dangelo tried to speak but was interrupted by a fit of violent coughing.
Stellan, watching his father struggle, hesitated. He knew the pain Dangelo was in, but there were bigger issues at hand. “Dad, please rest. I’ll have the doctor come in to check on you.
Dangelo, ever the businessman, took in the situation quickly. “Call the family bodyguards. I trust them more than anyone else right now. They’ll be more reliable than any hired help.”
Odalys shook her head. “Mr. Drake, please rest. We’ll handle the rest.”
“Fair enough,” Dangelo said weakly.
Her silence was all the answer he needed-it was a no.
Dangelo gave her a once-over, but there was something about her he couldn’t quite decipher. Still, he chose not to press further.
After Stellan finished making arrangements, he and Odalys turned to leave. Meanwhile, Sienna, who hadn’t fallen asleep, broke the silence. “That Odalys is quite remarkable,” she remarked.
“I heard she was abandoned,” she added in a lowered voice. “We’ve got people in the police department. From what I’ve family.” gathered, it might have something to do with the Bennett
Dangelo frowned at the mention. “The Bennett family? As in Bennett Entertainment?”
“The very same,” Sienna confirmed with a nod.
Dangelo stayed quiet for a while, despite the pain wracking his body. A seasoned businessman, he wasn’t one to let discomfort cloud his judgment.
“My injuries won’t heal overnight, so you’ll handle the family matters for now. Spread the word: from now on, anything related to the Bennett family is to be completely severed,” he instructed with cool precision. “Your cousin works at a bank, doesn’t he? The Bennett family secured a loan through him, right?”
“Come up with a reason and have him reject any further requests. Odalys saved our lives-this is a debt we owe her,” Dangelo concluded firmly.
“Got it,” Sienna replied before sighing. “It’s just astonishing how utterly foolish Hannah was to throw away such an incredible daughter. If Odalys were my daughter, I’d never let her go.”
The irony wasn’t lost on her-after all, their similar names had once been a running joke in their social circles.
As they spoke, Odalys and the others left the hospital, heading for a remote part of the countryside. They arrived at an old, dilapidated villa.
Freya looked around, feeling a chill. “Where are we?” she asked, her voice uneasy.
Odalys didn’t respond immediately. “Let’s go inside. Francis, keep your phone on. We need them to track us.”
They walked toward the villa, and Odalys kicked open the door with a force that sent it flying open.
She stepped inside, scanning the room with a keen eye. The corner, once hiding a body, was now empty.
“Well, this is interesting,” she said with a cold smile.
Chapter 239
When she had gotten Sophia’s hair earlier, she had performed a ritual in the dead of night, using the energy of her hair to trace the aura bound to it.
The moment she broke the opposing formation, the backlash hit him hard.
In that brief moment when the old man was spitting blood from the backlash, she struck, ending his life without hesitation.
With his death, Sophia lost his power, and her appearance changed. Her once graceful features now seemed hollow, her entire aura now a shadow of her former high-society elegance.
This was why she was in such a hurry to deal with Finnian, to siphon some of his luck and energy to restore her own.
And now, using Francis, she was bold enough to bring everything into the open. It was all part of her plan to use this villa to pull the threads and follow the clues until she exposed the enemy, leaving them no room to escape. “This place is creepy, isn’t it? Do you think it’s haunted?” Selah asked with a shiver, her voice full of unease.
Freya, equally unnerved, grabbed her arm and whispered, Don’t say things like that! It’s freaking me out.”
Stellan, however, was more focused. As he checked the doors and windows, he raised an eyebrow. “This villa’s layout is a little odd.”
“How so?” Francis asked, half-distracted but still curious.
Stellan surveyed the space and pointed toward the
windows. “There are eight of them, but each one is different. When we were filming, I saw something similar- a formation.
“The setup was close to this one. I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence, but look, the arrangement of these chairs is also octagonal, perfectly aligning with the windows.” He gestured to the living room.
Odalys raised an eyebrow, surprised. She hadn’t expected Stellan to apply his filming knowledge in this situation.
“Yes, this is definitely a formation. During the day, sunlight gathers in this spot, and at night, it gathers moonlight,” she added, her tone more cryptic.
It was clear to her now: someone had been using this place for rituals, sitting in the center, drawing power. The old man who had died here had been seated there when she ended his life, his blood staining the ground where he fell. With a cold smirk, Odalys turned and led Selah and Freya toward a side room, her voice steady. “Stellan, come with us.
“Okay,” Stellan replied, puzzled but following.
Francis was about to follow, but before he could take a step, Odalys turned sharply, pushing him back. He stumbled a few steps, unable to react before she slammed the door shut behind him.
Francis’s lips moved as if to speak, but the sound of an engine revving outside cut him off. A group of people stormed in, led by none other than his manager.
“Francis! Where the hell have you been? We’ve been looking for you all day and night. You’re hiding here?!” The manager, wearing a hat and sunglasses, marched in with a haughty air.
Behind her stood a woman in a white Sophia dress, her eyes swollen and red from crying. She looked at Francis with a tragic expression, biting her lip as tears streamed down her face. “I knew you were avoiding me, didn’t I? You were hiding from me on purpose because I went to the airport to pick you up, right?”
“You went off to do a variety show, and now you’re seeing someone else? Is that it? You think I’m no longer good enough for you, right? That’s why you won’t even reply to my messages, won’t answer my calls, and now you’re holed up here by yourself?”
“I’ve been with you for over six months, and I even quit my job to be closer by your side. And now you’re just going to throw me away?” The woman’s voice cracked as she took a step
Francis instinctively stepped back.
Once, he would’ve felt protective toward her, seeing her as fragile, but now, all he saw was something twisted in her eyes-eyes that, despite their tears, were full of coldness. “I’ve already told you-we’re not right for each other. I broke up with you. What more do you want from me?” Francis rubbed his temples, trying to stay calm.
Before she could respond, several tall, imposing men walked in, bodyguards by the looks of them. They stood by the door, blocking his escape.
“Are you planning to force me back? I told you, I don’t want to be with you. I won’t marry you either,” Francis snapped. “Don’t forget, you’re my manager, but I’m on vacation. I’m not obligated to participate in anything you want me to. The manager’s lips curled into a smirk, and she calmly removed her sunglasses.
Crossing her arms, she looked at him with disdain. “You really think you’re some big shot now, don’t you? I made you into an international model, and now you’re acting like you’ve made it?”
“If it weren’t for your body, do you think I’d be running around after you, putting in all this work? Have you even looked in the mirror lately to see what you’ve become?” She sounded exasperated.
Francis was silent.
His fists clenched involuntarily as he glanced toward the room where Odalys and the others had gone.
“Go check in there,” the manager barked.
As if on cue, the bodyguards stormed toward the door. Francis tried to stop them, but they were faster, kicking the door open.
The door slammed open, and the bodyguards searched the room before turning back. “No one’s in there.”
The rest of the bodyguards filed in with the same report.
The villa’s been checked. No one’s here.”
Francis’s heart skipped a beat.
Though he trusted Odalys and the others, a lingering fear still gripped him. They had no obligation to protect him. If they wanted to run, it would be understandable. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d been caught off guard before he even had a chance to react.
Amid his internal turmoil, his phone buzzed.
He looked down and saw that Odalys had just received the 3 million dollars he’d sent her earlier.
His breath caught for a moment. Before he could process the shock, the bodyguards seized him, holding him still as his phone was snatched away by his manager.
Her eyes widened when she saw the transaction on his screen.
“You were still thinking about sending money to someone else right before you died?” The manager’s face flushed with rage.
The woman in the white dress stepped forward, wiping away her tears. She looked at Francis coldly. “So, you really were cheating, huh? But that’s fine. You won’t be around to regret it.”
“Since you’ve betrayed me, your death won’t even make me feel guilty,” she said, her voice void of any emotion.
The bodyguards held Francis tightly as he struggled, his shirt ripping off to reveal his toned abs. His lips moved, but all he could think of was the woman he once loved-who had now turned into a stranger, full of venom.
“What do you want from me? Are you doctors? What is this? Are you going to kill me?” Francis shouted as he fought back with everything he had.
Chapter 240
As four figures dressed in white lab coats entered the room, carrying boxes that looked like medical supplies, the pungent smell of chemicals grew more intense with each step.
“Is this the one?” The man in the lead, clad in a white coat, asked.
Without hesitation, the agent rushed forward and pointed at Francis. “This is him. All the indicators match. Now, can we proceed with the organ removal?”
“What organ removal?” Francis’s voice shook with disbelief as his panic escalated. “So, this whole time, you’ve been with me… for my organs? You’re my agent, and you’re helping her betray me? Do you know this is illegal? Do you even care?”
“I’m an international model. If something happens to me, the company won’t let you off. If I disappear, my fans will ask questions!” He struggled furiously, shouting in defiance. The agent sneered and let out a bitter laugh. Slowly, she removed her sunglasses and tucked them into the collar of her shirt.
“Company?” She scoffed. “I’ve already canceled your contract. The penalty fees were deducted from your account. As for your fans? I’ve already told them you’ve retired, that you’re going home to get married and have children.
“You’re an orphan, remember? No real parents. Your foster parents will think you’re a cold-hearted wolf who ran off the moment you got famous. They won’t care about you.
“And my sister-she’s already torn ties with them. She told them you broke up with them for love, and that’s why you’re disappearing.” The agent’s voice dripped with malice as she spoke.
Her laughter echoed throughout the villa, a cruel reminder of what was to come.
Francis’s eyes darted to the girl in the white dress, his heart racing. “Is everything she said true? You told me you loved me, that you’d marry me and stay by my side until we grew old.” His voice cracked with the shock of realization.
“You really think I’d waste my time with you?” the girl sneered. “She’s my brother’s fiancée. You were nothing more than a pawn in our game, a way to trap you and pull you down from your pedestal.”
“You’ll vanish from public view-no one will ever notice you’re gone… Now that you’ve outlived your usefulness.” Francis’s heart sank.
Everything was unfolding exactly as Odalys had predicted. He hadn’t imagined that his agent would be the mastermind behind this twisted scheme. Everything had been carefully orchestrated…
“So, when I hurt my hand and you took me to the clinic for treatment, it wasn’t for care-it was to match my organs, wasn’t it?” Francis’s voice trembled with a hollow laugh, his eyes filled with hopelessness.
The girl stepped closer, her gaze still soft, but her words were venomous. “Now that you know, it’s time to die.
Her sweet expression contrasted with the malicious intent behind her words. Without waiting, the men in white coats approached, opening their boxes to reveal neatly arranged surgical instruments.
One box contained what looked like organ transport containers, all chillingly prepared for what was about to transpire.
Francis lay still, utterly defeated, as the bodyguards held him down. A strange calmness overcame him. He stared at everyone in the room, his eyes empty, resigned.
“Time’s running out, let’s induce brain death immediately,” one of the men said.
He prepared a syringe and aimed it at Francis’s arm, pushing the needle toward his skin.
But just as the needle made contact, something invisible seemed to block it. The man tried to push harder, but with a sharp snap, the needle broke.
“What the hell?” The man stepped back, eyes wide with shock.
The others were equally stunned. The lead man wasn’t about to give up. He grabbed another syringe, filled it with the drug, and aimed directly for Francis’s neck. But as the needle neared his skin, Francis didn’t feel the pain.
With a sudden explosion, the syringe shattered in the man’s hand, and the drug splashed into his face, blinding him.
The man screamed, clutching his face and scrambling backward, but blood oozed from one of his eyes. He panicked, desperately washing his eyes, but the blood continued to pour, dripping down his face.
“My eye! My eye!” The man cried, his voice filled with agony as the fiery pain coursed through him.
“Shit, what the hell is going on?” The others were clearly rattled, their fear growing.
One of them, unwilling to relent, pulled out a scalpel and moved in to cut Francis. But just as he lunged, Francis broke free from the bodyguards, dodging the attack.
“Grab him! I don’t believe we can’t finish him off!” another man shouted.
The agent and the girl in white, equally horrified, urged the bodyguards to act fast. “Hold him down, kill him now. Don’t let him get away.
“I won’t let you!” the agent snarled, her resolve hardening.
She charged forward, but just as she moved, the broken needle from earlier found its way under her shoe and jabbed into her foot.
She yelped in pain, pulling her foot back, only to realize the needle had pierced her shoe and her foot.
As she staggered backward, the surgical scalpel on the nearby table fell to the ground with a loud clatter.
The girl in white rushed forward, trying to catch the falling scalpel, but as she grabbed it, the blade sliced across her wrist.
Blood poured from the wound, splattering onto the floor.
Her face contorted in pain, and she screamed as the blood flowed freely, clearly from an artery.
Her white dress was instantly stained red, the blood soaking into the fabric. The agent rushed over, attempting to stop the bleeding. “Doctor, get her to stop the bleeding!” she shouted frantically.
But as she knelt beside her, she suddenly froze. Looking down, she realized that in her panic, she had stepped on the discarded surgical blade, which had punctured her shoe and embedded itself in her foot.
She screamed in horror, stumbling back and falling onto the broken needle from earlier, which jabbed deep into her body.
The villa erupted into chaos.
The sound of a window crashing open echoed through the room, followed by a figure leaping inside.
Odalys grabbed Francis’s shoulder and threw him aside, then kicked one of the bodyguards hard, sending him flying.
“Talk about arrogant,” Stellan muttered, also climbing through the window. He grabbed a nearby chair and threw it at another of the men in white coats.
The man dodged, but the villa was now in complete disarray.
“Don’t rush it, aim the camera!” Selah shouted, her voice calm yet urgent.
Freya, nervously swallowing, held up her phone and began filming. “Got it, I’m aiming right at their faces.
Both of them, phones in hand, were live-streaming everything. From the moment Odalys dragged Francis into the room, the livestream had been running. They’d even tagged the police, who were already on their way.
The sound of sirens grew louder as police officers stormed the villa, guns drawn, tackling the bodyguards to the ground. The men in white coats panicked, realizing they had no way out.
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