Chapter 476
Odalys was surprised by his words, not expecting such a statement.
“The formula you created and the medicines you've developed—I've already applied for a patent,” Clarence said, his voice filled with pride. “The Lark family has been in the medical field for generations. Many hospitals and pharmacies are actually subsidiaries of the Lark Group.”
“But my only regret,” he continued, “is that traditional medicine in our country hasn't risen to prominence. It's either faded away or fallen into disuse. Many ancestral remedies have been lost over time.”
“I’m so glad to have met you, Clarence. I have a personal wish: I want you to help revive traditional medicine. Our nation’s heritage must be preserved.”
Clarence’s eyes softened. His country’s traditions—the valuable knowledge passed down through generations—couldn’t simply disappear. He was furious that so many of these treasures had been stolen by foreign nations, who then misused or lost them.
“Mm,” Odalys agreed readily. Healing, whether through modern science or traditional methods, was her calling. Much like magic, if used wisely, it could save lives.
“Thank you, thank you so much,” Clarence said, his voice cracking with emotion. The older man's eyes were misty with gratitude. If Odalys hadn't been there, he would have likely broken down. His gnarled hands gripped hers tightly, almost painfully.
“Having you here in Crownridge is an honor, not only for the Lark family, but for the entire country and its people,” Clarence added, his tone filled with deep pride.
Odalys, overwhelmed with emotion, said nothing. After a half-hour conversation, she took her leave.
As she exited the dean’s office, she saw Atlas. His eyes were bloodshot, and he stared at her intently.
“Odalys,” Atlas called, striding toward her.
She halted, gave him a cold glance, then looked away, her expression distant.
“So, you’re really that close with the Lark family?” Atlas scoffed. “You can just walk into the dean’s office whenever you want? Is that why the hospitals and pharmacies under the Lark Group blacklisted us? Is that why we were kicked out of the hospital? They were doing this for you, weren’t they?”
“If you’re so close to them, why did you destroy your own family? No matter what, we’re still relatives. We share blood,” Atlas accused.
After leaving the Bennett Villa the previous night, Atlas had nowhere to go. He bought a beer, then slept in the grass at the hospital. He woke up at noon and, seeing Odalys, followed her. He observed the respect shown to her—the Drake family’s adoration, Sienna’s lovingly prepared food, Dangelo’s gift. Even members of the Tillery family treated her like royalty.
Earlier, he’d seen Harvey sneak out of a VIP room and call, asking if Odalys would join them for dinner that evening, with Celeste cooking personally. What shocked him most was Harvey whispering, “I heard Odalys loves shrimp; make sure to cook extra.” This shattered Atlas’s composure. After all the time Odalys had spent with the Bennetts, he hadn’t known she liked shrimp.
“I’ve already severed ties with your family. Your sister is Sophia,” Odalys said, interrupting him.
Her tone shifted, and a smirk touched her lips. “But maybe she’s not your sister anymore. In a few days, she might become your stepmother.”
She teased him further. “You’ve really got luck in romance, huh? Haven’t you and Sophia always had something going on? After filming, she used to sit on your lap, cling to you like a kitten.”
“Now, though, maybe she’ll be sitting on Windsor’s lap. Mr. Bennett, looks like you won’t be getting that lucky anymore.” Her voice dripped with mockery.
Atlas’s face turned ashen with rage. His teeth clenched, and his anger was palpable.
“No matter what you say, you’re still not going to help the Bennett family?” Atlas spat. “Caspian said there’s negative energy in the house, and you’re the only one who can suppress it. Even if you don’t want to recognize us, you can’t just stand by and let us perish, can you?”
Odalys laughed coldly. She turned and walked away. As far as she was concerned, she wanted nothing to do with the Bennett family; she would gladly see them suffer.
“Odalys,” Atlas called, desperation in his voice.
He grabbed her arm, but Odalys spun around and slapped him hard. Atlas crashed into the wall, his bones rattling. He touched his face; his teeth felt loose, and blood oozed from his mouth.
“Odalys, don’t forget what I told you,” she said in a low, threatening tone. “Don’t ever come near me again. If you keep pestering me, I’ll make sure you don’t walk away from this.” Her eyes were cold. She had no intention of helping the Bennetts; they had caused her death in a past life, and she hadn't forgotten.
Atlas began to yell, “Bitch, you…” but someone covered his mouth. A sharp pain pierced his abdomen; he groaned and crumpled to the floor. Finnian stood over him, his eyes blazing.
“You remember how you and Sophia teamed up to screw me over on that variety show? Well, the roles are reversed now,” Finnian said, his voice almost crazed.
He grabbed Atlas’s leg and began dragging him down the hallway. The door to the dean’s office opened; Clarence stood there, rubbing his temple, looking exhausted. He watched as Finnian dragged Atlas away, then pulled out his phone.
“Orson, Finnian has taken Atlas. Keep an eye on him; make sure he doesn’t cause trouble at the hospital. If you plan to use him to pressure Sophia into giving you the Love Spell, be careful,” Clarence instructed. Finnian, however, was unknowingly dancing under the Lark family’s nose.
“Got it,” Orson replied.