Chapter 121

The live broadcast showed Sophia, seemingly seductive and far from the pure image she'd claimed. Netizens erupted in silent outrage: "Where's the paparazzi? Investigate Sophia! She's with Finnian one minute, Atlas the next!"

Meanwhile, in the hospital, Hannah lay weakly in her bed, isolated and alone. Her friends, typical of the wealthy elite, had abandoned her. Watching the live broadcast, her disappointment deepened, her expression souring at Sophia's behavior.

"No way," Hannah murmured, frowning. "The angle must be misleading. She wouldn't be acting like that. Atlas is her brother! I'm overthinking; the netizens are manipulating me."

Despite her reassurances, her hands trembled. A flicker of suspicion ignited: "Maybe she's doing this to get close to Odalys and help me recover the emerald pendant. My daughter is still sensible."

Her smile faltered as her phone vibrated. An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. Hesitantly, she answered.

"You're Hannah, right?" a cold voice demanded.

"Who is this?" Hannah shivered, unnerved by the imposing tone.

The caller identified herself as Selena Lark, launching into an accusatory tirade: "Your daughter's been trying to seduce Finnian. He's an illegitimate child, cast out by the Lark family. Don't use him to tarnish our reputation!"

Hannah was stunned. She'd hoped for an alliance with Selena, but instead received a scathing rebuke.

"Mrs. Lark, Sophia's my daughter! How dare you slander her?" Hannah retorted angrily.

Selena laughed. "Do you call that innocent? Hogging Atlas? Mrs. Bennett, if you're blind, get your eyes checked! Don't slander Odalys. Just because you don't want her, doesn't mean others don't. Don't push Sophia too far. If you hurt Odalys, the Lark family will crush the Bennett Group." The call ended abruptly.

Hannah was shocked and furious. "Who do they think they are? Defending Odalys? It's none of their business!"

Lying on her bed, her chest heaving, ruthlessness flashed in her eyes. "Odalys is connected to the Lark family? Selena called to pressure me? I hate Odalys even more now!"

Unbeknownst to Hannah, a significant event had unfolded. Orson, using knowledge Odalys had shared, treated an old military officer, miraculously restoring feeling to his paralyzed leg. This breakthrough stunned the Lark and Stewart families, establishing Odalys's reputation as a rising star in traditional medicine.

Selena, having seen Sophia's actions on the variety show, had called to vent her anger at Hannah, leaving her feeling panicked and threatened.

Henry entered, noticing Hannah's agitated state.

"Mom," he said after a long pause.

Startled, Hannah dropped her iPad. Her face, still bearing the marks of her injury, paled. "Henry, what's wrong?"

Her heart pounded, fearing Selena's threat.

"The Bennett Group is doomed," Henry stated grimly. "The Lark family won't help. Our only hope is the Stewart family or acquiring the Lark family's city land. Someone with influence is targeting us."

"The Lark family's land?" Hannah gasped. "Mrs. Lark called… could it be…?"

"Mom, did Mrs. Lark ask about Orson?" Henry asked desperately, clinging to a shred of hope. Hannah's expression darkened, embellishing Selena's words. Henry questioned her certainty about the Lark family's motives.