Chapter 552

Odalys looked at Percival thoughtfully.

"He is my man," Percival explained, as if reading Odalys's mind.

With her gaze on Percival, Odalys pointed to his phone and asked, "Such a high-ranking person!"

"You can consider him a man of the Stewart family. The Stewart family is influential in business and politics," Percival said.

Odalys fell silent. That's why the Stewart family controlled the global economic lifeline. Nobody dared to cross them, and higher-ups gave them free rein.

"Mystery solved," Odalys thought.

"Relax. We didn't interfere with his selection; he obtained his job through his capabilities," Percival explained.

Odalys's curiosity was piqued.

"He is powerful now. Aren't you afraid he will betray the Stewart family?" Odalys blurted out.

Percival chuckled. With his hands steady on the steering wheel, he effortlessly made a turn.

"No betrayal in the Stewart family. Once someone becomes a man of the Stewart family, they serve us forever, regardless of their position. Besides, their offspring will also be part of the Stewart family. They will be raised by the Stewart family. With the Stewart family spirit, they won't betray us. Never," Percival explained.

The Stewart family was everything to those people. Their fates, and those of their offspring, were inextricably linked to the Stewart family. None ever considered leaving. Edie was the exception; she was the only person expelled from the Stewart family. She tarnished their reputation, so they despised her.

"I see, the 'spirit'," Odalys nodded slightly. "There must be a reason for the prosperity of one family."

"Pull over. I'd like to buy some fruit and toys," Odalys said.

After Percival pulled over, Odalys hurried to the supermarket. She bought a box of strawberries, a box of cherries, a box of potato chips, and a few toys, including a beautiful doll.

The Stewarts arrived at their destination. With their gifts, they took the elevator to the third floor. Odalys checked the apartment number and knocked. This was her first visit since receiving the address from Lee.

After a while, a genteel woman opened the door. Wearing an apron, she must have been in the kitchen recently. At the sight of Odalys and Percival, she seemed stunned. Her hair was neatly tied up, and her clothes were simple but nice. She had calm, clear eyes.

"Ms. Stone?" Zoe asked after a long stare, shocked and suspecting a delusion.

Percival followed Odalys into the apartment. He didn't forget to carry the gifts inside, placing them in a corner of the living room.

Chapter 532 (Continued from above)

"Mrs. Hersey, I didn't bring gifts last time, so I bought some fruit and toys for your child," Odalys said, as Zoe Hersey looked at the fruit and toys Percival had placed in the corner.

Shock rooted Zoe to the spot. The imported fruit might cost a thousand dollars, and the toys weren't cheap either. Zoe had refused to buy her daughter such expensive toys. Lee, an upright man, hated extravagance, and his pay wasn't high. Besides, he had a family to support. The Herseys weren't well-off; they rarely had money for so much imported fruit.

"Take them when you go home," Zoe said, rubbing her hands, perplexed.

Knowing Zoe's worry, Odalys moved the boxes over, opened them with a fruit knife, and poured the fruit into a large bowl.

"I bought them for your child. I've heard so much about her from Lee, and I wanted to meet her, but I was too busy," Odalys said politely.

Looking at the beautiful blueberries and cherries, Zoe felt a pang of bitterness.

"Mommy!" A little girl, Norah Hersey, ran into the living room.

At the sight of the girl, Percival exchanged a glance with Odalys.

"Hi, can you help me wash the fruit?" Percival asked.

He walked toward Norah with the strawberries and cherries. Her eyes lit up. "Wow, the strawberries are so big!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"You like them, don't you? Then help me," Percival urged.

He deliberately took Norah away, giving Zoe a reassuring glance. He led Norah to the kitchen, helped her onto a chair, and watched her carefully wash the fruit. He saw eagerness in her eyes as she focused on her work.

Odalys didn't pull Zoe to sit down until Percival took Norah away.

"Mrs. Hersey, I just met Lee. He was called away after we spoke. I suspect he's in danger; I can't reach him," Odalys said softly, fearing Zoe would break down. She knew little about Zoe, who seemed gentle, at least for now.

"Wait," Zoe said after a long silence. She didn't show astonishment, but her hands gripping her clothes betrayed her agitation. She quickly rose and walked towards the bedroom.

"Sir, can I have them? Daddy said I shouldn't accept things from others," Norah said, holding the strawberries Percival gave her. Eagerness shone in her eyes, though she hadn't yet eaten any.

Percival looked at Norah. "Of course you can. Your father and I are friends, so you and I are friends too. It's alright to accept fruit from a friend, isn't it?"

Norah seemed convinced, though hesitation lingered. "I will have one then." Her eyes sparkled, her face flushed. When she smiled, two dimples appeared. She lowered her head and took a large bite of the strawberry. With surprise, she commented, "Oh, it's much sweeter than Daddy's!"

Her happiness was infectious. Percival shifted his gaze from Norah to the living room, his eyes meeting Odalys's, but the couple said nothing.