Chapter 231

Orson tilted his head, glancing back at the rear seat. "I heard his injuries aren't too severe, but strangely, both his arms and legs are fractured, and his left hand was severely burned in the explosion. He paused. "Also, when they tested his blood, they found something suspicious, though it's not confirmed yet. They're planning a follow-up test."

Odalys gave him a sidelong glance before setting the iPad aside. "No need for further tests. It's cancer."

The air in the car shifted, as if a cold, heavy fog had descended. Percival quickly pulled out the list Callum had made, scanning it until he found "The Drake Family" at the bottom. He looked up at Odalys. Their eyes met briefly before he handed her the list.

"It's on here—the Drake family," he said softly.

Odalys remained silent, but her gaze darkened. Her mind echoed her master's words: "You need to return to the Bennett family. Root yourself in Crownridge. Your tribulation is tied to many lives."

She hadn't understood before, but now, having lived through a second chance at life, she grasped the meaning. She hadn't chosen death, but instead, uncovered these mysteries, even meeting Stellan on a variety show. Everything seemed planned, pulling them together like an invisible thread—from meeting Stellan, to coming to this village, to encountering the old man, to discovering the buried poison, and even seeing the giant snake. Every event was a string pulling them closer. How foolish she had been in her past life to seek death. Her death had set everything into motion, triggering the ensuing chaos. Perhaps, in that past life, everyone involved had perished—the Stewart family was gone.

A strange, bitter feeling settled in her chest. She slowly closed her eyes. She hadn't felt this weight of responsibility before, but now it was clear—this wasn't just her life; she carried the fate of others. Magic wasn't just about peering into fate—it was about saving people.

"Once we get back, take the soil with the blood and poison you dug up to the lab and compare it with Dangelo's blood sample," Odalys instructed. "See if they match."

Orson nodded, his face serious. "Got it."

After a brief pause, Percival spoke. "I've already had people look into the cause of the accident. If Dangelo's cancer is connected to it, then today's crash wasn't an accident."

"Nothing is really an accident. Most 'accidents' are engineered," Percival stated.

Odalys gave a quiet, cold laugh. "No, it wasn't an accident. He was targeted, his fate sealed. Otherwise, I wouldn't have arranged for you to have that private line to get them back in time."

Percival said nothing, dialing his phone. The car pulled over, and the group boarded a helicopter, returning to Crownridge.

By the time they arrived at the Stewart mansion, Orson, eager to return to the hospital, left in such a rush that he hadn't even eaten. Callum immediately grabbed the car keys to drive him back. Percival arranged for several bodyguards to follow, just in case.

"Odalys!" Evander called from his wheelchair, spotting her from a distance. He almost jumped up, but remembered her instructions to pretend his leg was still broken. Otherwise, he'd have been up and running by now.

She had promised him that once she returned, she would pretend to treat his leg and then announce it was healed.

"Evander," Odalys called as she approached. Seeing him, Evander's eyes glistened with tears, his hands grasping hers tightly, shaking them fervently. "You're finally back."

Odalys saw through his act. Despite his age, his behavior was childlike, and easily readable. Evander's face flushed as he struggled to find words. Before he could speak, Odalys pulled out a talisman and slapped it onto his leg.

"Grandpa, I've drawn a bone-setting talisman for you. Let's see if it works," she said loudly, winking playfully.

Evander, catching the hint, was about to get up when Percival rushed forward, supporting him on one side, while Odalys helped from the other. They carefully helped him to his feet. Having been sitting for so long, Evander's legs felt numb, and for a moment, he nearly lost his balance. It was only thanks to Percival's steadying hands that he regained his footing.

"Be careful you don't fall," Percival advised, concern evident in his voice.

Evander waved him off, taking a few tentative steps. Every movement was a triumph, and he almost stamped his feet in joy. Since his leg had been broken, he had suffered greatly, constantly confined to his wheelchair, unable to go outside since Odalys' last visit.

"Is it really healed?" Evander asked, walking back towards Odalys. He raised his leg, his eyes filled with foolish innocence and affection. "How much for this bone-setting talisman of yours!"

"It's not for sale," Odalys chuckled softly. "They say as people grow older, they become more like children. Evander's reaction is proof of that."

Upon hearing her answer, Evander turned to the Stewart family staff and proudly announced, "You all heard that? My granddaughter-in-law's bone-setting talisman just healed my leg! This is a momentous occasion, and I want you all to witness it! Tonight, everyone here gets a 30,000-dollar bonus! Go to Dorian later to pick it up!"

The servants and bodyguards looked stunned before breaking into excited applause.

"Thank you, Evander. We are honored," they chorused.

Evander, standing with his hands behind his back, now wearing a serious face, added, "This is all thanks to the little girl. You should be thanking her."

The servants and bodyguards quickly turned to Odalys, speaking in unison, "Thank you, Mrs. Stewart. Wishing Mrs. Stewart and Mr. Stewart many children!"

Evander could hardly suppress his joy. His face nearly broke into a grin. "Are you all hungry? Let's go eat," he said, motioning for Odalys and Percival to follow.

The staff marveled at Evander's energetic steps, and word of this event quickly spread. Evander, still basking in the excitement, continued to send messages to his old friends, boasting about his recovery. He even sent them a video of himself walking. His friends immediately called, but Evander, now content, ignored them. Want to know the secret? Too bad, he thought, his satisfaction evident as he pocketed his phone.

As they walked, Evander casually asked, "Odalys, are you staying here tonight, or are you going back to the Stewart Villa?"

Percival asked, glancing at Odalys, "Either works."

Odalys, unconcerned with where they stayed, shrugged. "Either works. But I do need to go to the hospital in the morning," she murmured.