Chapter 159

“This is from the production team. Consider this a one-time thing,” Atlas said. “Everyone noticed Sophia wasn’t eating or going out, and they were starting to worry she might starve.”

When she saw the cereal being handed to her, a lump formed in Sophia’s throat. She used to refuse this kind of food, but now, her eyes welled up.

“Thank you,” she said, taking the cereal. She intended to eat it delicately, but subconsciously, she devoured it. It wasn't long before it was gone.

Though she wasn’t completely full, she felt more energized.

“We’ll go out and find something to eat soon. Group B has a lot of game they hunted, and I think we can get some too. We can’t let Odalys think we’re weak,” Atlas added, leaning in closer and lowering his voice. “We still need to get close to her. The emerald pendant is still with her. Only by getting it can the Bennett family be restored. Once the Bennett Group is back on track, our resources won’t be affected.”

“If Odalys refuses to hand it over, we can work together to trick her out of it. This place is unfamiliar to her, and if she were to have an accident, no one would suspect anything. What do you think?” Atlas spoke in a low, serious tone.

His eyes were filled with competition and desire, but he hadn’t considered that Odalys was his biological sister.

Sophia had originally intended to ignore him, but Atlas’s words made her change her mind.

“Fine, I’ll follow your lead,” Sophia whispered, determination in her voice. Her grip on the plate tightened, and she nearly crushed it.

Sophia thought, ‘Once I take back the emerald pendant, Hannah will definitely see me in a new light. Then, I won’t have to worry about her being biased toward Odalys anymore.’

“Before, I was always afraid the Bennett family might discard me because we weren’t blood relatives. But as long as I’m useful, they won’t dare abandon me.”

“Alright, you go rest. I’ll take the plate back to the production team,” Atlas said, gently ruffling her hair.

Sophia looked up at him, flashing an alluring smile. She whispered, “Don’t worry, Atlas. Even if they try to push us out, I believe we’ll still be fine.”

Atlas replied with a faint nod. His mind wasn’t on that; his focus was on obtaining the emerald pendant.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Selah turned to Odalys, resting her chin in her hands. “Odalys, can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead,” Odalys replied softly.

Selah took a moment before asking, “You said Sophia brought this trouble upon herself.”

“I know about the love talisman. It makes men obsessed with her, but what kind of trouble are you talking about? Does it mean she’s going to face disaster?” Selah asked, confused.

Freya, who had been listening, immediately shuffled closer.

Odalys explained softly, “In simple terms, it’s a catastrophe caused by attraction. It’s good to be liked, but forcing someone’s affection, often with an agenda, can be destructive. Sophia wants too much. When her desires are unfulfilled, she’ll be trapped in self-manipulation. She’ll lose her rationality, making mistakes and shifting blame to draw attention. But we’re all adults. No one will go along with her. The more frustrated she feels, the more she’ll try to show off and rebel. People create their own catastrophes, and the trouble she’s facing is exactly what she asked for.”

Selah listened quietly, nodding repeatedly.

“There is some truth to that. I even wonder if she’s mentally unstable,” Selah said. “Sophia’s like a chaotic person targeting anyone she sees.” “If you don’t want to get caught up in her mess, it’s best to stay away from her. I’m not trying to exclude her, but we’re not on the same path,” Odalys said softly.

Sophia’s fate was one she brought upon herself. From a young age, she had been essentially rebuilt, leading to a rewritten life. In truth, Sophia’s troubles stemmed from her own malice. If she had been kind, even with her childhood hardships, her spirit would have remained pure. Everything that happened to Sophia was a result of her own choices, a reflection of her inner self.

“Okay, I’ll follow your lead,” Selah said, nodding obediently.

Selah gazed at Odalys, her eyes full of admiration. “When I first met you both, I was so scared and worried. I was afraid I would offend someone and end up blacklisted. At the time, I was so naive. But honestly, you two are great.” Selah laughed. Back then, Selah had been overly cautious, and now, she felt a bit pathetic for how she had acted.

Freya, who had been listening, playfully slapped Selah on the behind.

“Ow!” Selah covered her backside and looked at Freya.

“Getting brave now, huh? You’re flirting with Odalys in front of me?” Freya teased. “Odalys is mine. Don’t try to take her from me.”

At the sound of Freya’s words, Selah flung herself onto Odalys and wrapped her arms around her. “No way! She’s mine!”

“Mine! Mine!” Freya said as she pounced on them.

The three tumbled around on the bed and fell off in a heap.

“Ah, this is just like when my best friend and I used to mess around!”

“I thought stars were all so composed, but I had no idea they could be so playful, just like us regular people, getting into little scuffles on the bed.”

“They’re so cute! Not like the atmosphere in Group A.”

“Don’t bring up Group A. I just saw Sophia and Atlas talking in hushed voices. I don’t know what they were scheming, but something felt off.”

The viewers watching their playful scuffle and subsequent fall were filled with nostalgia; some even immediately called old friends.

6:37 PM

Chapter 159

“What’s that smell?” Freya sniffed the air, confused.

Selah, still a bit dazed, replied, “What smell?”

Odalys’ expression changed, her eyes widening. She quickly sat up, her gaze flickering with urgency.

“Something’s wrong,” Odalys whispered.

Without wasting another moment, Odalys grabbed her backpack and rushed out. Dusk had already settled. A few men were sitting outside, chatting lazily.

When they saw Odalys running out, Stellan stood up in surprise. “What’s going on? Where are you headed?”

Odalys’ face darkened. She glanced around quickly, but neither Sophia nor Atlas was anywhere to be seen.

“Where are Atlas and Sophia?” Odalys’ voice trembled with anxiety.

Stellan, puzzled, scratched his head. “They went out about half an hour ago.”

“Damn it,” Odalys muttered, her expression growing darker. Without saying another word, she dashed off toward the door.