Chapter 205

Sophia was anxious. She stomped her feet. No one answered the door, and she was attacked by mosquitos. Itchy bites covered her legs, fueling her anger. Her knocks grew harder and harder; she felt an impulse to break the door down.

“Come out! Something’s wrong! I’m serious!” Her eyes were red and brimming with tears. Tonight was her last chance. Her plan against Odalys would fail if she couldn't get Odalys out of the house.

As her knocks intensified, her cameraman watched thoughtfully. He knew about her earlier conversation with Finnian and had been instructed by Kenny to keep an eye on her and intervene if anything went wrong.

Finally, the door burst open. Caught off guard, Sophia fell into the living room.

“No!” she screamed.

Her palm was scratched, causing her to grimace. She looked up to see several people glaring at her, arms crossed, with contempt in their eyes.

Tears welled up as Sophia rose, aggrieved. With forced enthusiasm, she approached Odalys and sobbed, “Odalys, hurry!”

“For what?” Odalys asked, a faint smile playing on her lips. She looked coldly at Sophia, as if seeing right through her.

Sophia felt a prickling sensation on her scalp. Guilty, she looked away, unable to meet Odalys's gaze.

“Atlas and Finnian went out to look for food—pheasants. Atlas said he was starving. It’s been an hour, and they haven’t returned. I’m afraid they’re in trouble,” Sophia lied, her voice choked with emotion.

She was a good actress; hot tears streamed down her face. If she were speaking to a man, she might have been embraced.

Odalys listened with a genuine smile. Then she said, “Oh, they must be.” She pushed Sophia out of the living room. “Go find Kenny. He has the manpower you need. Ask him for help. Hurry!” She gave Sophia a hard shove.

Sophia stumbled out, shocked. She hadn’t expected such a calm, reasoned refusal. Why is Odalys so calm? Shouldn’t she be rushing out to look for them?

“What did you say?” Sophia thought she’d misheard. She asked Odalys to repeat herself.

“I said, ask Kenny for help. Don’t cry now. You can do that later,” Odalys said kindly.

Her words brought more tears to Sophia's cheeks.

“Aren’t you worried? Won’t you join the search?” Sophia asked anxiously.

Chapter 203

Odalys pointed to her face. “I’m wearing a mask; it’s not convenient for me to go out. Besides, it’s not about manpower. Kenny has plenty of men who can help.” She started to retreat to her room.

Sophia, furious, dashed forward, grabbing Odalys's wrist. “No,” she said fiercely. “You’re coming with me.”

“What are you doing? Let go of me!” Odalys exclaimed.

Just then, Stellan and Francis intervened, pulling Sophia away. She stared at them in shock.

“Sophia, you must be out of your mind! Go find them! Now!” Freya said impatiently.

Sophia’s anger flared. Odalys met her gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips, raising her eyebrows—a gesture that infuriated Sophia.

Sophia hadn't anticipated Odalys's refusal. Her plan had failed at the first hurdle.

Shock washed over Sophia. Odalys was now her sworn enemy.

Kenny arrived. “Miss Benner, where did they go?” he asked.

Sophia’s lips moved, but she said nothing. She remained silent, unable to speak. Her meticulously crafted plan had crumbled, and she had no way to vent her frustration and rage. Odalys’s provocative demeanor made it clear that her refusal was deliberate.

Indignant, Sophia glared at Odalys.

“Let’s go,” Kenny said, leading his men into the woods.

It was late. Finnian, neatly dressed, stood beneath a tree, his back to the path, staring at his shadow. Anxious footsteps approached. He turned, excited. Atlas was surprised.

In the darkness, Finnian embraced the newcomer.

“You came! I knew it! As I said, I won’t give up on you. I’ll marry you.” Finnian’s voice was hoarse. He caressed Atlas, his hand finally resting on Atlas's behind.

Atlas froze, speechless. He let Finnian embrace and caress him, unable to protest.

What the hell is going on? Atlas thought. Did I get poisoned? Impossible! What's wrong?

“Don’t worry. After tonight, I’ll take responsibility for you,” Finnian murmured, a smirk playing on his lips.

The film crew, led by Kenny, arrived. A cameraman trailed behind, carrying his equipment. They spotted Finnian embracing Atlas.

“Wait… what the hell?” The crew gasped.