Chapter 271

Odalys, still focused on the gifts, absentmindedly said, "I'm done."

"Then let's go home," Percival replied huskily. His voice held a trace of genuine happiness; a stark contrast to his past indifference towards home. Now, it seemed he longed to return every day.

"Sure," Odalys answered softly. She took a picture with her phone and posted it to their group chat:

[Why are all of you sending me gifts?] [Congrats on your booming business!] [Exactly! Here's to endless fortune!] [May you flourish like a ruby—bright, dazzling, and full of joy!] [Wishing you massive success!]

One by one, her friends replied. Odalys smiled at the flood of messages. She'd never had friends before, not even after time traveling. This unexpected friendship felt profoundly happy; she finally understood the joy of sharing meals and moments with loved ones.

In contrast, her time with the Bennett family had been stifling. They consumed every moment of her time, demanding her return even during rest periods. They effectively kept her locked in their villa, isolated from the world. Years of this had led to a self-destructive compliance with their control. It had been terrible.

"Earlier, when Hannah took Sophia to the hospital, she secretly met with Edie," Percival interjected, clearly seeking to engage her. Odalys was surprised he used Edie's name.

"They're that eager to connect? Haven't they pretended not to know each other for years?" she asked, astonished. Years of silence, and now this sudden meeting.

"Take a look at this," Percival said, handing her his phone.

Odalys watched the video. Its contents were shocking. "This… Are they seriously targeting you first, and now, thinking you're dead, they're going after Grandfather?" she exclaimed. "Edie's your mother, and Evander's your grandfather. What is she thinking?"

"Not to mention, Hannah's in her forties, planning a baby with your seventy-something-year-old grandfather! And my father isn't even dead yet!" Odalys was dumbfounded. The sheer shamelessness of it all—Hannah seducing a man nearly twice her age to achieve her goals.

"I'd like to know whether it's the Stewart family fortune they're after, or something else entirely," Percival replied coldly.

Odalys thought of Brandon and his son, her fingers tightening. "Have you confirmed whether the health conditions of those wealthy businessmen from the village match the symptoms on our list?" she asked quietly.

Percival expertly steered the Maybach, making a sharp turn toward the Stewart Villa. The sleek black car glided along the tree-lined driveway; the gates opened automatically as they approached.

"We've uncovered a few leads. Orson is verifying them against what we know about Stellan's father," he said. Percival's team worked efficiently.

Before he finished speaking, Odalys's phone buzzed. A news alert from the Stewart Group's official website. She wasn't particularly interested but tapped it anyway.

"The Stewart Group's official site… issued a statement cutting ties with Edie?" Odalys exclaimed incredulously. Such announcements usually concerned internal matters, rarely personal affairs, especially considering Edie's prominence.

"I asked them to post it," Percival said deeply.

They walked side-by-side, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow. Their shadows intertwined.

"You want to cut ties with her?" Odalys asked, surprised.

Percival stopped, his expression serious. "I won't let her hurt you. Whether it's you or my grandfather, I'll protect both of you. Last night, she rushed over just to test if I was truly alive." His voice grew colder. "When she learned I'd been in trouble, there was no sadness. Instead, she had Grandfather's leg broken and tried to conspire with outsiders to exploit him. If I don't sever ties with someone as ruthless as her, she'll become a much bigger threat." He spoke with conviction. He knew who was genuine and who wasn't.

"I did protect her before," he admitted honestly. "After my father's accident, I thought she had it tough as a widow. I even turned a blind eye when she used the Stewart family's connections and resources to benefit my uncle. But now it's clear. She doesn't value the Stewart family, or see us as her family. So, I don't need her anymore."

His honesty felt like a testament to their trust. For Percival, transparency was key.

Odalys murmured, "Not everyone can see things as clearly as you do. If I'd been this decisive before I time-traveled, maybe I wouldn't have died. If I hadn't died, neither would you. Staying clear-headed is crucial." She was certain her time travel had caused Percival's death, just as it had caused Selah's.

She quickened her pace, feeling an inexplicable urgency. Percival caught fragments of her words—something about them both dying—but her voice was faint.

"You're back?" Evander's voice echoed from the living room. He'd spent the night praying and waiting at the villa, unexpectedly pleased by their early return.

"Hi, Mr. Stewart," Odalys greeted, approaching him.

Evander stood tall and imposing, his presence commanding despite his age. "I heard your company opened today," he said warmly. "I wanted to celebrate, but there were too many guests. Come on. I'll cook you dinner tonight." Noticing Percival lagging, he frowned. "And you, how could you not make any effort? Today was a big day for Odalys's company!" He sounded exasperated, even stamping his foot.