Chapter 127

They found some wild pumpkins; the vines were sprawling. Selah was surprised to see how fresh they were. She quickly picked some, saying, "Pumpkin vines are also edible, like vegetables." Freya said nothing but quickly helped. In a short while, they had picked two small handfuls. They also dug up some potherbs and mushrooms on their way back.

People from Group A walked out and saw Group B returning with buckets. Atlas crossed his arms disdainfully. Seeing their sorry state—far from glamorous—he sneered, "It was raining, and you still carried buckets? Those who don't know might think you're capable. Look at you now, covered in mud, but you didn't find anything, right?" He smiled mockingly.

Freya, angered by his tone, snatched off her slippers and threw them at him, unconcerned with her image. "We know our own capabilities, unlike you, who only makes sarcastic remarks. Why? Do you still want to take advantage of us? Are you going to morally kidnap us later, demanding we share our food with your precious sister? You're not good-looking, you daydream, and you're far too garrulous for a man. Those who don't know better would think you're a gossip. How disgusting!"

The smile froze on Atlas's face. He couldn't believe she'd scold him. "You—" He gritted his teeth, watching as she strode forward and shoved him. "Move! You're stepping on my slippers," she said, putting them back on.

Atlas, accustomed to flattery, had never been treated so rudely. Freya throwing her slippers at him left him trembling with rage. "Freya, you're a shrew," he gritted out. He thought she would show him respect, but she seemed increasingly unreasonable since spending time with Odalys.

"That's better than being a gossipy man. At least I found food with my own hands. What about you? Don't tell me you want to morally kidnap Odalys?" Freya looked him up and down, her dislike growing. Remembering his relationship with Sophia, she smiled sarcastically.

"What are you laughing at?" Atlas clenched his fists, staring at her. Her meaningful gaze made his heart skip a beat; he felt embarrassed, as if she'd discovered a secret.

"Let's go," Freya said, pulling Selah away.

Atlas watched in exasperation, then turned to see Sophia standing there, red-eyed. His anger vanished. He rushed to her, asking, "Sophia, what's wrong?"

"Atlas, she's targeting you because of me. If I hadn't offended her, she wouldn't have taken it out on you," Sophia sobbed softly, hiding her emotions.

Francis, however, was irritated. "What's there to cry about? You make it sound like we're bullying you. If you're not going to find food, I'll go myself." He turned to leave.

Chapter 197

The pumpkin vines were growing thin. Atlas really wanted to follow…

At that moment, Tiresian emerged from the house and stood beside Sophia. Seeing the rain had stopped, they started to leave. They had only taken a few steps when Odalys blocked their path.

"What are you doing?" Odalys asked coldly.

Odalys’s cold gaze swept over him and landed on Sophia, who instinctively took a step back.

"Odalys, what are you doing?" Sophia asked angrily.

She'd planned to greet Odalys with a smile, but seeing Odalys’s radiant, makeup-free face, jealousy surged. Odalys wore a dirty, mud-stained black outfit, yet she possessed a unique beauty.

"I should be asking you that. Did someone in your group cut our rope to teach us a lesson? Or did you think the stream was strong enough to wash us away?" Odalys asked coldly. Her voice was clear and loud.

Francis and Atlas were stunned. They turned in disbelief.

"Odalys, are you crazy? You're slandering people for no reason! How did Sophia offend you? Why do you keep targeting her? She's kind and innocent. Yesterday, she humbled herself and borrowed food for us. She always suffers for others. The show's still recording! How can you frame her? You're vicious! No wonder Mom didn't want you back then!" Atlas blurted out.

Silence fell. Odalys felt nothing; everyone in the Bennett family was like dead people to her now. A mocking smile played on her lips.

"I didn't do anything," Sophia protested, shocked.

A few days ago, Odalys had poked her forehead at the hospital; she’d seemingly lost control, revealing hidden secrets. Sophia instinctively retreated.

"Since you didn't do anything, what are you afraid of?" Odalys asked coldly, her voice forceful.

Sophia panicked, looking at the cameraperson with tears in her eyes. "Sir, I didn't do anything. You know that. You have to ensure our safety. You can't let others frame me. I'm a celebrity! If my reputation is damaged, my life is ruined!" Tears streamed down her face.

"Odalys, you're used to setting people up, you ingrate!" Atlas rushed forward to push Odalys, but she kicked him hard, sending him to the ground.

Odalys remained where she stood, looking at the camera and saying mockingly, "Did you see that? He attacked me first. I was only…"

(The passage ends abruptly. There's no indication of what Odalys said next.)