Chapter 308
The mere mention of Sophia infuriated Freya.
"She's been targeting Odalys," Selah said worriedly, "and now the Bennett Group's reputation is ruined! I'm worried the Bennett family will target Odalys." She felt that self-interested people shouldn't be underestimated.
Stellan chuckled heartily. "The Bennett family is nothing to fear. We're not pushovers. My mother's phone call will keep Hannah at bay for a while. They'll also guess our family is supporting Odalys. Even without the Stewarts, the Drakes fully support her. This will pressure the Bennetts, and they won't act rashly." He picked up an apple and began to peel it.
Francis, his fingertips pinching and gently rubbing a playing card, remained quiet. He murmured, "Do you think Sophia's connection to the Bennett family is fate? When someone excessively protects another, they must have ulterior motives."
"But what ulterior motives could they have?" Selah slammed her cards on the coffee table. "I think she's nothing but trouble."
Freya nodded in agreement.
Just then, the ward door swung open, and Odalys entered. She saw the four of them playing cards, with Sienna and Dangelo in bed.
"Odalys!" Selah jumped up excitedly and rushed toward her.
In a flash, Freya moved faster, throwing herself into Odalys's arms. Before her hand reached Odalys's waist, a large hand intercepted it.
"Ouch," Freya groaned in pain, startled. She met Percival's deep, dark eyes as he forcefully moved her hand away. Freya froze, then, covering Selah's mouth, whispered, "This is inappropriate."
"What?" Selah was confused. Seeing Percival standing behind Odalys, she froze, but Freya kept her mouth covered.
"Percival," Dangelo was stunned. He'd been in a car accident, but his injuries weren't serious. Seeing Percival, his pupils dilated, and he subconsciously tried to get up. Sirma (presumably Sienna) also sat up.
"Stellan, it's late," Sienna said quietly. "Do you and your friends want to go rest?"
Stellan watched Percival protectively standing behind Odalys. Odalys, tall and slender, seemed petite and delicate beside him. Together, they radiated a captivating aura.
"Okay, I'm hungry," Freya said immediately. "How about we get something to eat?"
Francis, calmer than ever after his girlfriend and agent betrayed him, sensed something was amiss. He knew how to read between the lines. "Then I'll go with them," Odalys said to Percival.
Percival checked his watch. "I'll pick you up later," he said hoarsely.
"No need," Odalys replied, leaving.
In the ward, Sienna, though injured, poured a glass of water, respectfully offering it to Percival. "Mr. Stewart…" He accepted it but didn't drink. "Thank you," he said. He sat on the sofa, exuding an aura that commanded respect. He rubbed the glass's rim before setting it down.
Dangelo said quietly, "Mr. Stewart, I contacted the Tillery family! I didn't expect anyone would dare hurt their heir." He looked at Percival with gratitude. "If not for Mrs. Stewart and you, my wife and I would be dead. If something happened to the Tillery heir, our families would be in grave danger." The Stewart Group controlled global enterprises. Percival had helped despite having no prior connection.
Percival said bluntly, "Orson's been monitoring your condition. You're not the only wealthy family dealing with cancer. Every family faces unexpected events—cancer, leukemia, accidents. Someone's been orchestrating this, accelerating their plan to eliminate you."
Dangelo and Sienna were silent.
Sienna whispered, "I called Hannah, asking her to be nicer to Odalys, letting her know Odalys has the Drakes' backing. I want to see if the Bennetts make a move." She was strong, her abilities rivaling Dangelo's. She'd significantly contributed to the Drake Group's growth.
Percival frowned slightly. "You contacted the Bennetts?" His voice was low and husky, his tone casual yet chilling.
Sienna said apprehensively, "Yes. I want Hannah's reaction. The Bennetts are in trouble, but Windsor's abroad. I need to lure him back. Otherwise, anything could happen. Mentioning kindness to Odalys will surely anger her, provoking a reaction."
The ward fell quiet as they spoke in hushed tones.
Odalys caught up with the others, putting her arm around Freya. "So, how did the audition go? Decided to sign?" she asked quietly.
"We signed," they said in unison. They'd landed a contract with a surprisingly generous salary offered by Damon Bourn.
"He wants us for a variety show later, but we refused. We want to finish this drama first," Stellan said. The drama was a blockbuster—Stellan as the male lead (a young marshal and businessman), Francis as the villain (a wealthy warlord and enemy), and Freya as the female lead (Francis's younger sister, a wealthy woman who suffered hardships and returned home destitute). Selah played a supporting female role, a young marshal's wife.
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