Chapter 254
Evander wasn't the only one growing anxious. "Enough," Orson muttered, his nerves frayed. "Stop causing a scene. Let's assess the situation first."
The air crackled with tension. Something felt wrong; he suspected it was connected to Percival's condition. "By the way, Evander," Orson asked, despite his unease, "what brought you here so suddenly?"
Evander, tall and serious, furrowed his brow. "Initially, Odalys messaged me on WhatsApp, wanting to talk. But she didn't reply. Was that just a ruse?" His voice sharpened. "Her lack of response worried me, so I rushed here."
Orson fell silent, watching Evander carefully before glancing at Odalys, who was returning. "Odalys suspected shady figures around Stewart Villa," he said quietly. "Percival and I investigated, but beyond his mother, found no trace. Someone's deliberately covering their tracks."
"Do you think Odalys was worried about being monitored, that's why she didn't reply to you?" Orson asked.
Evander didn't answer, instead gazing toward his car. "Callum, check the car for a tracker," Orson instructed calmly, but with underlying tension.
Orson's words triggered something in Evander. Odalys wouldn't have ignored him unless something serious was happening. She must have known bringing him here would involve him in whatever danger loomed.
"Got it," Callum said, his face tightening as he hurried to the car. Moments later, he slid under the vehicle and froze. "There's something here," he said grimly, pointing to a small, red blinking light.
"Damn it," Orson swore, incredulous.
Evander, imposing and resolute, shook his head slowly. "Don't remove it. Leave it. I want to see who's bold enough to put a tracker on my car."
"It seems Odalys knew this would happen," Evander muttered. "She suspected something and wanted me here for a reason."
Callum nodded, his expression dark, as they all turned their attention back to Stewart Villa. The night was unnervingly dark, the streets dimly lit. The air felt heavy with anticipation.
Then, the sound of a fast-approaching car broke the silence. The bodyguards initially tried to stop it, but recognized the license plate and stepped aside. A black Rolls Royce screeched to a halt.
The door swung open, and a woman in a long dress, her hair intricately styled, stepped out. She exuded aristocratic elegance, every movement poised and deliberate. A subtle floral fragrance lingered as she approached, her lips a deep red. "What are you doing here?" Evander's voice dropped, his face hardening. Orson and Callum exchanged uneasy glances. The woman, in high heels, strode purposefully toward Evander. Her voice was sharp and piercing.
"Evander, this is Stewart Villa," she said arrogantly. "I'm here to see my son. Are you really going to stop me?"
Evander's eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening as he took in her haughty demeanor. The puzzle pieces clicked into place. Odalys had deliberately worried him, knowing he'd rush here tonight—tonight, when Percival was in danger. And who else could stand in Edie's way but him?
Chapter 234 (Note: This chapter number conflicts with the previous one. There's likely an error in the original text.)
He stood firm, blocking her path. His presence seemed to thicken the air. Edie faltered, momentarily taken aback, then sneered and tried to push past.
"What if I don't let you through?" Evander challenged, his eyes flashing with barely contained fury.
Edie stopped, a defiant smirk on her lips. Before she could speak, Evander signaled Callum and Orson. "Take her down," he said firmly.
"You dare!" Edie scoffed, stepping forward. But before she could reach the villa, Callum and Orson restrained her.
Edie struggled, then a dagger flashed in her hand. She slashed at Callum's throat, narrowly missing. "I'll make sure none of you stop me!" she hissed, pressing the blade to her own neck. "If I don't see my son, I'll slit my throat right here. Let's see if you can live with yourselves after killing a widow."
The blood-red gleam of the knife reflected the dim light. Her defiant gaze dared them to act. Her words, though dramatic, held terrifying truth. They couldn't let her die—she was Percival's mother. Edie knew this and used it as leverage.
But Evander wasn't fazed. "Percival's barely hanging on, and you're still causing trouble?" His voice cracked like thunder.
Edie didn't flinch, continuing her relentless march towards the villa with audacious movements.
Evander grabbed a brick and swung it at her head. The impact was deafening. Edie stumbled, blood seeping from a head wound. "Blood?" she gasped. "I'm bleeding? You… you dared to hit me?"
Her grip on the dagger wavered. Evander lowered his gaze to the brick. "What's the big deal? Just a little blood! Are you going to die over that?" He raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm scared of you just because you're holding a knife to your throat?"
He chuckled coldly. "They're worried you might die. But me? I couldn't care less if you slit your throat right here. Go ahead. You'll have your little 'tragedy,' but don't think anyone here will care."
His gaze unwavering, he watched her shock. "How about you take your own life, then?" he sneered. "Percival will be dead by the end of tonight. Why don't you join him? You'd be doing us all a favor."
Orson watched, holding his breath. He'd expected Odalys to handle the situation, but it was clear only Evander could control this chaos.
"You're…" Edie's voice trembled, her anger bubbling over, but she was visibly shaken. "I respected you as an elder. I never thought you'd wish me dead!" But it was too late for regrets.