Chapter 511
”Odalys never desired the Stewart family’s wealth and didn’t consider their assets when she married. Those belonged to the family, not to her.
“Since we’re married,” Percival said, transferring the money to you is the same as keeping it to me. It’s all our property. Plus, you can use it if you need it someday.
“Besides, people are now eyeing the Stewart family, and the future remains uncertain. If this is all a trap set by my father, then he is risking his life because he is worried that the Stewart family may be in great danger.
“If anything were to happen to the Stewart family, you could use this money to take care of Grandpa for me. He’s too old and needs extra support for his health and well-being.
“Even if nothing happens to the Stewart family, if something happens to me, at least the money will give you a way out.” He had arranged all the options for her. Even if something happened to the Stewart family in the future and their family property was gone one day, at least Odalys’s well-being would still be guaranteed.
“Odalys, speechless, stared at Percival, his words echoing in her ears. His gaze held hers, and though she tried to speak, she couldn’t find her voice. Percival had always been kind. He had planned her escape and even secured her future should anything happen to him.
“Odalys wanted to speak, but her eyes welled with tears. She quickly turned away, not to meet his gaze. Her heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that felt like something was trying to claw its way out, desperate to make her confront her true feelings.
“I know.” She lowered her eyes and took a sip of coffee to hide her emotions while her heart was in turmoil inside.
“Actually, after returning from the junction of energy and then through the Time Tunnel, I vaguely felt that this was really a trap set up by your father. He followed Edie’s plan and died himself. So…our marriage might also be part of his plan.” She suddenly raised her head, meeting Percival’s gaze.
“Odalys’s mind raced with possibilities. “You mentioned meeting an expert in your youth. By calculating your astrological signs, I accessed your consciousness and learned that this same expert was the reason you came to Bennett Villa to claim my body after my death in the previous timeline.
“So could this expert be my master? If so, then it would make perfect sense for you to find me! He knows you, and our marriage is already a part of the plan.
“Is it possible that my master knew your father? Could it be because of your father that my master went to the Stewart family, or perhaps it was because of your father that you met my master?” She had never thought about it from this perspective before, and as soon as she said it, she had an intuition that it might be true. “Percival’s voice was hoarse as he asked, “If my father knew your master, could he have been the one who provided the astrological signs inscribed beneath the thurible?”
“Their emotions ran high, their thoughts strangely in sync after all they had shared.
“If this is true, does that mean my father is really gone? What kind of person would make him do something like this?” Percival’s voice was quiet, heavy with sadness. His love for his father was profound, and he couldn’t shake the memory of his father pushing him through the Time Tunnel.
“No matter what the bigger picture is, if it was really your master and my father’s plan, then we need to make the Bennetts turn on each other as soon as possible and see what Edie is trying to get from them.
“We also need to see where Sophia’s Love Spell came from, and who was the one behind the Bennetts’ back then. So we might be able to get what we want. Now that the Stewarts are being pushed to the limit by you, they will come to you for help.
“Then Quinton, who has been hiding in the shadows and keeping up a façade, should finally reveal himself,” Odalys said coldly. The more she spoke, the more excited she became, her words overflowing with a sense of pride and accomplishment that only they shared, forged through their experiences of risk, life, and death.
Percival nodded.
“Their cups clinked gently, echoing through the private room as they exchanged smiles before taking a sip.
“It seems that the word ‘wait’ I saw in the room this morning may mean exactly what we just said. We have to wait, so we have to be patient. Today, Edie was impatient, but she only made things worse.” Odalys said, finding it unbelievable. It was unsettling to have things out of our hands, but there was also a thrill to it.
“Her motive for coming today seems to be nothing more than using our family connection to manipulate me, while also gauging my reaction. The Simpsons likely put her up to this to test my attitude.
“Or, with her personality, she wouldn’t come to me easily. She hasn’t dared to mess with me all these years, so I can turn a blind eye to her behavior of supporting her brother at all costs.” Percival said.
Odalys rubbed the edge of the cup with her fingertips and leaned back. Noticing her distraction, Percival offered her a plate of pastries. She took a small bite, the delicate aroma filling her senses.
“Edie’s in such a predicament; she wouldn’t dare return to the Simpson family, and with no feelings between her and Henry, her only option is to win more people over,” she mused, glancing subconsciously at Percival.
“So she can only turn to Hannah.” Percival continued her words. The two had a tacit understanding and he seemed to know what she was going to say.
“Yes, they used to be best friends, but then they fell out,” Odalys said, resting her left cheek on her hand and gently rubbing her face. “Now they’ re stuck and have to face each other again.”
“Percival watched as she tilted her head, a few stray strands of hair falling across her face and momentarily hiding her delicate features. It created a sense of distance, making her seem unreal, even though she was right there in front of him.
“Percival suddenly asked, “Why did you tell Grandfather to stop attending dinner parties or go out except for Stewart Villa and Magic Entertainment?”
Odalys instinctively replied, “It’s about a romantic crisis.”
“Huh?” Percival thought he had misheard her.” Romantic crisis?”
“Evander, in his seventies, wouldn’t have the energy for a romantic crisis, even if such opportunities arose. At his age, romance was the furthest thing from his mind.
“It is a romantic crisis, and it has to do with women.” Odalys continued.
“Percival fell silent, the answer entirely unexpected.
Chapter 512
“Grandpa’s social circle consists entirely of men. He has no female friends. He typically spends his time with Dorian, playing chess, enjoying coffee with old war buddies, and occasionally going horseback riding.” Percival abruptly fell silent.
“Dorian isn’t seeing any women, but remember what happened last time? He fell head over heels for someone online and almost flew out to meet her. If we hadn’t intervened, who knows what kind of trouble he would have gotten himself into,” Odalys retorted.
Percival twitched his mouth at the mention of Dorian’s online romance. The image of that day in the hotel flashed through his mind. The person Dorian had been in an online relationship with was a brute! His legs were as hairy as a bear’s, and yet Dorian was still smitten with him. “Percival took a sip of coffee, deciding it was best to keep his grandpa under supervision, perhaps even confining him to the house.
“It was wiser to stay out of this romantic crisis. After all, Dorian had Odalys to help him through the last one. But what if Evander ended up sleeping with someone? He would likely be fine given his current health, but overexertion could be disastrous.
“It’s futile. A person’s struggles are preordained.
What they’ll do, who they’ll encounter, and what will transpire have all been predetermined. I’ve always advised him not to leave the house or interact with anyone except for those involved with Magic Entertainment or Stewart Villa.
“But didn’t he accidentally go through the Time Tunnel the last time he drove to see us? We couldn’t have predicted that, and we can’t control what might happen now.” Odalys reminded him.
“If everything were preventable, then nothing would be predestined or a tribulation. Wouldn’t getting rich be easy if everything could be changed? If everyone could alter their fate, wouldn’t poverty cease to exist?
“Wealth and poverty had historically maintained a certain balance: the rich provided employment, while the poor, driven by ambition or necessity, contributed their labor. This interdependence, where each group relied on the other, was essential for societal order and stability.
“No matter how many bodyguards you send, they can’t follow him to the bathroom, right?” Odalys continued.
“Percival’s lips parted, but no words came out. At this time, the waiter came in with the dishes and knocked on the door of the private room. “Come in,” Percival said in a deep voice.
“The aroma of the food from the dining car the waiter pushed in was overwhelming, and Odalys suddenly felt her hunger pangs return.
“The food on the table was simple home cooking, ordinary but really appetizing. Some wealthy people preferred extravagant-looking dishes, but they found it hard to enjoy this humble meal.
Odalys Stone grew up in the mountains and preferred simpler meals over delicacies, and now Percival’s tastes seemed to align with hers after they met.
“There’s also pozole,” Percival said.
When she heard him say pozole, Odalys’s eyes instantly lit up.
Pozole was a Mexican delicacy, made from hominy with chicken or pork, and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa, or limes.
The lid was opened, and a fragrance filled the air.
“How did you know I love this?” Odalys stared at the food, her eyes lit up.
After serving the food, the waiter quietly walked out.
Percival stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and filled her bowl with pozole.
“Last time, after you and Grandpa finished dinner and were sitting in the living room watching TV, I saw your eyes light up when you saw this delicacy on TV, so I guessed you must like it. Dorian has tried to learn it a few times before, but without success,” Percival explained.
Odalys couldn’t help but feel deeply touched as she listened. Everyone seemed to be trying hard to make sure she ate and drank well, but she was completely unaware of it. “Thank you.” Her voice was a little hoarse.
“Although Percival had never asked anything from her, her happiness seemed to be his priority. It wasn’t about pleasing her or needing her; he simply desired her well-being and a comfortable life. He wished for her to have a little more happiness, but it seemed like no matter how much he gave, it was never enough.
“He worked late to spend time with her during the day, but the truth was, his high position in the Stewart family kept him incredibly busy, even if she couldn’t see it.
“I’ll go call them back for the meal.” Odalys remembered that the others had gone next door to go over the script.
They seemed to have a tacit understanding that they wanted to give the couple some space, so they found an excuse to go to the next room.
“No need, I just texted them.” Percival pulled her down to sit down.
Odalys was surprised that he was so thoughtful.
As soon as he finished speaking, the door was pushed open.
They walked in quickly with their scripts in hand. Smelling the delicious aroma in the room, they hurried in, pulled out their chairs, and sat down.” It smells so good! I think I’ve put on weight though, maybe two pounds. My agent will kill me.” Freya rubbed her stomach.
“Despite her words, she couldn’t resist the allure of the delicious food and immediately dug in with her fork.
“Celebrities often talked about weight loss and strict diets, but they didn’t always practice what they preached. Put a delicious meal in front of them and see if they could resist. It was not effective to go to the gym immediately after eating anyway.
“Maybe not, but the director told me I’m perfect as I am. He said I’ll look even better in an evening gown once I fill out a little more,” Selah agreed. “You can’t pull off the look if you’re too thin. I need some curves to show off my beauty.” “Haha, cheers.” As if she had found a kindred spirit, Freya hurriedly clinked glasses with Selah. “Stellan, Percival, and Francis were discussing men’s topics, while Odalys concentrated on her meal until Freya nudged her arm.
“Hmm?” Odalys looked up in confusion.
Chapter 513
She watched her quietly move her chair and sit closer.
“Freya rarely used such a warm, familiar tone when addressing Odalys. Publicly, she always used a neutral tone, careful to hide their connection as sisters-in-law. She cultivated an image of someone without powerful connections, not wanting people to befriend her solely because of her ties to the Stewarts. “Others treated her instinctively because they were unaware of her backing. Even her agent didn’t know she was the Stewarts’ adopted daughter, let alone that her brother was Percival. Many people in the entertainment industry were targeting her and tried to snatch away her opportunities, but Freya would not ask the Stewarts for help because of this. Her achievements, earned through sheer determination, brought her a sense of fulfillment no one could replicate.
“Had she not possessed the capability to survive and thrive, she would have been utterly defeated after the incident. She needed to cultivate her resilience, not only for self- preservation but to create a world where she could stand upright, independent of the Stewart family.
“She wasn’t impressed by Odalys’s skills but by her radiant, sunny energy. Even when targeted by the powerful Bennett family, Odalys remained unfazed, a resilience that resonated with her- she saw a kindred spirit.
“What’s wrong?” Noticing the distant look in her eyes, Odalys Stone wondered what was on her mind.
“Freya whispered, “When this is all over, you and my brother should have a wedding. The grandest, most unique wedding anyone’s ever seen.” She lowered her voice, afraid Percival might hear.
“Odalys was taken aback. “Why would you ask that?” The idea of marrying Percival hadn’t crossed her mind, especially since she was unsure about their future together. Their marriage had always been about securing good fortune.
“The future of her relationship with Percival was uncertain. Although they were married, she had deposited his betrothal gifts in the bank, untouched, so she could return them at any time. “It’s obvious he cares about you, but he’s struggling to show it. I keep acting intimately with you on purpose, and he has always been jealous. He’s inexperienced with love and unsure how to express himself.
“I’m worried he’ll lose you. He’s very respectful of boundaries, but he’s also been through a lot lately. He may seem to have it all, but he’s longing for love.
“Apart from Evander and Dorian, no one loves him. The early death of his father meant he never had the chance to live for himself, burdened with the responsibility of supporting the Stewart family since childhood.
“Honestly, I feel concerned for Percival. I can tell he loves you,” Freya said, her sympathy evident.’ He’s a good man, like a real brother to me!’
“You’re so young, yet you’re already worrying about other people’s big things,” Odalys chuckled and poked her forehead.
“Freya nudged Odalys’s shoulder playfully. “I’m not talking about other people. He’s my brother, and you’re my sister-in-law. Come on, just promise me,” Freya pleaded, leaning closer. She almost pulled Odalys into a hug.
“Odalys was a bit taken aback. “Let’s eat first,” she said, gently pushing her away and picking up some food on her plate. Turning her head, she discovered a chicken wing and other food in hers.
Percival said, “Don’t just pile food on her plate; make sure you eat enough.”
Odalys fell silent.
“While Percival discussed business with Stellan, he still remained attentive to her needs, thoughtfully selecting food for her. He
effortlessly balanced his conversations with taking care of her, never showing a sign of being distracted.
“You too,” Odalys said, placing a piece of meat on Percival’s plate.
He grunted, then, despite his usual obsession with cleanliness, picked up the meat and ate it. “Stellan and Francis watched in silence, blinded by the dazzling display of affection.
“An hour after their meal, the actors headed directly to the Film Capital. They needed to be in makeup and costumes, ready to film in thirty minutes.
Odalys and Percival stood there, watching as they walked away.
“Are you tired? I can drive you back,” said Percival, turning his gaze back to Odalys, noticing her fatigue.
“Odalys nodded, deciding not to push herself. She needed to go back and rest to conserve her energy because dealing with Francis’s matters later that night would likely be draining. The prolonged tension made her worry she wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“Okay.” She nodded.
“Percival took a detour toward the Stewart residence, driving in silence as Odalys watched the scenery flash by, her eyelids growing heavy. Noticing Odalys resting her head against the car window, eyes closed, he instinctively eased up on the accelerator to make her sleep more soundly.
The car was parked in the courtyard, but Percival Stewart didn’t step out or wake her up. He rolled down the window for a breeze. Then, he grabbed the blanket from the back seat, covered her with it, and quietly got out.
“Odalys Stone’s body trembled in her sleep, jolting her awake with a groan. The blanket slipped from her and fell on her feet. As she reached down, she realized she was still in the car. She must have fallen asleep on the drive back with Percival.
“Concerned that waking her would make it hard for her to fall asleep again, Percival let her sleep in the car, instead of carrying her upstairs when they arrived home.
“Percival.” Odalys pushed open the car door and got out. Looking up, she saw Percival’s tall figure standing beneath a large tree, his black shirt and trousers emphasizing his height. He was silently observing the soil she had placed there.
Odalys walked towards him. She stood behind him, and only after a long while did Percival ask, Are you awake?”
“What are you thinking about?” Odalys walked closer. She stood beside Percival as he squatted to clear the weeds and leaves from a patch of bare earth.
Chapter 514
Percival didn’t say anything and turned around to hold her hand.
“I was thinking that my father must like you more now that he could leave a message in your room but not show up to let me see him,” Percival said.
Percival held Odalys’s hand. She just stared at her wrist, which was held tightly by Percival, and didn’t struggle.
When they returned to the room and Odalys opened the door, she suddenly turned to him.
“Do you want to come in and have a look?” Odalys asked.
Generally, he wouldn’t enter her room without her permission.
Although this was the Stewart Villa and his territory, he respected all her actions and gave her enough space.
“Alright.” Percival nodded.
He was curious about the word “wait” she had captured in the photograph and wanted to see it up close, but he didn’t enter her room.
Odalys opened the door and hung her canvas bag on the side.
She kicked off her shoes and walked barefoot on the soft carpet, enjoying the comfortable feeling on the soles of her feet, and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
On the left side of the floor-to-ceiling window was a clean and tidy table with a pot of green plants, two water glasses, and a plate filled with fruit and snacks. Dorian had prepared all of this. A retro cup sat in the table’s upper left corner. Next to the cup, the word “wait” was written. From when she went out until now, the word ” wait” written by water had not dried up, as if it had just been written, which was a little incredible. Though written by water, Percival could tell from the handwriting that it was indeed his father’s.
“It is indeed my father’s cup. After the accident, my grandfather personally put it in his coffin to be buried with him.” Percival picked up the cup. This cup was one of a kind.
The side patterns and worn areas were identical to those on his father’s.
Percival set down the cup, walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, and gazed out at the large tree in the courtyard, his handsome brows furrowed in thought.
“Previously, Edie held a piece of talisman paper with my grandfather’s astrological signs and placed it under this tree.
“Now, you brought back the soil from where my father was and put it by this tree, and such an incredible thing happened.
“Odalys. Don’t you think there is something unusual about this tree?” Percival voiced his doubts.
It was the same tree, and the things that happened near it were all out of the ordinary.
It was no big deal if it only happened once or twice, but every time, it was earth-shattering. “This is a century-old tree. Whether it’s a plant or an animal, it can become a spirit after a hundred years, and even if it doesn’t become a spirit, it can still be psychic. This tree has absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, and it has an aura,” Odalys said.
Percival remained silent.
He stood silently beside her at the floor-to- ceiling window.
Sunlight streamed in from outside, bathing them in warmth as if uniting them in a shared embrace.
Odalys looked up at him for a long time without speaking, and neither did Percival.
Time seemed to stand still before Percival finally spoke. “You’ve been working so hard lately,” he said, “you must be exhausted. Get some rest, and I’ll go with you when you go out tonight.” “Okay,” Odalys replied in a low voice.
Percival turned to leave but suddenly thought of something and stopped.
“The police have removed the bodies from that villa in the suburbs, and the case is still ongoing. The villa is empty now, and the people of Crownridge know that the place is full of negative energy, so they all avoid it.
“But strangely enough, there’s been a recent surge in travel there. Many people have come from all over, saying that this place is full of negative energy and can connect with spirits, allowing them to see supernatural things.
“So, many tour groups are applying to see if the villa can be approved as a tourist attraction. Many people want to come and have a look,” Percival said to her.
Odalys was shocked to hear this.
She had seen brave people before, but never anyone this fearless.
A dozen bodies had been dug up inside the villa, and it was the scene of a murder. Besides, Francis had almost been dissected in the villa before. The timid didn’t even dare to go near it.
‘Travel agencies are now applying to make it a tourist attraction, likely due to significant public interest, Odalys thought.
“It seems that someone wants to take advantage of the majority of people who are curious about magic and take this opportunity to sneak into the villa. Since that’s the case, why don’t we agree and see if anyone wants to sneak into the crowd?” Odalys said.
Percival listened to her answer and laughed.
“That’s exactly what I meant,” Percival said, turning away.
After Percival closed the door for her, Odalys washed her face, climbed back into bed and lay down, plugged the charger into her phone, and was about to close her eyes to rest.
Her phone vibrated at that moment.
She quickly picked up her phone and looked at the number on the screen.
“Mr. Hersey, what’s the matter?” Odalys answered the phone quickly.
Lee told her the same thing Percival said, prompting her to quickly get out of bed and suggest, “Let’s grant them access to the villa and see what they’re up to.”
“I think so too. The bodies have all been claimed by their families and have all gone through the normal process. I saw with my own eyes bodies being cremated and turned into ashes before they were taken away,” Lee said.
Odalys rested her chin on her knees, burying her face.
“Did you save the samples?” Odalys asked hurriedly.
Lee smiled. Though a little tired, he had been motivated recently.
After meeting Odalys, his investigation skills reached a new level. He was faster at solving cases, and his accuracy rate had also increased. Just based on the drug trafficking case from the past two days, their bureau had made first- class merits.
This also reduced the risks for many colleagues working undercover on the front lines.
“Yes, I saved them. We collected hair and skin tissue samples, and cloned a replica of each body,” Lee said.
These were all things Odalys had reminded him of in previous messages, so he naturally did as he was told.
“It’s good that you kept them. How is your daughter lately? Was she frightened by the explosion last time?” Odalys asked with concern.
Hearing her mention his daughter, Lee, usually tough, softened his voice.
“She says her idol is you. After she learned that your amulet protected her during the explosion, she started admiring you a lot and hoped to meet you when she grew up.
“Now, whenever she hears about something dangerous, she’s more alert and courageous. She hasn’t missed a day of school. My wife also asked me to thank you,” Lee said with emotion.
After experiencing the explosion involving his daughter at school, his heart was filled with even greater gratitude toward Odalys.
If it hadn’t been for her, his daughter would have died, and he probably wouldn’t have survived either.
“No need for thanks,” Odalys said, shaking her head quickly.
After chatting for a while, Lee suddenly remembered the incident at the studio that day.
Chapter 515
He hesitated half a second before asking, “Ms. Stone, about that woman at the studio today…
“After she connected with you, you told her how to save her son. She had thought about doing it afterward but hesitated when she saw the money. Today, she died.
“During the live broadcast, did you know she would die?” Lee asked curiously.
The matter was now a huge scandal, and many people were shocked. They never expected that she would set her sights on Odalys, wanting to use her to bear a child for her brother-in-law as a favor.
“Although she had the appearance of someone nearing death, it wasn’t overly apparent, leading me to believe there was still a chance to save her. I never imagined she would ultimately choose death, even though her fate hung by a thread,” Odalys said.
Lee also fell silent upon hearing this.
They were shocked by today’s live broadcast and when they arrived at the scene, the woman was dead.
When her brother-in-law, who had broken the law, was arrested, he had a broken leg, multiple fractures, and several missing teeth.
He looked very miserable.
“If she had asked her brother-in-law’s son for her son’s life back, would the child have agreed?” Lee asked curiously.
“Of course, his life belongs to him, and the boy is kind. If she asked the child, letting him know what had happened, he would agree to return it to her son,” said Odalys.
Hearing her answer, Lee suddenly felt it wasn’t worth it for her son.
‘It is said that motherhood makes one strong, but it also depends on what kind of mother she is,’ Lee thought.
“I see.” Lee’s confusion was cleared up, and he felt a wave of emotion.
Despite his years as a police officer and witnessing similar situations countless times, he couldn’t become desensitized.
“But you reported those drug dealers, which led to the arrest of their leader. I’m afraid these people will retaliate against you afterward, just like that woman and her brother-in-law. You must also be careful recently,” Lee said worriedly. As a police officer, he was unafraid. Odalys, however, was a young woman, and the situation was dangerous.
“Okay,” Odalys responded.
After Lee hung up, Odalys put her phone back on the bedside table, lay on the bed, and fell asleep soon.
Fatigue kept coming, and when Odalys fell into a deep sleep, she vaguely heard someone calling her.
“Odalys,” the voice seemed to come from afar.
She stood in the darkness and looked back to see a figure in a wedding dress standing not far away, waving to her. Odalys hurried toward the woman.
A beam of light illuminated the woman, revealing her face to Odalys.
She wore a wedding dress from around the 1920s with a veil on her head and stood there looking at her.
Suddenly, with a smile, she lifted her veil and offered Odalys her hand. Odalys raised her hand and wanted to shake her hand.
“Odalys.” A man’s voice interrupted her movement.
Percival, dressed in a wedding suit, walked toward the woman in the wedding dress.
It was like he couldn’t see Odalys. His eyes were focused on the woman in front of him.
As he took the woman’s hand, she turned to Odalys and said, “I knew you would come.”
“Why?” Odalys asked curiously.
The woman’s lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but Percival pulled her back. The woman kept looking back at Odalys. Odalys hurried after her.
The woman’s figure grew farther and farther away. Suddenly, with a loud “boom,” a fire broke out in a retro courtyard house ahead.
Screams came from inside, and as Odalys tried to run forward, the door slammed shut with a bang.
No matter how hard Odalys kicked, the door stood firm.
As the fire intensified, screams from the man and woman trapped inside continued. Then, a deafening “boom” signaled the courtyard house’ s collapse, silencing their cries.
Odalys watched in horror as the opulent courtyard house, once a symbol of prosperity, was consumed by flames.
No one inside survived.
“Odalys.” Her voice echoed softly around her, and the courtyard in front of her vanished, replaced by utter darkness.
She felt utterly lost and alone, swallowed by darkness so profound she couldn’t even see her hand.
“Odalys. Percival.” She called their names over and over.
But there was no answer, only an emptiness that mirrored the hollowness in her own heart. It was as though something had ripped a hole through her, leaving her with an unbearable, gnawing pain that intensified with every struggle.
Suddenly, a large, warm hand reached out and grasped hers tightly.
“No!” Odalys shot up in bed and slammed into something warm and solid. It took her a moment to realize she’d buried her face in someone’s chest.
The man’s skin was scorching hot against her cheek. Hearing the steady thump of his heart, Odalys quickly looked up and met Percival’s deep black eyes.
“What’s wrong? Bad dream?” Percival asked, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead with his handkerchief. “I heard you cry out from the study.”
He gazed down at her delicate features, now pale as a sheet.
Meeting his worried gaze, Odalys quickly reached for the glass of water on the table and drank several gulps until it was empty.
She put the glass back on the table and leaned against the headboard.
Odalys said, “I just dreamed of myself wearing a wedding dress around the 1920s. She seemed to be waiting for me as if she knew I would come. She called me Odalys, and she also called herself Odalys.
“I saw her and Percival walking hand-in-hand back to the courtyard when it suddenly caught fire. Someone must have locked the door because, despite the screams from inside, no one escaped.
“Later, the house collapsed. The people inside should all be dead. I didn’t see anyone come out alive.
“This dream has me puzzled. Could it be from dwelling on what we witnessed at the junction of energy, or is there something more to uncover?” Odalys massaged her temples, trying to ease the throbbing.
She knew that being able to see these things couldn’t be a nightmare, nor could it be a coincidence.
She knew if everything was Percival’s father’s plan, there must be a lot they didn’t know.
“What is it hinting at?” Percival listened to her and fell into deep thought.
Odalys was a little confused.
“You believe me? You don’t think I’m just tired and dreaming?” Odalys asked in surprise. Percival didn’t seem fazed, saying seriously, “I believe everything happens for a reason. From the junction of energy to the time tunnel, these are not things we can explain with ordinary thinking.
“So I believe there must be a deeper meaning to your dream. It can’t be groundless.
“And the fact that my father’s cup and his writing appeared in your room, and your astrological signs were placed under the thurible, makes me think that many things need to be solved through you.
“Your fate must be powerful, capable of influencing many things. That’s why someone wants you dead. They manipulated the Bennett family into abandoning you but never anticipated your master finding and rescuing you, ultimately thwarting their plans.”
Chapter 516
“That’s why all this happened. Sophia should be a chess piece that someone planted in the Bennett family, and the Love Spell should be the key to activate it all,” Percival analyzed rationally.
This was also why Odalys kept reminding everyone that the key to the matter was the ‘ Love Spell”.
The more people cared about these, the more they could force Sophia’s true colors to be revealed.
“I’m glad you believe me because I wouldn’t know how else to explain it.” Odalys relaxed, leaning back against the headboard with a soft laugh.
She felt completely relaxed in his presence.
She didn’t have to worry about being suspected of insanity or paranoia.
It felt good.
“It’s already past five. What would you like for dinner? I’ll make it for you.” Percival glanced at his watch.
Odalys was surprised that she had slept for so long.
She stared in disbelief at her fully charged phone, the screen filled with missed calls, most of them from unknown numbers. ‘It’s probably the Bennett family, calling from different lines, Odalys thought.
“Anything will do. Is Evander back?” Odalys asked.
She threw off the covers and jumped out of bed, her feet sinking into the soft carpet. She instinctively stretched.
Her pajamas rode up as she stretched, revealing her fair skin, a defined waistline, and a glimpse of her flat stomach and abs.
Percival’s ears instantly turned red. He averted his eyes, his gaze flickering.
His gaze shifted unnaturally away just as Odalys turned to look at him.
“Why is your face suddenly red?” Odalys walked over, her face full of puzzlement.
She turned to look at him, only to find Percival practically fleeing in a panic. He walked out, stood outside with his back to her, and said, “I’m going downstairs to cook. Come down when you’ re hungry.”
“Why are you running, Percival? What are you running from? Strange, why are you blushing? Did I say something off-color? But I didn’t say anything,” Odalys said, puzzled. She felt it was baffling.
But her curiosity was only fleeting.
She curled up on the sofa with her phone, reading a message from Freya. [Odalys, I’m off work.]
Selah also sent her a message. [Odalys. We’re on our way. Where can we find you?]
[I’m ready.] Francis also said.
Stellan was the only one who hadn’t sent a message, which made sense since he usually drove everyone home after work. However, this time, nobody was driving their car. They were all piled into Stellan’s RV.
[Come to the Stewart Villa.] Odalys tagged them in the group and sent these words.
Seeing them all send an “OK” gesture, she put down her phone and headed to the bathroom for a shower.
As Odalys gazed at her delicate reflection, she sensed her skin becoming increasingly flawless, as if it were the epitome of fragility.
She subconsciously reached out and poked her face, then wiped her face and walked out.
Taking a set of casual home clothes from the closet and changing into them, she walked downstairs in slippers and vaguely heard Evander’s and Dorian’s voices.
“Mr. Stewart, are you sure you want to make all this fish for Percival? They’re all very nourishing. Is it necessary?” Dorian asked puzzledly.
‘They haven’t even had their wedding night yet. If he eats too much nourishment, he won’t be able to sleep at night and will suffer from insomnia, Dorian thought.
“It is necessary. Percival doesn’t even look like a man. He looks abstinent and doesn’t have the same sexual tension as I did when I was young,” Evander said in frustration.
In short, he wanted to voice his displeasure at Percival directly.
‘Recently, I haven’t seen him suffer from the poison, so it seems he has controlled it, Evander thought.
He liked Odalys so much that he hoped Percival and Odalys would sleep together soon. He was disappointed, however, as Percival never made a move and always behaved like “a gentleman.” After being reminded by Clarence, he realized that Percival had been replenished too little. ‘Only when Percival is full of energy can he stimulate his desire for women, and perhaps he will have the idea of pursuing Odalys,’ Evander thought, ‘When he has the idea, he can boldly express his love.’
“But what if Percival is over-replenished?” Dorian was worried.
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Odalys standing on the stairs with a smile, looking at them.
Dorian quickly shut his mouth and covered it guiltily.
“I-I’ll take it to the kitchen and make soup.” Dorian ran faster than a rabbit.
Evander stood nervously, avoiding Odalys’s gaze. Her eyes, Evander felt, were so clear and perceptive that they seemed to read his every thought.
“Ahem.” Evander coughed softly.
He put his hands behind his back and seemed to have taken a few steps before remembering something.
“Odalys. So you are awake? Come and see what I brought you.” Evander beckoned to her.
Odalys strode toward him and found him handing her a bag. She took it, opened it, and saw the medicine inside. As she was about to take it, she froze.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” Evander’s expression looked a little strange when he saw her hand stiffen.
Seeing this, Evander hurried over.
Odalys handed the bag to him and said, ” Evander, I don’t think I need this.”
“What?” Evander took the bag and looked at it.
As Odalys and he examined the bag’s contents, Percival emerged from the kitchen.
Seeing Evander and Odalys standing in the middle of the living room, their bodies frozen as they stared intently at the bag in Evander’s hand, Percival walked over with a puzzled look.
“What are you looking at?” Percival asked in his magnetic voice.
Evander panicked. His hand trembled, and the bag fell from his grasp.
The bag clattered to the floor, scattering medicine everywhere, and one bottle rolled to Percival’s feet.
Percival’s handsome face was filled with the confusion. He bent down to pick up medicine and asked, “Grandpa, are you feeling unwell? What’s wrong? I’ll have Orson come and take a look in a moment.”
After he finished speaking, Orson’s cheerful voice sounded from outside the door.
“Who’s not feeling well? I’m here.” Orson rushed in like the wind.
With his long legs, he strode over to Percival’s side, put his hand on Percival’s shoulder, and looked down. He and Percival looked at the words on the medicine bottle at the same time.
“Tonic for sexual vitality?” Orson’s beautiful eyes widened.
He thought he had read it wrong, so he snatched it over and took a closer look. Then, he was shocked to see this medicine was indeed a tonic for sexual vitality, and it was a rather potent one.
“Who needs It? You? Or you?” Orson’s jaw dropped in shock.
Evander stood there, his face flushed. He opened his mouth to explain but stopped when Odalys quietly raised her hand and said, “I think they bought it for me.
Percival fell silent in shock.
His deep black eyes rested thoughtfully on Odalys, who silently reached out and took the medicine bottle from Orson.
After glancing at the medicine, she squatted down and picked up the others.
“Folic acid?” Orson muttered.
Chapter 517
He stared at the medicine bottles in Odalys’s hand, organized his thoughts, and said, “Taking aphrodisiac pills, with vitamins, calcium tablets, and folic acid?
“Odalys. Are you preparing for pregnancy?” Orson spoke without thinking.
He was confused, his mind reeling.
Odalys was skilled in medicine, even more so than he was. He wondered what she bought these for.
He remembered women didn’t need aphrodisiacs, only men did. ‘So, is she a hermaphrodite? Is she a woman by day and a man by night?’
Thinking of this, Orson looked at Percival with complicated eyes.
Orson didn’t want to miss such a great opportunity, so he said, “Odalys. I have a question.”
He stepped forward at once and nervously took Odalys’s hand, unconcerned with Percival’s potential jealousy. “If you’re female by day and male by night,” he asked excitedly, “would taking this aphrodisiac harm their female organs?
“I mean… If someone alternates between being a woman during the day and a man at night, how would childbirth be possible if labor begins when they are in their male form?
“Do you need a C-section? Will a C-section hurt the male organs?” Orson looked at her eagerly.
He had never encountered such a peculiar body, but the description intrigued him.
So far, it seemed that he hadn’t treated such patients.
Odalys was speechless because of his wild guesses.
She looked into Orson’s eager eyes, silently stuffed the medicine into his hand, and said, “I don’t need the aphrodisiac you mentioned. I have no use for it.”
Orson watched her turn to leave. He wanted to chase after her.
Percival yanked Orson back by the arm, throwing him onto the sofa with a bang, and snatched the pill bottle from his hand.
“Grandpa, what’s going on? You’re going to take these?” A hint of disbelief flashed across Percival’s eyes.
Just today, Odalys told him that Evander had a romantic crisis. Percival thought this crisis was probably related to a woman.
He hadn’t expected Evander to face this kind of situation, but seeing him buy aphrodisiacs and folic acid, which was pregnancy preparation, made it clear what was happening.
“Your grandpa is taking it? Not Odalys? So who is preparing to have a child? Is your grandpa in love? How old is his girlfriend?
Can she still give birth?” Orson blurted out.
‘If he had a girlfriend in her forties or fifties, she might not be willing to have another child for him, Orson couldn’t help but think. ‘Besides, is he preparing to have children at such an age? Is it because he thinks Percival is useless?’
Orson sat there, envisioning a dramatic family scene. ‘Could Evander, believing Percival to be near death, be so determined to continue the Stewart family lineage that he would find a woman and father another child?
“Isn’t it a bit much for him to want children at his age? He’s in his seventies, after all.’
“Don’t be silly! I saw this medicine on sale when I passed by the pharmacy. I thought since you and Odalys just got married, you might need it if you ever, you know, want children. We’d better prepare it beforehand.
“That’s why I bought some. It was not expensive anyway. I must have picked up the wrong bag when I left the car. I bought snacks for Odalys but accidentally grabbed this medicine instead.” Evander’s face flushed red with excitement.
His excitement was so intense that he could barely breathe, almost like he was having a heart attack.
He had completely embarrassed himself. He thought, ‘I can’t believe I handed this medicine to Odalys. Now that this misunderstanding has blown up, how can I explain it?’
“So, Grandpa, you think I need this?” Percival picked up the bottle of… “sexual enhancer” and held it out.
Looking at the bottle, Evander became even more agitated.
“Isn’t it good to be prepared? You haven’t had a girlfriend before, so you need it as a backup in case you ever, you know, can’t rise to the occasion.” As he spoke, Evander felt a strange sense of guilt.
Meeting Percival’s deep, dark eyes, Evander felt a shiver run down his spine.
“Odalys got the wrong idea. What should we do now?” Evander asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
He felt he had ruined his image in Odalys’s mind.
He regretted it so much. He wanted to go out and explain to Odalys but found that the more he explained, the bigger the misunderstanding might be. He didn’t know how to speak, and Odalys was only 20 years old and was so sensitive.
Evander thought of something, turned around, and walked out.
When he opened the car door, Evander realized he had left the pancake he bought for Odalys in the trunk. The bag looked just like the one from the pharmacy, so he must have grabbed the wrong one when he took it.
He hurriedly took out the pancake and walked toward Odalys.
“Odalys. I took the wrong one just now. This is for you,” Evander said.
Odalys was standing outside waiting for Freya and the others to come over. When she heard Evander’s voice, she turned her head and saw the pancake he handed over.
“Is it a pancake? I haven’t eaten it for a long time.” Odalys’s eyes lit up as she looked at the pancake.
She quickly took the pancake, found it was still hot, and subconsciously took a bite.
“Well… Odalys.” Evander rubbed his hands together, embarrassed and wanting to explain, but found her eating the pancake, her eyes clear and questioning as she looked up at him. Evander’s explanation was stuck in his throat. “Evander, what’s wrong?” Odalys asked, puzzled.
He awkwardly admitted, “I think I grabbed the wrong medicine.”
“Oh, I know. I don’t need those medicines,” Odalys said frankly.
Besides, taking medicine was normal, and as someone knowledgeable about medicine, she didn’t see it as shameful, especially since she was familiar with these medications.
“Huh?” Evander looked at her frank appearance.
He couldn’t force out the words he wanted to say, caught between the impossible choice of explaining or staying silent.
“Evander, these medicines are not good for your health. It’s best to take less. If you need it, I’ll prescribe some traditional medicine for you. It should be better than the modern medicine you just bought.” Odalys said suddenly.
Evander stood before her, his face flushed, struggling to find his words.
Now he regretted coming over to explain to her. He couldn’t help but think, ‘No wonder Percival didn’t rush over to explain.
Facing a woman with such clear eyes and a mind as pure as crystal, the more he spoke, the more aware he became of his darkness.
She, in her innocence, never suspected a thing.
“Okay.” Evander forced out a word.
Odalys saw his expression. She reached out and put her hand on his pulse, saying, “Evander, your health has been pretty good recently, and you’ve been getting enough rest. You don’t need to take medicine.”
Evander fell silent.
His silence was deafening.
Odalys was eating her pancake as an RV pulled up to the Stewart Villa outside. She hurried forward to meet it, and the van screeched to a halt in front of her.
Freya jumped out of the car and rushed over.
Chapter 518
She put her arms around Odalys and hugged her, spinning her around once before saying, “Odalys, I miss you so much.
“What are you eating? A pancake?” Freya could smell the delicious aroma.
She looked down and saw the pancake in Odalys’s hand, her eyes shining brightly.
Seeing the longing in her eyes, Odalys passed the pancake over and asked, “Do you want some?”
“Just one bite,” Freya said, not minding that Odalys had already taken a bite. She took a small bite and found it incredibly yummy.
She quickly waved to Selah.
Selah ran over and took a bite too.
“This tastes great. Where did you get it?” Selah asked.
Evander stood not far away, watching the three girls share the pancake. He didn’t say anything.
“Evander bought it,” Odalys said.
Seeing this, Freya hurried forward, took Evander’s arm, and said coquettishly, “Evander, did you bring a pancake only for Odalys? What about us?”
“Ahem, I’ll bring you some next time,” Evander said.
Noticing his demeanor, Freya quickly stepped before him, placing her small hands behind her back, and looked him up and down.
“Evander, what’s wrong? You seem a little restless. Did you do something bad?” Freya, with her usual straightforwardness, didn’t know how to beat around the bush.
Evander remained silent.
He ignored Freya and turned to walk back to the Stewart Villa.
He felt incredibly heartbroken today.
“Oh, what’s wrong with Evander?” Freya was confused, turning to look at Odalys and then at Evander.
Laughter and conversation filled the air as the group entered the Stewart Villa. Dorian had prepared a feast and an array of drinks, and as soon as they were inside, servants offered refreshments.
The Stewart Villa hadn’t been this lively in a long time. Hearing the girls’ voices, Evander’s awkwardness eased considerably.
“Ahem, you don’t have to explain to her,” Evander said to Percival in a low voice.
Percival was indifferent. Meeting Evander’s gaze, he said, “I know. There’s no need to explain these things to Odalys. She’s a smart girl. She’ll understand immediately.
“Besides,” Percival added, “she knows my physical condition better than anyone, and she knows I don’t need medication.”
Evander’s heart ached again at his words.
“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Evander muttered.
Percival stared intently at him and asked, “Do I need to elaborate?”
Evander, once outgoing, had become a lifelong introvert. He regretted it deeply because he was humiliated in front of Odalys.
“Evander,” Odalys called out to him.
Hearing Odalys’s voice, Evander felt guilty but still silently looked up.
“Have something to drink. Selah and I will make some spaghetti,” Odalys said.
Selah had already rolled up her sleeves and entered the kitchen with Odalys. Freya followed behind them. Dorian took the cucumber and tomato and watched them make spaghetti from the side.
There was nothing he could do to help, but he watched silently.
Dorian realized Odalys was refreshingly down-to-earth and capable, unlike some women who shied away from practical tasks. Though not all women needed to cook, he felt they shouldn’t be too delicate.
Odalys worked quickly, while Selah and Freya prepared the side dishes.
A large portion of spaghetti was ready. Dorian brought the sauce and poured it in, stirring well.
“The spaghetti is ready.” Odalys walked out with the spaghetti.
The others quickly got up and walked toward the dining table.
After the spaghetti was served, they were paired with other dishes. It was so delicious that the others stopped talking. Orson, being quite talkative, naturally led the conversation throughout the meal.
It was already seven o’clock after dinner.
As darkness descended, the city lights twinkled on.
As night fell, Francis grew restless. Standing outside the Stewart Villa, he stared into the darkness, his palms slick with cold sweat.
“Nervous?” Percival asked, walking over.
Francis didn’t feel ashamed. Instead, he nodded honestly, leaned back, looked at the night, and said, “To say I’m not afraid would be a lie. During filming today, he suddenly walked toward him.
“I don’t even know if he’ll suddenly appear later.” Francis gave a bitter smile.
He felt he had been haunted by something supernatural that he couldn’t shake off.
Fortune was something one couldn’t control.
When luck was against people, anything was possible.
At that time, Francis’s phone vibrated.
“Excuse me, I need to take this call,” Francis said to Percival.
He walked outside and stood alone under the streetlight, asking in confusion, “Who is that?” “You’re Francis, right?” the voice on the other end asked, deliberately lowered.
Francis glanced at the screen with confusion and asked, “What can I do for you?”
“I heard that you have a good relationship with Odalys,” the person on the other end of the line suddenly said.
Hearing the name “Odalys,” Francis froze, his nerves tightening.
He stood under the streetlight, swallowed, his eyes sharpened, and asked warily through gritted teeth, “Who are you? What do you want by calling me?”
“Don’t you want to know why that girl had her sights set on you in the first place?
“She had her sights set on you and even managed to win you over. Even your agent was in cahoots with her, which means she had her eye on you even when you were a model,” the person on the other end of the line said calmly. Francis fell silent.
He couldn’t deny that what this person said was right.
His agent had been by his side for many years, always handling things for him, never once dragging him down.
His agent’s contributions were significant, but his hard work was also essential to his success in becoming an international model.
“You are an international model, but now, you are reduced to acting in the country, and it is still an unknown drama. It is unknown whether it will be a hit or not. I heard that the producer of that drama has had some problems recently.
“You’re putting all your energy into this. Aren’t you afraid it’s all for nothing? Besides, you don’t know Odalys well. Aren’t you afraid she has ulterior motives in suddenly giving you resources?
“Don’t be so quick to disagree with me. After all, you think Odalys is a good person.
“But she studies theology, and she understands magic. It wouldn’t be difficult if she wanted to manipulate you to make you trust her.”
“As you can see, she’s always helping people on variety shows and livestreams, earning everyone’s trust, but she never accepts any money. What is she after?” the other person continued.
Francis’s fingertips, gripping the phone, turned white, his hand trembling.
“What are you trying to say?” Francis’s voice turned hoarse, revealing the panic in his heart.
Hearing Francis’s anxious voice, the person on the other end chuckled calmly and said, “I’m not trying to say anything. It’s just that I don’t want to see you used by Odalys and end up dead because of her.
“Didn’t everything start from the moment you met her?”
Chapter 519
Francis stood in the darkness of the night, like a lone boat sailing alone.
Confused, he stared into the night, his throat tightening as his thoughts swirled.
“What are you trying to say?” Francis’s patience was wearing thin.
Anxiety washed over him, his emotions fluctuating wildly, on the verge of exploding.
“It’s simple. I want to save you and expose Odalys’s fraud. She deceives the public with her tricks. I’ve tolerated her for too long.
“Agree to help me expose her, and I can give you what you want.” The voice dripped with confidence.
It was as if Francis’s agreement was all he needed to secure victory.
“Why should I trust you? Don’t forget that Odalys saved me once,” Francis spat through gritted teeth.
The other person burst into laughter.
“Saved you? What if she conspired with your ex- girlfriend and agent to destroy you, only to swoop in and play the hero when you needed it most?
“Her elaborate rescue earned your absolute trust, leading you straight into her trap. Now, she only needs to make a simple gesture before you obey her every command.
“Stellan, you, Freya, and Selah are nothing but her money-making tools. Befriending you can quickly give her a spotless reputation and make her Mrs. Stewart. After earning her good reputation, do you think you will still be valuable then?” The other party continued to brainwash him.
Francis’s fingertips trembled as he held the phone.
“What do you want me to do?” Francis asked slowly after a long silence.
He was covered in cold sweat as if he had made a momentous decision.
Sure enough, the other party secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Francis speak.
“Go outside the Stewart Villa, to the tree on the left. You will see a package. Open it. There is a talisman inside. All you need to do is stick it on Odalys’s back when she is performing the ritual for you,” said the other party.
Francis swallowed as he listened.
He looked up at the outside world and fell into deep thought.
“Will she die?” asked Francis.
The other party didn’t seem to care in the slightest. “My talisman will only destroy the magic zone she creates but won’t hurt her. I just wanted to ruin her plan when everyone is present and let you guys see her true abilities.”
Francis held his phone, remaining silent.
Time ticked by, yet the person on the other end didn’t hang up.
“Alright, I’ll do it,” Francis replied.
He walked briskly outside and found a package beneath the tree outside the Stewart Villa, exactly where he was told it would be.
The package was in a waterproof box. He opened it and saw a talisman lying flat inside. Francis took the talisman and stuffed it into his pocket.
“I got it,” Francis said.
Hearing this, the person on the other end breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Good, don’t hang up.”
“Okay,” Francis replied as he walked toward the Stewart Villa with a flustered expression.
He walked in the darkness, his steps involuntarily heavier. He heard laughter coming from the Stewart Villa’s living room and vaguely heard Freya yelling, “No. Odalys can only be mine.”
“She’s mine. Odalys, tell my fortune,” Selah said.
She coquettishly extended her hand, palm open, toward Odalys.
Odalys sat there and said helplessly, “Okay, let me see.”
“What do you want to know?” Odalys asked.
Freya also came over, resting her chin on her hand and looking at Selah’s palm. She nudged her with her arm and said, “You aren’t thinking about dating, are you?”
“Get out! Men will only hold me back from making money.” Selah rolled her eyes.
Her spirit was crushed after Lucian tried to set her up by asking her out, only to offer her to a group of sleazy executives.
If it weren’t for Odalys, she would probably have ended up miserably because of Lucian.
She had long since abandoned the idea of romantic love.
“Okay, let me check your fortune,” Odalys said indulgently.
Orson also grabbed a snack and came over. He stared intently, his heart itching to participate.
Francis walked in from outside when they were watching Odalys doing fortune-telling for Selah. Stellan stood up with his cup and noticed beads of sweat forming on Francis’s forehead. “Francis,” he asked, concerned, “Why are you sweating so much? Are you feeling alright?”
Francis’s gaze darted around, his throat bobbing nervously.
But his hand was in his pocket, holding the phone that had been on the line.
“No, maybe I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what’s going to happen later.” Francis’s voice trembled slightly.
As soon as he finished speaking, something whipped against his butt with a “snap.”
Francis felt a tingling sensation. He turned his head and found that the little snake had somehow appeared in the living room of the Stewart Villa. It was lying on the ground and stood up, hitting Francis’s butt with its head. Francis felt his scalp tingle and wanted to turn away.
“Hiss.” The snake slammed into Francis, and he fell heavily onto the sofa.
The snake lunged at him and pressed down on him. Its head stared at him as it kept sticking out his tongue, as if curious about him.
Selah’s mouth dropped open. She stared at Francis, pointed at him, and said, “Don’t tell me this snake has a thing for Francis. It crawled into his room last time too.”
Everyone turned to look at Francis and found him frozen on the sofa, too scared to move.
“Odalys, make it go away quickly,” Francis said, his voice trembling.
His eyes were filled with fear as he looked at the snake. He felt as if it could see right through him.
Odalys suddenly grabbed a glass of water and smashed it with a loud bang.
The glass shattered, sending shards flying. One piece cut Francis’s ankle, drawing blood.
“Francis, your foot is bleeding!” Freya suddenly shrieked.
Francis felt a sharp pain. He looked down at his ankle and saw the shard of glass embedded in his flesh. As he reached out to pull it out, the blood from his ankle seemed to magnify before his eyes.
The bright red blood rushed toward him like a raging river. Francis’s pupils constricted, and he tumbled into the crimson torrent.
“No,” Francis let out a miserable cry.
The screams of Freya and the others echoed in his ears, their voices sounding distant despite them standing right next to him.
Francis opened his mouth, wanting to call for help, but felt someone behind him kick him hard.
“Ouch,” he screamed as he fell heavily to the ground.
Francis realized it was dark around and saw a swirling mist in the distance. The biting wind chilled him to the bone. The emptiness echoed with the sound of his breathing.
“Is anybody there? Stellan. Odalys. Freya. Selah.
Where are you?” Francis kept calling.
Chapter 520
But no one answered him. Francis stood rooted to the spot, a shiver crawling down his spine.
He faintly heard a woman’s laughter, and he quickly turned to see a group of men and women, dressed in clothes from around the 1920s, walking toward him. As they passed by him, they suddenly stopped.
“Francis? What are you doing here?” The woman looked at him in surprise.
Her stare made Francis take a quick half-step back.
The woman’s hair was cascading down, her fair skin seemed as delicate as if it could be broken with a touch, and her eyes were fixed on him intently. This familiar face belonged to none other than his ex-girlfriend.
“Melody, why are you here?” Francis was startled. He kept backing away but bumped into someone.
Francis turned his head and saw his agent standing behind him.
His whole body trembled with panic. He turned to escape, but his foot was caught by a hand, and he fell to the ground with a thud.
The intense pain brought him back to his senses.
“Something’s off. I thought the police arrested you. Why are you here?” Francis murmured.
He tried to retreat, but they closed in on him. “Arrested? You should be dead already,” his ex- girlfriend sneered, advancing toward Francis with his agent. She brandished a fruit knife, stabbing at him viciously.
With a “puff,” the fruit knife sank deep into his flesh.
Francis watched as the blood continuously seeped out of his chest, and he quickly reached out to cover it. But the blood continued to seep out through his fingers, instantly staining his palm red.
“I let you escape last time. Did you think you could escape this time?” his ex-girlfriend spat. Francis clutched his chest in agony, staring at the bloody fruit knife in her hand, her eyes ice- cold.
Ignoring the pain in his body, he scrambled up from the ground and turned to run. But a figure flashed before him, blocking his path. Francis’s eyes widened in horror.
Staring at the face, he realized it was none other than the person who had suddenly appeared on set during filming that morning.
He had been wearing clothes from around the 1920s that morning, and now he was still wearing the same clothes, standing there blocking his way.
“Run? Where do you think you’re running off to?” the man asked.
His face was ferocious, frightening Francis into retreating repeatedly.
“Are you human or a ghost? No, I don’t believe it. I believe Odalys will help me. She promised,” Francis said.
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw a raging fire in the distance.
A figure was hung from a tree, her hands and feet bound. The wind brushed against her cheeks, lifting her hair and revealing her delicate and innocent face.
“Odalys? Is she Odalys? How is it possible? She’s so capable.” Francis’s throat felt dry.
The man laughed triumphantly. “She may be clever,” he said, “but she still walked right into my trap. This self-righteous woman is no better than that.
“She made an appointment with you to perform a ritual after nightfall to expel the thing haunting you. Little did she know that you had already walked into my trap. She fell for my trick when performing the ritual for you, aha.” The man laughed wildly.
Francis’s pupils dilated, his mind seemingly blank.
“Did you make that phone call? Did you put that talisman outside the Stewart Villa? Are you
human or a ghost, and what do you want?” Francis roared.
The man stood there, turned around with a smug look, and yanked on the rope hard.
The rope that bound Odalys to the tree loosened. With a loud “thud,” she fell heavily from the height, and the sound of bones breaking could be faintly heard.
“What do I want?” the man replied. “I want you guys’ lives, of course. Otherwise, am I supposed to let you ruin my plans all day? Your fortune, out of all of you, is the worst.
“You are the one with the least fortune here. Even if you were to die, no one would know.”
Francis finally came to his senses. “So, you want my life? But why?” he said in disbelief.
“Because you have the least fortune. Your body is the easiest to control,” the man replied.
Francis froze, his lips parting slightly as he stared at the man before him.
“You want my body? Don’t tell me you’re going to give it to someone else. Or are you going to kill me and let someone else possess my body?” Francis’s voice trembled with fear.
The man stood with his hands behind his back, staring at him in surprise.
“It seems you’ve already guessed it. In that case, I won’t waste my breath on you.” As he spoke, he raised his hand and said to the two people behind him, “Grab him.”
“Okay.” Francis’s ex-girlfriend and his agent strode forward.
They pinned Francis down and dragged him The man turned his back on them and strode off away.
Francis stared at his figure. Then, he suddenly broke free from his ex-girlfriend and agent’s grip and strode forward. His movements were swift and decisive. Just when everyone assumed he was seriously injured and immobile, he charged ahead.
The man sensed him approaching quickly and spun around just in time to see Francis whip a talisman from his pocket and try to stick it on him.
“You.” The man stared at Francis in terror.
He didn’t expect Francis to take a talisman from his pocket and stick it on him. He stared at the talisman in bewilderment, then looked at Francis’s smiling face.
“You! You’re not under my illusion? No way. How is that possible?” The man’s voice became shrill in fear.
Someone under an illusion couldn’t take out or bring in other items unless he came prepared.
“How is that impossible?” Odalys’s voice rang out.
Odalys, who had fallen to the ground earlier got up, wiped the fake blood off her face, and strode forward.
The man stared at her moving figure and backed away repeatedly. “How is that possible? Didn’t you fall and break your bones just now?”
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Odalys take something out. With two snaps, she broke it with force.
“You mean this? How many snaps do you want to hear? I’ll show you,” Odalys said with a sneer.
The man’s lips moved, and he quickly backed away. But his body stood rooted to the spot, uncontrollable. As much as he wanted to run, his body wouldn’t obey.
His heart skipped a beat as he realized he had been tricked.
“No way. How could you possibly have tricked me? Francis agreed to cooperate with me, and he opened the package. The moment he opened it, he fell under my illusion spell.
“When he took my talisman into the Stewart Villa, your minds were all under my control. There’s no way you could have resisted me.” The man murmured under his breath.
Francis clutched the “wound” on his chest and pulled out a blood pack from his pocket. He threw it in the man’s face with a “splat.”
Blood splattered across the man’s face, the sweet taste filling his mouth.
“Is there a possibility that you walked right into Odalys’s trap the moment I answered your call?” Francis said with a sneer.
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