Chapter 234
Odalys stood dumbfounded, watching Sophia's tantrum. Sophia glared at Odalys, her eyes filled with malice, noting Odalys's simple clothes—a stark contrast to Sophia's custom-made finery. The canvas bag Odalys carried was one Sophia recognized from an auction.
"Why was Chaly so ostentatiously dressed in the hospital, if not to provoke me?" Sophia raged. Her anger escalated as she recalled finding Hannah, Henry, and Caspian at home last night, seemingly ejected from the hospital. Initially disbelieving, she'd been turned away at registration; the hospital refused to treat the Bennetts, suggesting she go elsewhere. Spotting Odalys afterward, the pieces clicked into place. She was convinced Odalys was responsible.
"My mother is badly hurt, Atlas is injured too, and the hospital kicks us out in the middle of the night? Even I was turned away! Is this all because of you? Why are you doing this? You know I'm hurt too! Are you trying to kill us? To deny us medical care? On that variety show, you already made things difficult, and now this? Is this your revenge?" Sophia's voice cracked, her eyes red and her accusations laced with vulnerability.
The bustling hospital lobby fell silent as Sophia's outburst drew everyone's attention. A crowd gathered, their curiosity piqued.
"Sophia, how big an ego do you have to think everything revolves around you? Do you really believe everyone is scheming against you?" Odalys responded coldly. "The hospital doesn't want you here because of your actions. The Bennett family has caused chaos, and now you blame the hospital?" Odalys's voice sharpened. "Isn't it your actions that brought this 'thunder'? Your wrongdoings that smashed hospital windows and destroyed equipment in the VIP ward? Or was it Caspian getting into a fight? Do you even know what a hospital is? It's for healing, not your family's playground!"
"Others get treated, but not you. Maybe you should look in the mirror. And don't blame me for 'targeting' you. Many here saw the variety show—ask them if I ever targeted you," Odalys retorted. "You're always causing trouble, manipulating things, like hiding Rafael in our room. Do you have any self-awareness? Do you think people forgot the show? With your shady dealings, have you lost your mind? Should I book you a psychiatrist's appointment?" Odalys's words left Sophia speechless, her face burning with anger and shame.
Sophia stared at Odalys, stunned. Odalys had always backed down before, but now she was publicly humiliating her. Sophia believed Odalys only craved fame, but even after the show, Odalys remained relentless.
"You!" Sophia hissed, grinding her teeth.
Before she could retaliate, Odalys called the police. "Hello, this is the police station? Someone is causing a scene at the hospital, physically assaulting me and making false accusations."
Sophia's face paled. Panicked, she lunged for the phone. Odalys kicked her in the stomach, sending Sophia crashing to the floor. Before Sophia could react, officers appeared.
Their badges flashed. "Ms. Bennett, we've heard your verbal attack and witnessed the harassment. Please come with us."
"What? It was her?" Sophia screamed, but the officers escorted her away. Whispers followed her departure: "Is that urine? Did she just pee herself?" A yellowish stain confirmed the onlookers' observation.
The incident quickly went viral, with hashtags like #ShockingSophiaWetHerself, #SophiaCausesHospitalScene, #OdalysDismantlesSophia, and #WhyBennettFamilyKickedOut. Many flocked to the hospital, but Odalys had already left.
She took the VIP elevator to the research lab.
"The results are in," Orson announced, his bloodshot eyes revealing a sleepless night. He'd nearly leaped from his chair upon seeing the results. He handed the documents to Odalys as Percival offered her coffee.
"Thanks," Odalys murmured, examining the results. Percival's face darkened as he reviewed the data—the findings mirrored those from Stellan's father's autopsy: cancer.
"It seems someone is targeting the Drake family," Odalys said quietly.
Percival produced another document. "This list is from my contacts. The wealthiest people in every city have experienced incidents—car accidents, cancer, fatal diseases. Some died instantly, others are paralyzed. Too convenient." It was clearly targeted at the wealthy, aimed at controlling their wealth.
"Have any political figures experienced similar incidents?" Odalys asked.
Percival poured her water and gestured for her to sit. "I've asked Callum to check, but many politicians keep their medical conditions secret."