Chapter 268

In the hospital's VIP lounge, Percival stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the bustling cityscape. Bright sunlight struck his face.

"It looks like something's happening after all," Orson said, wiping sweat from his forehead. He had just showered and was watching the scene unfold on a screen.

Percival turned, his eyes falling on Hannah's figure on the large TV screen. After being pushed away by Caspian, Hannah had entered Edie's hospital room alone.

Orson began, "Percival, you were right. I had the hospital admit members of the Bennett family and arranged for them to stay near your mother's room. If they knew each other, they'd inevitably meet."

"I didn't expect Hannah to be an old acquaintance of your mother's," Orson continued, "and that, when Odalys was little, your mother's dealings with the Bennett family led to Odalys being expelled."

Orson furrowed his brows. "But why would she make the Bennett family expel Odalys? She was just a little kid, only three or four years old. Why target a child like that?"

Percival's voice was low and heavy. "Edie and Hannah go way back. When Odalys was young, a deal between Edie and the Bennett family resulted in Odalys' expulsion. And to help her brother, she drugged my father. She wanted to marry into the Stewart family to support him. My father's death is connected to her brother."

"Maybe…" Percival trailed off, his gaze turning icy as he stared at Edie on the monitor. His voice grew colder. "Odalys might have been an obstacle to her plans, so she pressured the Bennett family to mistreat Odalys. She even had them expel her in the dead of winter, hoping the cold would kill her. But Odalys was taken in by her master and brought to the mountains."

That was Percival's guess, the only explanation that made sense.

Orson spoke quietly, "If that's true, then as long as Odalys is alive, she can save the Stewart family and destroy your mother's plans. Your mother must have known Odalys' existence would ruin her schemes, so she had to get rid of her. But she never expected that years later, the Bennett family would want to bring Odalys back. They knew Edie feared Odalys, so they deliberately defied her. That's why they didn't want Sophia to marry into the Stewart family; they were protecting her. They feared your mother would kill Sophia if she married into the family."

"So, they married someone your mother hated—you—to use it as leverage with the Stewart family?" Orson clapped his hands. "That makes everything clear!"

Orson continued, "The Bennett family is selfish, and Hannah didn't want to be controlled. She made a bold move and brought Odalys back to marry you, to intimidate Edie. So when the police called the Bennett family to retrieve Odalys, they refused. That means they knew Odalys wasn't dead, but your mother didn't. They've been hiding this, keeping it as a trump card?"

Percival's lips were pressed tightly together, his eyes fixed on Edie. She had just taken the medicine Hannah gave her and put it in her bag.

"It's a shame she thought she could use the Stewart family's influence to get away with her crimes. Now she's even trying to use my grandfather! Unbelievable. Two crazy women," Percival exclaimed, incredulous. He couldn't believe a woman would try to manipulate Evander. They actually wanted to drug him and have his child, thinking they could continue the Stewart family bloodline.

"Send me this video," Percival said quietly.

Orson quickly opened his laptop and, after a few moments, sent the video to Percival. Without hesitation, Percival forwarded it to Evander. He wasn't arrogant enough to think he could keep things hidden or stop everything alone. It was best to let Evander know, for his protection.

"You're just going to tell Mr. Stewart like this?" Orson asked, surprised.

Percival gripped his phone, his tall frame leaning back in his chair. He sipped his coffee, his long fingers elegantly gripping the cup.

"Grandfather has a right to know. And only he can prevent this," Percival said.

He then called Callum.

"Callum, it's me," Percival said after a sip of coffee, his voice gravelly. "Strip my mother of all control over the Stewart family's assets. She is no longer allowed access to any Stewart properties, estates, businesses, or stores. No one—guards, servants, or employees—is to take orders from her. She is prohibited from entering the Stewart Villa or mansion. If she tries to force her way in, tell the guards they may injure her, but not kill her."

Percival's deep voice filled the lounge, and Orson held his breath, aware of the gravity of the situation.

Percival continued, "Also, tell all the banks to immediately unlink her from any accounts tied to the Stewart family. She's not allowed to use any Stewart family cards. Have the Stewart Group's official website issue a statement severing all ties with Edie, making it clear she's no longer a member of the family. Anyone caught working with her privately will face consequences, and the Stewart family will take no responsibility."

Each command startled Callum.

After hearing the orders, Callum repeated them and asked, "Mr. Stewart, are you sure?"

"Yes. Do it now," Percival replied, his voice gravelly.

In the past, Percival had refrained from acting against Edie because she was his mother. He'd let her have her way, covering for her. But now he knew she was behind Evander's leg injury. Though he lacked concrete proof regarding his father's death, he suspected her involvement. And she was certainly behind Odalys' mistreatment and abandonment. A person so cruel didn't deserve to be a mother. I'll never acknowledge this madwoman as my real mother again. I've tolerated enough, he thought.

"Understood," Callum said, hanging up and immediately acting.

Orson made more coffee, refilling Percival's cup. He stared thoughtfully at Percival, his eyes sparkling. "You're worried about Odalys, right?"

Percival remained silent.

"Today's the opening of Odalys' company. People are sending her flowers. Why don't you show some support?" Orson asked softly.

Percival had been monitoring Odalys' situation.

"She doesn't like superficial things. Besides, if I show up, it'll cause trouble for her. Rumors are spreading that I'm dead. It's better for her to distance herself. That way, no one will target her," Percival said quietly.

Orson sipped his coffee, leaning against a counter. He looked at Percival, noting his recovery. "Honestly, last night, I didn't think you'd make it."