Chapter 260
The bodyguards moved forward, pushing aside the crowd. After loading the cargo list onto the truck, Callum flicked his cigarette butt away and drove off, quickly disappearing into the distance. The truck prominently displayed the Stewart Group logo, clearly signaling to everyone that it was a Stewart family vehicle. The driver was Percival’s assistant, and the bodyguards were also Stewart family employees. They wore suits with sleeve garters emblazoned with the Stewart family logo.
These details sent the reporters into a frenzy. They eagerly snapped photos with their cameras and phones, chasing after the truck in an attempt to interview someone. Callum, however, floored the gas pedal.
"Honestly… such reckless idiots," Callum muttered helplessly.
Not only were paparazzi tailing his truck, but many more lined the streets. For the first time, Callum truly felt what it was like to be pursued by thousands.
"Are you being watched!" Orson called.
Callum immediately switched the call to video mode. Seeing the throng of people trailing Callum, Orson swore loudly. "Damn," he said, and hung up.
Morning light streamed through the window. It was rare for Odalys to sleep in. She lay on her side, watching the sunlight filter through the floor-to-ceiling windows. After a long pause, she reached for her phone and saw numerous missed calls.
"Freya, what's going on?" Odalys asked, returning the call.
There was silence before Freya's voice, quieter than usual, responded. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Odalys said, confused.
She quickly got out of bed, clearly puzzled by Freya's words.
"I saw the trending topic," Freya continued softly. "Odalys, the Stewart family situation is a bit complicated. Don't trust everything the media is saying."
"Freya, when did you become so cautious?" she teased, heading toward the bathroom. "Want to come by my studio later?"
Odalys sat down, resting her face in her hands, and laughed.
"Really? Where? Send me the location," Freya responded, suddenly animated and eager to meet.
"Sure," Odalys replied quietly.
After getting ready, Odalys chose camouflage cargo pants and a white T-shirt, adding black combat boots. She walked downstairs with a confident stride.
"Mrs. Stewart, you're awake?" Dorian said from downstairs, tidying up. Hearing the footsteps, he looked up and hurried to meet her as soon as he saw her.
"Where's Percival?" Odalys asked, looking around the living room in confusion.
Dorian's smile widened; he couldn't hide his amusement. To him, it seemed Percival and Odalys were inseparable.
"Mr. Stewart had to leave early this morning at six o'clock. He specifically told us to make sure you ate breakfast before going out. He's worried you might skip it and affect your health," Dorian explained, the gleam in his eyes impossible to miss. Odalys fell silent. She had been about to grab her car keys and leave.
"Alright, I'll have something," Odalys said, setting the car keys aside.
6:33 PM
Chapter 260
The servant immediately brought in a lavish breakfast, filling the entire table. After finishing her meal, Odalys grabbed her car keys and headed out, driving toward the company.
Suddenly, the car ahead slammed on its brakes. Startled, Odalys quickly swerved to avoid a collision.
Odalys rolled down her car window, faintly hearing the conversation from the car next to hers. She wasn’t fond of gossip, but since they were talking about the Stewart family, she instinctively listened.
"Did you hear! Mr. Stewart's mother was apparently hit on the head. She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance last night," one voice said.
"That's nonsense. How could that be? She must have been so heartbroken over her son's death that she fell down the stairs and hit her head," another voice responded.
"Paparazzi caught her being pulled out of the Stewart Villa by ambulance in the middle of the night. Looks like Mr. Stewart must have really passed away," someone else added.
"I wonder what the Bennett family is up to. I've heard whispers that the Bennett family's daughter married Mr. Stewart. Now, the only ones tied to the Stewart family are the Bennett Group, right!"
"Are you saying the Bennett family is going to make a comeback?"
"That's what I think. The Bennett Group was on the brink of collapse. With Mr. Stewart gone, all that wealth is obviously going to go to his wife."
"His wife Sophia, right? I heard she was in a hotel with Finnian recently. And she's been involved with all those men on that variety show."
"Exactly. After all, with Mr. Stewart likely dead, she must have been lonely."
As they discussed this, other drivers got out of their cars, lit cigarettes, and stood nearby, occasionally chiming in. Most were businesspeople pretending to be interested in the gossip while gathering information for their own benefit.
Odalys couldn't help but laugh out loud. Last night, Edie had been struck on the head by a brick thrown by Evander. Odalys never imagined the situation would be twisted so dramatically.
After the car in front of her pulled away, Odalys floored the gas pedal.
She drove to Cloushine Zone One, a more isolated and quiet area in the east of the city, mostly made up of villas. She had rented the first shop there.
The sign for Magic Entertainment was proudly displayed. On either side of the shop were flower arrangements. From a distance, Odalys spotted Selah and Francis, dressed casually, holding confetti cannons. As soon as they saw Odalys get out of the car, they quickly walked over to greet her.
"Odalys, don't you think this is a bit too low-key? I thought this was a company, but it's just a store?" Selah asked nervously.
Francis took off his sunglasses; his expression was lighter than before. Perhaps with the danger behind him and no more contractual restraints, he had slept better and felt more energized.
"Yeah, it's just for star readings. No need to be so big," Odalys said with a smile. Running a star readings business and opening a shop was a luxury. She had considered a stall, but decided a store would be better for long-term growth.
"So what should we do now?" Selah asked.
Just then, a Ferrari sped toward them, its engine roaring. Freya, wearing shorts and a loose top, holding a bouquet of flowers, jumped out.
"I ordered some decorations. They'll be delivered soon. Odalys, congratulations on your store opening!" Freya said, panting.
She walked up to Odalys and handed her the flowers, watching as Odalys held out the confetti cannons.
"Go ahead, let's set off the confetti cannons," Odalys whispered.
Bang! In front of Magic Entertainment, the previously quiet street suddenly erupted into noise. Many passersby turned to look.
6:33 PM
Chapter 260
"[Magic Entertainment is now open. Enjoy free star readings three times every day. Come on down!]" Odalys posted on Twitter, attaching a photo she had taken when she got out of the car.
"I'm in," Selah said, seeing the post.