Chapter 432

“Or is this how the Bennett family operates?” Dangelo turned to Caspian, contempt dripping from his words.

Caspian’s heart sank. Even he, as callous as he was, realized something was amiss. Last night, he’d contacted Harvey and Dangelo separately, assuming their busy schedules would prevent coordination. But here they were, together, unexpectedly supporting Odalys.

A sick feeling rose within him; they’d been waiting, setting a trap. The oppressive atmosphere was suffocating, and a growing sense of dread washed over him. It was as if he’d disturbed a hornet's nest. His lips trembled, but no words came.

Atlas, beside him, felt the tension. He glanced between Harvey and Dangelo, sensing something was wrong but unable to pinpoint it.

“Mr. Tillery, Mr. Drake,” Caspian attempted to salvage the situation, forcing a calmness he didn’t feel. “You’ve misunderstood. My actions don’t reflect the Bennett family. I never intended to use you—I want to repair my relationship with Odalys. Thinking you were close to her, I hoped you could arrange a meeting.”

The moment he finished, Harvey’s expression froze.

“That is using us,” Harvey replied, his voice icy and menacing. “Do you take me for a fool?”

Dangelo’s face darkened, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the brothers. Though in a hospital gown, his aura could crush anyone in the room.

“Are you two trying to defend Odalys?” Atlas blurted, more a question to himself. But he knew the answer instantly. Harvey and Dangelo were clearly supporting Odalys.

The two men exchanged a meaningful glance. Then Dangelo spoke, his tone leisurely yet dangerous.

“I’ve heard the Bennett family has given up on her. I, Dangelo, have only one son, but if Odalys would have me, I’d adopt her as my goddaughter,” he said, each word a thunderclap. “And I’d give her 50% of The Drake Group shares. She’d have equal standing with Stellan—same privileges, same treatment.”

The words hit Caspian and Atlas like a freight train. Stunned, they processed the information. While they fumbled with the Bennett Group, the Drake Group had extended an olive branch to Odalys.

Fifty percent of the Drake Group? Odalys’s status would soar overnight.

Harvey chimed in calmly, as if it were inconsequential. “Dangelo’s offer reflects my family’s position as well. Evander and I are prepared to give Odalys half of the Drake Group’s shares.”

Both men spoke as if offering spare change, leaving Caspian humiliated. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Those he considered inferior were offering Odalys a future his family couldn't provide.

Caspian’s voice cracked with embarrassment. “Mr. Tillery, Dangelo, you’ve misunderstood. Odalys is one of us, part of the Bennett family. I’m sure she doesn’t need your help.”

His words worsened the situation.

“One of you?” Dangelo scoffed. “Are you sure you’re not the outsider? You harassed Odalys. Don’t pretend to be her protector after making her life miserable.”

“Do you really think you can make her kneel and thank you?” Harvey continued, his voice low and disdainful. “You’ve made her life a living hell. And you call yourselves family? Odalys grew up in your house, but it was nothing but shame for her.”

Before Caspian could respond, a voice cut through the tension.

“You two must be delusional,” Sienna emerged from the shadows, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Caspian, Atlas—do you hear yourselves? You think you can control Odalys? She’s a guest in both our families, but you? You show up in the dead of night, trying to trap her in your schemes.”

Celeste joined in, her voice biting. “The Drake Group doesn’t stoop to the Bennett family’s shamelessness. Don’t think you can manipulate Odalys as you’ve manipulated everyone else.”

Caspian stood, his face burning with shame. He’d thought to gain leverage, but instead humiliated himself before people far more powerful than he imagined.

“Go back and tell Hannah,” Celeste added with a venomous smile, “If she dares to make things difficult for Odalys again, I won’t hesitate to make her regret it.”

Without another word, Caspian and Atlas fled the room in disgrace.

Not far away, under a tree, Finnian clenched his fist. He heard Odalys’s words echoing in his mind and saw the Drake Group, Tillery Group, and even the Lark family standing by her.

“Odalys, why do you have it so easy?” Finnian muttered. “If I could take back the luck you’ve stolen, you’d be back at my side.”

He was sinking into self-doubt, consumed by frustration. Only after losing everything did he realize his mistakes. He was as good as dead. He had to act fast—to reclaim the luck Sophia had taken. But how?

After a long silence, Finnian strode away, lost in thought. As he left, a sleek black Mercedes parked by the hospital entrance. The window rolled down, and Edie’s voice floated out.

“Did you see that? Odalys is no longer something you can control. If you cooperate with me, the Simpson family will help you regain your position in the Bennett Group.”

Henry sat behind the wheel, his expression grim. He exhaled smoke, then turned to Edie.

“Was it your brother, Quinton, who hit me that day? I remember he never showed his face. Why was he involved this time?”

Quinton was shrouded in mystery. No one had seen his true face. Edie wielded dark powers, but no one knew what her “younger brother” looked like. The Simpson family had firmly established itself in Crownridge, largely due to Quinton’s tactics and Edie’s alliance with the Stewart family. Rumors circulated that Quinton was a ruthless gangster, but little information existed about him online. His existence remained an enigma.

“That’s none of your business,” Edie shot back, her tone icy. “If you know what’s good for you, don’t ask questions you shouldn’t.”

Henry’s lips tightened. He flicked ash from his cigarette, lost in thought.

“Since we’re married, the Bennett and Simpson families will merge,” he said. “If you want to join the Bennett Group, fine. I don’t care about your endgame, but I need to visit the Simpson family first.”

Edie’s brows furrowed. The Simpson family was a fortress—no one entered uninvited. It was as elusive as the Stewart family, hidden from the outside world.

(The final, incomplete sentences at the end of your provided text have been omitted as they were unintelligible.)