Chapter 533

Edie Stewart was no exception. After marrying into the Stewart family, she had consistently favored the Simpsons, providing them with funds, stealing projects from the Swart family, and showering them with support. The Simpson Group's rise to prominence coincided with Edie's marriage. Edie prioritized the Simpson family, investing resources to enrich her brother and his family.

“Besides,” Orson whispered, “no one has ever been to the Simpson family’s residence. Even those with close relationships haven't visited. The Simpson Villa is purely for show.”

The mention of the Simpsons sent a chill down his spine, as if a cold wind had swept through the room.

“Percival, are our people monitoring these so-called training classes? Do you have a list? What do you need me to do?” Orson asked, his energy surging. He finally understood why Percival had booked the entire restaurant for their late-night snack—to ensure privacy. Percival, not one for extravagance, clearly had something important to discuss. All the staff had been replaced with his own people, and there might even be signal jammers to prevent eavesdropping.

“Callum will send you a list later,” Percival said.

Odalys, finally realizing the significance of the situation, looked around and said, “I haven’t seen Callum in a while.”

Percival offered her a plate of grilled lobster. “He’s been investigating those matters. He’s out of town and won't be back until tomorrow.”

“A business trip? No wonder he hasn’t called me for a drink recently. That kid’s good at keeping secrets,” Orson said with a hint of complaint.

They had never treated Callum like a servant. They grew up together, sharing many experiences. Orson and Percival treated Callum like a younger brother, protecting him as he grew up, and Callum took on many responsibilities within the Stewart family.

As Odalys spoke, she froze. Percival served her more lobster, noticing her stiff posture and thoughtful gaze.

“What’s wrong?” Percival asked.

Odalys took a bite of lobster and quietly asked, “Did Callum go south?”

“Yes, he did,” Percival replied.

Hearing this, both Orson and Percival appeared nervous.

“He brought dozens of highly skilled guards, so safety shouldn't be a problem. I also just spoke with him; he’s about to return. He should be back in Crowridge tomorrow morning,” Percival said.

Odalys took a sip of juice.

“Don’t scare me, Odalys. Callum’s not in trouble, is he?” Orson’s palms were slick with sweat.

Instead of answering, she took Percival’s phone and handed it to him. “Call him now.” Percival’s fingers froze. He quickly unlocked the phone and dialed Callum’s number.

7:00 AM

The call went through, but no one answered after a long ring. Percival furrowed his brow, redialing several times without success. He then tried calling the other bodyguards, only to find them out of service range.

“What’s going on, Odalys? Do you know anything?” Orson’s voice trembled. He had a bad feeling.

“Does Callum’s current assignment have anything to do with the socialite training class? Is he undercover, investigating that unmarried Simpson?” Odalys asked.

Percival quickly messaged and texted Callum on WhatsApp. There was no reply. Given Callum’s efficiency, his phone would never be off or on silent. He usually answered promptly. He received no response to his texts or WhatsApp messages, despite Callum's setting special notifications for Percival.

“Yes, he mentioned some recent leads. He said the Simpson's capital flows to Crowridge, and he found a crucial clue that might reveal Simpson’s identity,” Percival said.

Odalys fell silent.

“Something happened to him,” she stated succinctly.

Percival stood abruptly, grabbing his jacket. “Orson, get Odalys home safely. I’m going south,” he said, his voice hoarse with anxiety and urgency.

Orson wanted to go too, but he understood Odalys's importance. However, Odalys insisted on accompanying Percival.

Freya, noticing their departure, said, “You two go. We’ll go back after we finish eating. We won’t be fooling around outside.”

Stellan added, “A life is at stake. Go deal with it.”

“Okay,” Odalys replied.

As Percival left, he instructed the stall owner, “Get them home safely.”

“Of course, Mr. Stewart,” the stall owner replied respectfully. He then relaxed into calling him Percival.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Percival said.

The stall owner watched them leave, then approached the table. “Is there anything else you’d like?” he asked softly.

Stellan and the others had lost their appetite.

Chapter 533

From Odalys' and the others’ reactions, it was clear Callum was in danger, possibly fighting for his life. Though they hadn't met Callum, the expressions on Percival's and the others' faces revealed his importance to the Stewart family.

“He’s still not answering,” Freya mumbled, looking down at her phone. She hesitated to call again, fearing that the phone's vibration might reveal Callum's location if something had happened. She hung up, her hand gripping the phone tightly, anxiously watching the direction Percival and the others had gone.

“Miss,” the owner said.

Freya shook her head. “We’re good. You can go. We have to leave too.”

“I’ll have you escorted back.” The owner summoned bodyguards, who efficiently packed up the uneaten food.

“Right, let’s go,” Francis added. They feared lingering would cause further trouble. The night’s events had panicked everyone. With Odalys gone, they were even more vulnerable. They stood, ready to leave.